Synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of some acenaphthoimidazole derivatives

Heterocyclic molecules are pervasive in many aspects of our life and have been used recently in many different domains. As the name may imply, such molecules contain at least one heteroatom (N, O, S...) in addition to the C and H atoms. Indeed, a derivative of the heterocyclic molecule that embodies N-element as the heteroatom is common in the pharmaceutical, biological and medical as well as technological uses. Specifically speaking, any five-ring heterocyclic molecule that includes two N-atoms is known as a diazole and happens in compounds like 1,2-diazol (Pirazole) and 1,3-Diazol (Imidazole). In this study, three new imidazole derivatives with fluorophore characteristics and known as 7,8-diphenyl-7H-acenaphtho[1,2-d]imidazole, 8-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 7-phenyl-7H-acenaphtho[1,2-d]imidazole and 8-(4-cyanophenyl)-7-phenyl-7H-acenaphtho[1,2-d]imidazole were synthesized. These derivatives were purified by utilizing column chromatography and recrystallization processes. And then using FT-IR and 1H-NMR techniques, the structural characteristics of these compounds were proved by some extensive studies. Thereafter, using the UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers respectively, the absorption and emission spectra of these compounds and consequently their photophysical behaviours were resolved. That is, absorption and emission maxima, Stokes' shifts, molar extinction coefficients and photostabilities of the concerned compounds embedded in several different solvents were differently explored.