4-Aralkyl-2-nitro-2'-hydroxy-3',5'-dialkyl (or cumyl)-azobenzenes are made by coupling the corresponding diazotized 4-aralkyl-o-nitroaniline with the corresponding phenol. These azobenzene intermediates are used to prepare the corresponding 2H-benzotriazole UV absorber stabilizers substituted on the 5-position of the benzo ring by an aralkyl group, preferably alpha,alpha-dimethylbenzyl.