Enhanced electrochemifluorescence and reduction mechanism of acetoxy coumarin derivatives in acetonitrile solution

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of coumarin, 7-acetoxy-4-methyl coumarin (AMC), and 7-acetoxy-4-bromomethyl coumarin (ABMC), in 0.1 M tetraethyl ammonium perchlorate/acetonitrile solution was carried out by direct current, differential pulse polarography, cyclic voltammetry, and controlled potential coulometry. The electrochemical reduction of ABMC was proceeded through three steps of electron transfer coupled with the chemical reactions. The color of solution was changed to yellow when the carbonyl group was reduced during 2nd step (-1.8 volts) and independented with cleavage of bromo group. Highest fluorescence intensity showed when the electrochemical reduction of AMC was controlled at near the potential (-2.3 volts vs. Ag/AgCl).