4,4′-Dimethylazobenzene as a chemical actinometer

Chemical actinometers are a useful tool in photochemistry, which allows to measure the photon flux of a light source to carry out quantitative analysis on photoreactions. The most commonly employed actinometers so far show minor drawbacks, such as difficult data treatment, parasite reactions, low stability or impossible reset. We propose herewith the use of 4,4'-dimethylazobenzene as a chemical actinometer. This compound undergoes a clean and efficient E/Z isomerization, approaching total conversion upon irradiation at 365 nm. Thanks to its properties, it can be used to determine the photon flux in the UV-visible region, with simple experimental methods and data treatment, and with the possibility to be reused after photochemical or thermal reset. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Chemical actinometers are essential tools in photochemistry for measuring photon flux and conducting quantitative analysis of photoreactions. We propose the use of 4,4'-dimethylazobenzene as a chemical actinometer, which undergoes efficient E/Z isomerization upon irradiation at 365 nm. This compound allows for easy determination of photon flux in the UV-visible region and can be reused after reset.