Synthesis of 2-azastilbene derivatives with intramolecular charge transfer

The condensation reaction of 2-cyanomethyl-5-nitropyridine with aromatic aldehydes has been carried out with the aim of preparing 2-azastilbene derivatives having intramolecular charge transfer. The yield of the condensation products can be increased if the reaction is carried out in the medium used for obtaining the starting 2-cyanomethyl-5-nitropyridine without separating or purifying it. The electronic absorption spectra of the compounds show a charge-transfer band, the energy of which increases and the intensity falls with lowering of the electron-donor properties of the substituent in the 4-position. Introduction of the heteroatom into the acceptor part when changing from the stilbene to the 2-azastilbene system is accompanied by a decrease in the energy and increase in the intensity of the charge-transfer electronic transition.