Electronic spectra, solvatochromic behavior and acid-base properties of some azo cinnoline compounds

The electronic spectra of three azo cinnoline derivatives have been studied in pure and mixed organic solvents of different characteristics as well as the effect of concentration of the compounds in the different solvents. The different bands observed have been assigned to the proper electronic transition. The longer wavelength band displayed by the para nitro cinnoline derivative in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution is assigned to an intermolecular CT transition. The solvated H-bonding complexes formed between DMF and the para nitro derivative were investigated. DeltaG and K-f values of these complexes have been determined. The acidity constants of the para nitro compound were determined from the spectra in aquous-methanolic solution of varying pH values. The effect of temperature on the longer wavelength visible band of p-NO2 has been investigated. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.