Photochemistry and photophysics of papaverine N-oxide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1111/j.1751-1097.1999.tb08296.x

The photochemistry and photophysics of papaverine N-oxide in polar aprotic and protic solvents has been studied in detail. Complex energy and charge-transfer phenomena between chromophores occur in papaverine. New photochemistry for the papaverine N-oxide system is reported. Irradiation in protic media results in the formation of an emissive charge-transfer state with ensuing intramolecular hydroxylation in high isolated yields (75-80%).