Novel triazene dyes from N-heterocyclic carbenes and azides: syntheses, stability, and spectroscopic properties

A series of substituted triazene dyes were synthesized by coupling functionalized imidazol-2-ylidenes with various azides (alkyl, vinyl, aryl, and heteroaryl), in moderate to excellent yields. Their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic studies (IR, NMR, UV–vis, and HRMS). Additionally, the solid-state structure of triazene dye 7 was secured by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Electron delocalization between the two coupled components was studied using UV–vis spectroscopy. The respective triazenes were found to exhibit λmax values ranging between 294 and 450 nm.