Solvatochromism of Heteroaromatic Compounds: XX. 4(5)-Nitroimidazole

4(5)-Nitroimidazole in solution is stabilized as the 5-nitro isomer due to formation of hydrogen bond with an aprotic protophilic solvent. Amphiprotic medium favors displacement of the tautomeric equilibrium toward the 4-nitro isomer via formation of a solvate complex where 4-nitroimidazole acts as hydrogen bond acceptor. The observed specific solvatochromic effect in the UV spectrum of 4-nitroimidazole and related heterocyclic nitro compounds is determined by the electronic configuration of the excited ,^*-state.