Enhancement of Fluorescent Properties and Electrochemical Reduction of Coumarin Derivatives

Studies on the electrochemical reduction of 7-acetoxy-4-bromomethyl-coumarin (ABMC), 7-acetoxymethyl coumarin (AMC), and coumarin in 0.1 M tetraethyl ammonium perchlorate acetonitrile solution were carried out with direct current, differential pulse polarography, cyclic voltammetry, and controlled potential coulometry. The electrochemical reduction of ABMC was proceeded through three irreversible steps coupled with the chemical reactions. The solution color was changed to yellow when the carbonyl group was reduced during second step and the color change was independent with bromo group of ABMC. Fluorescent intensity was highest when the electrochemical reduction was controlled at near the overpotential of supporting electrolyte (-2.3 volts).