Substituent and solvent effects on the UV/vis absorption spectra of 5-(3- and 4-substituted arylazo)-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyano-2-pyridones

Absorption spectra of seventeen 5-(3- and 4-substituted arylazo)-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyano-2-pyridones have been recorded in 12 protic and aprotic solvents in the range 200–600 nm. The effects of substituents on the absorption spectra of these new azo dyes are interpreted by correlation of absorption frequencies with Hammett equation. The solute–solvent interactions were clarified on the basis of linear solvation energy relationships concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypiridine tautomeric equilibration is found to depend upon substituents as well as on solvents.