Abstract:
UV-Vis spectrum of ethyl 5-phenylazo-benzofuran-2-carboxylate in methanol indicates two absorption
bands for fresh prepared solution. One is an absorption band of phenyl moiety, which is at 272 nm, the other is an
absorption band of azo group, which is at 344 nm. Irradiated by light, a new absorption band at 460 nm appears for
the solution. New compounds wasn't found in mass spectrum, thus, there occurs a cis/trans isomerization in azo
group of ethyl 5-phenylazo-benzofuran-2-carboxylate in methanol. The cis/trans isomerization can reach an
equilibrium, which is exposed in the room for 3 h. HPLC analysis shows the ratio of transisomer to cisisomer is
2.7, when the isomerization is in equilibrium.