Investigation on structure and thermal behavior of 4,4′-dihydroxyazobenzene functionalized with epoxy groups

A new symmetric compound with azobenzene chromophore and epoxide groups, namely diglycidyl ether of 4,4′-dihydroxyazobenzene (DGEAB) was obtained and characterized. Its thermal behavior was monitored taking into account that many reactions of epoxides are carried out under heating. DGEAB was found to be stable up to 200 °C, but at higher temperature, its decomposition involves three step of degradation with the formation of an appreciable quantity of the char.

► A new organic compound, DGEAB with both epoxy and azobenzene functionality was synthesized and characterized.
► Thermal behavior of DGEAB was examined by dynamic TG analysis coupled with FTIR spectroscopy and MS analysis.
► DGEAB has a good thermal stability until 200 °C.
► The photosensitivity of DGEAB was proved by monitoring the azo unit isomerization by UV irradiation at 362 nm.