Multiple wavelength (365-475 nm) complete actinometric characterization of Corning® Lab Photo Reactor using azobenzene as a highly soluble, cheap and robust chemical actinometer.

ABSTRACT

The characterization of commercially available Corning® Lab Photo Reactor by actinometry at different wavelengths (365, 385, 405 and 475 nm) using azobenzene E ↔ Z photoisomerization is reported. By comparison with photon fluxes determined externally using a radiometer, this method based on NMR spectroscopy is rapid, cheap, robust, reproducible and can applied to UVA-visible range, compared to previously described chemical actinometric protocols. Recalculation of isatin N2-phenylhydrazone isomerization quantum yield at 405 nm gave almost the same value as the literature data ([Formula see text] = 0.0013) and confirmed the robustness and applicability of this methodology.