Chemiluminescence of photolyzed or radiolyzed acridine

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. A, Chemistry. Vol. 103; no. 1; pp. 51 - 55
• Main Authors: Papadopoulos, K., Dimotikali, D., Nikokavouras, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 12.02.1997; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Acridine; Aminomethylation; Chemiluminescence; Chemiluminescence and chemical laser kinetics; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Photochemistry; Photolysis; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Radiation chemistry; Radiolysis; Acridine; Aminomethylation; Radiolysis; Chemiluminescence; Photolysis; Acridines; Nitrogen heterocycle; Quantum yield; Gamma radiolysis
• ISSN: 1010-6030; 1873-2666
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-6030(96)04504-2

The exposure of acridine in N, N-dialkylamides to sunlight or 60Co γ-radiation gives 9-substituted aminomethylacridan derivatives in high yields. The mechanism of the aminomethylation reactions is discussed. The addition of strong bases such as hydrides, or alkoxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen to the reaction mixtures results in very efficient chemiluminescence. Quantum yields are in the order of 0.3 mol einstein −1 for the photolysis and are as high as 7 × 10 −3 einstein mol −1 for the chemiluminescence. Both the radiolysis and the radiolysis/chemiluminescence reactions constitute prospective radiation dosemeters.