UV/VIS absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic study of some 3‐substituted derivatives of 4‐hydroxycoumarin

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test absorption characteristics of some newly synthesised 4‐hidroxycoumarins, containing phenyl‐prop‐2‐enoyl group at the 3‐position. Change in spectral characteristics in solvents of different polarity (chloroform and acetonitrile) was followed in regard to the influence of the substitution at the phenyl ring and influence of concentration H+ ions. Effectiveness of tested substances was compared with well‐known UV absorbers such as benzophenone‐3 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM).Design/methodology/approachAll the tested substances were dissolved in chloroform and acetonitrile, with 10‐3 mmol concentration range. The pH was adjusted using 0.1 mol/l HCl, glacial acetic acid, 0.1 mol/l NaOH (aqueous solution) and 0.1 mol/l NaOH (methanolic solution). Spectrophotometric measurement was recorded in the range of 200‐800 nm, using 1‐cm quartz cells.FindingsThe tested 4‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives showed good UV absorption properties in the range 280‐380 nm. Substitution on the phenyl ring changes the shape of the absorption maxima. The changes depend on the properties of the substituent as well as the acidity of the solution.Research limitations/implicationsIntroducing an electron‐donating substituent on the phenyl‐prop‐2‐enoyl group can shift absorption maximums to longer wavelength. In addition, the variation in substituents on the synthesised substances and pH of the solution could also be studied.Practical implicationsThe new compounds showed good UV absorption, making them potential candidates for many applications. The practical importance of the tested substances are derived from their stability, relatively easy synthesis and good UV absorption properties.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the tested coumarins derivatives were new compounds with good UV absorption properties, making them good UV absorbers of commercial potential. The tested coumarins showed good UV absorption properties in the range 280‐380 nm, making them potential candidates for many applications.