Photochemical reactions of azo compounds. IX. Further studies related to the photochemical reactions of bisazo compounds

Abstract

The photochemical reactions of 4,4?-bis(phenylazo)biphenyl and 4- phenyl-azoazobenzene in 98% sulphuric acid have been examined, for comparison with the corresponding reactions in 22N acid. Photochemical cyclodehydrogenation of 4-phenylazoazobenzene to two benzo[c]cinnoline derivatives has thereby been effected for the first time. The observed course of the latter reaction has led, in turn, to studies of the benzidine rearrangement of 2-(2-phenylhydrazino)benzo[c]- cinnoline, of the photochemical cyclodehydrogenation of 3-phenylazobenzene, and of the photochemical reaction of 2-phenylazobenzo[c]cinnoline. The results of these investigations are now recorded and discussed.