The polarographic behaviour of a series of arylazotheophyllines was studied in aqueous alcoholic buffer media and in DMF-0.1 M LiClO4 solution. The redox study gave evidence that the azo group is electroactive in aqueous as well as non-aqueous media. A mechanism interpreting the electrode process is proposed and confirmed through the identification of the controlled potential electrolysis products, the use of a model compound and the application of Hamett's σ-