An azo compound is a class of organic compounds that contain the azo functional group (-N=N-). Some synonyms for this type of compound include diazo compounds, azoic compounds, and azobenzenes. Diazo compounds are typically used in organic synthesis as a source of nitrogen in chemical reactions. Azoic compounds are commonly used as dyes due to their bright and vibrant color properties. Azobenzenes are a specific subset of azo compounds that are commonly used in optical switches, as they can undergo isomerization when exposed to light. Overall, azo compounds have a range of uses in the chemical and material sciences due to their unique properties and versatile applications.