Synthesis, structure and solvatochromic properties of 3-cyano-4,6-dipheny1-5-(3-and 4-substituted phenylazo)-2-pyridones

A series of some new pyridone arylazo dyes was synthesized from the corresponding diazonium salts and 3-cyano-4,6-diphenyl-2-pyridone using the classical reaction for the synthesis of the azo compounds. The structures of these dyes were confirmed by UV-Vis, FT-IR and H-1-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The solvatochromism of the dyes was evaluated with respect to visible absorption properties in various solvents. The effects of solvent dipolarity/polarizability and solvent/solute hydrogen bonding interactions were analyzed by means of the linear solvation energy relationship concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypiridine tautomeric equilibration was found to depend on the substituents as well as on the solvents.