Basicity of azoles: VI. Reaction of 1-vinyl-2-formylimidazole and its cation with water and alcohols

The UV spectra of 1-vinyl-2-formylimidazole and its cation were interpreted and their hydration was studied on the basis of quantum-chemical calculati ons of the UV spectra of these compounds. The cationic form is more activel y hydrated. The equilibrium constants of dehydration of neutral molecules a nd their cations increase in the following order of substituents: 1-vinylim idazole, pyridine, and 1-vinylbenzimidazole, in accordance with an increase in the basicity of these hetrocycles. The qualitative features of addition of alcohols to 1-vinyl-2-formylimidazole were considered.