New diaminomaleonitrile-based azo-azomethine dyes; synthesis, characterization and spectral properties

New diaminomaleonitrile-based azo-azomethine dyes were synthesized via a condensation between 2,6-bis(N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanoetheneimino))-4-methylphenol and 5-(4-substituted-phenyl)-azo-salicyladehyde. FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry studies as well as elemental analysis data revealed the symmetrical bis-iminated structures of the dyes. The electrochemical behavior of the dyes has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The effect of various solvents with different polarities on the UV-Vis spectra of the dyes was also studied. The thermal analysis data indicated that the framework of the dyes was stable up to 285 °C.