Azo compounds and process for producing the same

An azo compound represented by the following general formula I:

• ##STR88## wherein Y represents --(CONH)n--X or --COR;
• Y' represents --(CONH)n--X' or --COR';
• (X and X' may be the same or different and represent an optionally substituted aromatic group, or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group having a conjugated double bond);
• R and R' may be the same or different and represent a hydroxyl group, an optionally branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a benzyloxy group, a phenyloxy group or a phenacyloxy group (provided that an acceptable salt may be formed when any one of R and R' is a hydroxyl group);
• n represents an integer of 1 or 2;
• R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a phenylalkyl group;
• Q represents an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an optionally branched alkoxyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a nitro group or a nitroso group;
• m represents an integer of 0 to 3 (when m is 1, Q may be combined with any one of two condensed rings and, when m is 2 or 3, Q may be combined with one or both condensed rings or may be combined together with two condensed rings to form a ring);
• and
• Z represents an optionally substituted monovalent aromatic group.