9-substituted acridines. Demethoxylation of 9-methoxyacridine and dechlorination of 9-chloroacridine in hydroxylic solvents

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jhet.5570330366

In methanol-water mixtures containing sodium or potassium hydroxide (up to 2.00M) the demethoxylation of 9-methoxyacridine to 9-acridone is of first order in both the free form of 9-methoxyacridine and the hydroxyl ion. The rate of the reaction is increased with an increase in the concentration of water. Sodium perchlorate has a small retarding effect on the reaction. In methanol-water mixtures containing perchloric or hydrochloric acid (up to 3.45M) the demethoxylation is of first order with respect to the protonated form of 9-methoxyacridine. The rate of the reaction decreases with an increase in the concentration of the acid or of sodium perchlorate, but when the concentration of water is increased (≈1.7 to 50M) and that of the acid is not changed, it reaches a maximum value in mixtures containing 8 to 10M-water. The dechlorination of 9-chloroacridine to 9-methoxyacridine in methanol containing sodium hydroxide or methoxide (up to 0.31M) is of first order in both the 9-chloroacridine and the hydroxyl or methoxyl ions.