Ultraviolet spectra, covalent hydration effect

The cation of 4,4 -biquinazolinyl and its 2,2 -dimethyl derivative readily add water across the 3,4- and 3, 4 -double bonds, but the cation of 2,2 -biquinazolinyl is not hydrated. Hydration in the 4,4 -isomers has been attributed to restricted rotation about the 4,4 -bond, a steric effect which is relieved by hydration. The ultraviolet spectrum of 2,2 -biquinazolinyl (neutral species and cation) shows that there is considerable conjugation between the quinazoline groups. Covalent hydration is absent from the latter compound because it would otherwise destroy the extended conjugation present. 

---