Studies on the photochemical behavior of N-salicylidenaniline in chloroform

An N-salicylidenaniline (SA), compound 1 with 15-crown-5 moiety, was synthesized. The time-dependent NMR was used to track its photochromic process. The experimental results showed that ultraviolet irradiation would lead compound 1 to decompose into the corresponding salicylaldehyde and amine in chloroform solution, instead of experiencing a photochromic process. By the same method, the reported photochromic results of other SAs were also corrected.

Graphical abstractUltraviolet irradiation would lead N-salicylidenanilines (SAs) to decompose into the corresponding salicylaldehyde and amine in chloroform solution, instead of experiencing a photochromic process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► N-salicylidenaniline (SA) was decomposed in chloroform solution, not in photochromism. ► The results of other SAs reported in previous papers were also corrected. ► Chloroform is not appropriate solvent for investigating the photochromism of SAs.