Azo derivatives of levorin

Levorin, an aromatic heptaenic antibiotic and sodium nitrite in solution of acetic acid formed a diazo compound. In the diazo reaction this compound interacted with beta-napthol or H-acid. The resulting azo compounds were readily soluble in organic solvents. In water their nitrites formed true solutions. The biological activity of the azo levorins was 100-200 times lower than that of the initial levorin. The physico-chemical characteristics of the azo levorins are presented.