16. Conjugated Systems

How can you use UV spectroscopy to distinguish between the compounds in each of the following pairs?

b.

One milligram of a compound of molecular weight 160 is dissolved in 10 mL of ethanol, and the solution is poured into a 1-cm UV cell. The UV spectrum is taken, and there is an absorption at λ_max = 247 nm. The maximum absorbance at 247 nm is 0.50. Calculate the value of e for this absorption.

The UV spectrum of 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-ol shows an intense absorption at 220 nm and a weaker absorption at 258 nm. When this compound is treated with dilute sulfuric acid, it rearranges to an isomer with an intense absorption at 250 nm and a weaker absorption at 290 nm. Suggest a structure for the isomeric product and propose a mechanism for its formation.

A 4.0 × 10^-5 M solution of a compound in hexane shows an absorbance of 0.40 at 252 nm in a cell with a 1 cm light path. What is the molar absorptivity of the compound in hexane at 252 nm?

c. How many are isolated dienes?

d. How many are cumulated dienes?

What would be the difference in the colors of the compounds at pH = 3?

Phenolphthalein is an acid–base indicator. In solutions of pH < 8.5, it is colorless; in solutions of pH > 8.5, it is deep red-purple. Account for the change in color.