Heterocyclic derivatives of naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic anhydride. Part I. Nitro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benz[de]isoquinolin-7-ones

Condensation of o-phenylenediamine with 2-, 3- and 4-nitronaphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic anhydrides gives, in each case, an isomer mixture. Separation of the mixtures into the six isomeric mononitro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benz[de]isoquinolin-7-ones is described and the isomers characterised in respect of previously reported data on some isomers; ir and mass spectrum data are reported, the latter showing fragmentation ions which may be used in characterising dyes based on this chromophore. Other new derivatives of 7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benz[de]isoquinolin-7-one are also described.