Synthesis and electroreduction of 2-[(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline in DMSO–H2O (1:1) medium

2-[(8-Hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline (HQAB) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, MS, FTIR and 1H NMR techniques. The electrochemical reduction of HQAB has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and controlled potential electrolysis at mercury pool electrode in the pH range 3.5–9.4. The number of electrons transferred in the electrode reaction, diffusion coefficients and standart rate constants were calculated. In acidic medium, cyclic voltammograms display four cathodic peaks, with the total exchange of 6 e– and 6 H+. By contrast, the reverse scan displays two anodic peaks. Constant potential electrolysis at –1.0 V and TLC analysis of the product reveals that the reduction of azo group (in the bridge) in HQAB does not stop at the hydrazo stage but goes further through the cleavage of –NH–NH– linkage to give amino compounds as the final products. The voltammograms recorded in basic medium exhibit two cathodic peaks corresponding to 4 e–, 4 H+ and two reverse anodic peaks, and thus the reduction stopped at hydrazo stage. A tentative mechanism for the reduction has been suggested.