Molecular complexes of paraquat with anilines

Abstract

The U V-VIS spectra of molecular complexes of paraquat with ring and N-substituted anilines have been recorded in methanol and 50% v/v aqueous methanol. All the complexes exhibited well-resolved charge transfer bands in the wavelength region where neither of the components have any absorption. The energies of charge transfer bands of the substituted aniline-paraquat complexes bear linear relationships with the ionization potentials obtained from the substituted aniline-TCNE complexes, indicating π - π interaction between paraquat and the donors. Both ring and N-substituents have effects on the positions of the CT bands as well as on the stabilities of the complexes. The positions of the CT bands are shifted to shorter wavelengths and the stabilities of the complexes decrease on going from methanol to aqueous. methanol.