Is 4-nitrobenzenethiol converted to p,p′-dimercaptoazobenzene or 4-aminothiophenol by surface photochemistry reaction?

For the first time, the experimental and theoretical evidence for the conversion of 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) to p,p'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) in Ag and Cu sols by surface photochemistry reaction is obtained with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The SERS spectrum of 4-NBT in Cu sol is identical to that of DMAB produced from 4-aminothiophenol in Ag sol as reported in recent literature, thereby providing direct spectral evidence. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.