Multiple wavelength (365-475 nm) complete actinometric characterization of Corning® Lab Photo Reactor using azobenzene as a highly soluble, cheap and robust chemical actinometer

The characterization of commercially available Corning (R) Lab Photo Reactor by actinometry at different wavelengths (365, 385, 405 and 475 nm) using azobenzene E <-> Z photoisomerization is reported. By comparison with photon fluxes determined externally using a radiometer, this method based on NMR spectroscopy is rapid, cheap, robust, reproducible and can applied to UVA-visible range, compared to previously described chemical actinometric protocols. Recalculation of isatin N-2-phenylhydrazone isomerization quantum yield at 405 nm gave almost the same value as the literature data (Phi = 0.0013) and confirmed the robustness and applicability of this methodology.

Automated summary

This study reports the characterization of commercially available Corning (R) Lab Photo Reactor using azobenzene E <-> Z photoisomerization for actinometry. Compared to previous chemical actinometric protocols, this method based on NMR spectroscopy is rapid, cheap, robust, reproducible, and applicable to the UVA-visible range.