Ring-chain tautomerism and thermo- and photochromism of 3-(1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-naphthyl)propenal imines

Abstract

A series of previously undescribed 3-(1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-naphthyl)propenal imines was synthesized. In the crystalline state all of the imines, except the N-(p-nitrophenyl)imine, have an open o-quinoid structure, whereas in solutions in nonpolar solvents they exist in the cyclic 2H-chromene form. In polar solvents the imines display ring-chain tautomeric equilibrium of the 2H-chromene and o-quinoid forms, the relative percentages of which are determined by the character of the substituent in the amino component of the molecule and by the polarity of the solvent. The N-(p-nitrophenyl)imine has-the 2H-chromene structure in the solid phase and in solvents.