Photoinduced isomerization of 4-(4′-dimethylaminostyryl) pyridine N-oxide

The effects of photoirradiation on the conformation state of 4-(4′-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxide was studied by spectral (EAS, 1H NMR, IR) and thermochemical methods. Trans→cis isomerization was found to proceed in 4-(4′-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxide irradiated with light (λ ≤ 400 nm) in chloroform. The conversion of the trans form of 4-(4′-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxide to the cis form depends on the time and intensity of irradiation. Maximum conversion was achieved when a photostationary mixture formed with a ratio of components trans:cis = 40:60. Further irradiation of the solutions of 4-(4′-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxide in chloroform led to salification with HCl formed during the decomposition of CHCl3.