Formation of azo compounds

Diazonium salts are electrophilic in nature and can be attacked by activated benzenes (phenol, aniline). This reaction is known as azo coupling and generates products of industrial interest called azo dyes.
 
Step 1 . Formation of the diazonium salt
azo coupling 01
 
Stage 2 . Attack of activated benzenes on the nitrogen of the salt.
azo coupling 02
 
Azo dyes are used in the food industry, in the textile industry and also as pH indicators.