Any of a large class of synthetic organic compounds, dyes containing two nitrogen atoms joined by a double bond (see bonding, covalent bond) in the form singlehorzbondNdoublehorzbondNsinglehorzbond as part of their molecular structure. More than half the dyes in commercial use are azo dyes. They are usually classed according to the fibres for which they are useful or the methods by which they are applied; direct dyes are absorbed from solution by the fibres, but others require a second solution (a mordant) or a second step before the colour is fast.

Learn more about azo dye with a free trial on Britannica.com.