Dihydronaphthalenone Carboxylates - Spectral Characteristics and Structure

The absorption and luminescence characteristics of a group of newly synthesized methyl esters of 2-alkyl (p-substituted-aryl) -aminomethylene-3,4-dihydro-1(2 H)-naphthalenone-4-carboxylic acids have been investigated. The studied compounds may exist in three tautomeric forms. On the basis of comparison of their electronic spectra to those of similar substances, the observed substituent effect on the position of the UV-VIS absorption bands, the IR spectra and the results of PPP-SCF-CI quantum-chemical calculations it is concluded that the keto tautomer predominates in solution.