Is sodium cinnamate a photoswitchable hydrotrope?

Abstract: Photoswitchable hydrotropic solubilization has been investigated by cis–trans isomerization about the olefinic bond of sodium cinnamate (Na-CIN) for various solutes such as cinnamic acid, aspartic acid, curcumin, thymol, and benzocaine. The extent and rate of isomerization depend on the concentration of Na-CIN and temperature. The cis–trans isomerization of Na-CIN by UV irradiation allows recovery of the solute from aqueous Na-CIN solutions, without dilution by water. Extraction of forskolin and curcumin from coleus forskholii and curcuma longa, was also studied for recovery under UV irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]