A series of new azocoumarins have been synthesized in 44.1% ~ 81.9% yields. Their structures were established on the basis of IR, 'H NMR, MS and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 2a was determined. The double function of 2a, trans-cis isomerization of the azo group, and the torsion angle between the benzene and the coumarin ring suggested that azocoumarins might be uesful as efficient molecular devices.

Key words: AZO COMPOUNDS, COUMARIN, STRUCTURE CHARACTERISTICS, 1HNMR, IR, MS