Process for the preparation of azo compounds

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Azo compounds of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are independently aliphatic alicyclic or, aromatic hydrocarbon groups or may form an alicyclic hydrocarbon group when taken together with the adjacent carbon atom, and R3 is a nitrile group or a group derived therefrom, which are useful as foaming agents or radical polymerization initiator, are effectively prepared by reacting a corresponding amino compound with a metal hypohalite or with an alkyl hypohalite in the presence of an alkali using a phase transfer catalyst in a heterogeneous medium comprising water and an organic solvent.