▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - Preparation of azobenzene compound involves mixing nitrobenzene compound, alkali and alcohol in a molar ratio of 1:0.1-20:40-1000, to form uniform solution, adding copper/graphene catalyst in the solution, ultrasonically dispersing for 5-240 minutes; dispersing solution in protection of inert atmosphere protection, stirring, heating 20-80 degrees C and reacting for 3-10 hours, to obtain benzene azo compound, heating at more than 80-150 degrees C, and reacting for 3-10 hours to obtain azobenzene compound. USE - For preparation of azobenzene compound (claimed), which is used in organic dye, medicine, light sensitive material, liquid crystal display and a light switch control material. ADVANTAGE - The method is environment-friendly, and low cost; is operated under mild operation condition; and provides high product yield. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Preparation of azobenzene compound of formula (I) involves mixing nitrobenzene compound of formula (II), alkali and alcohol in a molar ratio of 1:0.1-20:40-1000, to form uniform solution, adding copper/graphene catalyst in the solution, ultrasonically dispersing for 5-240 minutes; dispersing solution in protection of inert atmosphere protection, stirring, heating 20-80 degrees C and reacting for 3-10 hours, to obtain benzene azo compound, heating at more than 80-150 degrees C, and reacting for 3-10 hours to obtain azobenzene compound. R, R1 and R2=benzene ring (optionally mono- to tri-substituted with H, halo, 1-10C alkyl, 2-10C alkenyl, 2-10C alkynyl, 6-20C aryl, -OR', -OCF3, -NHR', -C(=O)OR', -NHC(=O) or -C(=O)R'; R'=H, 1-6C alkyl, 2-6C alkenyl, 2-6C alkynyl, phenyl or benzyl.