Synthesis and properties of azidostyrylquinolines.

Isomeric azidostyrylquinolines with a 4-azidostyryl group in position 2 or 4 of the quinoline ring have been synthesized. In the neutral form the azidostyrylquinolines absorb in the near UV but the protonated species absorb in the short wavelength region of the visible spectrum. In both forms the azides are lightsensitive and decompose under the influence of light with a quantum yield close to 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]