Fluorescence detection of conversion of phenolic Schiff bases to benzoxazoles

A fluorescence spectroscopic system for detecting conversion of phenolic Schiff bases to benzoxazoles has been developed. It demonstrated that the conversion of benzoxazoles from phenolic Schiff bases in presence of NaOH with UV light irradiation can be monitored by fluorescence changes of benzoxazoles in solution. It also revealed that solvents have great effects on both the velocity of conversion reaction and conversion yield. This assay system may be used to rapid screen and optimize reaction conditions on small scale.