Photochemical Reaction of Nalidixic Acid in Methanol

The photochemical reactions of methanolic nalidixic acid (NAL) solution in the absence and in the presence of air have been investigated using 300 nm UV light. From the reactions, 1-ethyl-7-methyl-4-oxo-4-hydro-1,8naphthyridine (EMDN), formic acid, and formaldehyde are produced. In the presence of air, hydrogen peroxide is also detected along with the products listed above. The presence of oxygen during the irradiation of methanolic NAL solution effects on the product yield. The initial quantum yields of the products and of the NAL decomposition are determined. Possible reaction pathways for the photochemical reaction are suggested on the basis of the products analysis.