Infrared spectra of protonated neurotransmitters: serotonin

The gas-phase IR spectrum of the protonated neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) was measured in the fingerprint range by means of IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The IRMPD spectrum was recorded in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer coupled to an electrospray ionization source and an IR free electron laser. Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory using the cc-pVDZ basis set yield six low-energy isomers in the energy range up to 40 kJ/mol, all of which are protonated at the amino group. Protonation at the indole N atom or the hydroxyl group is substantially less favorable. The IRMPD spectrum is rich in structure and exhibits 22 distinguishable features in the spectral range investigated (530-1885 cm(-1)). The best agreement between the measured IRMPD spectrum and the calculated linear IR absorption spectra is observed for the conformer lowest in energy at both levels of theory, denoted g-1. In this structure, one of the three protons of the ammonium group points toward the indole subunit, thereby maximizing the intramolecular NH(+)-π interaction between the positive charge of the ammonium ion and the aromatic indole ring. This mainly electrostatic cation-π interaction is further stabilized by significant dispersion forces, as suggested by the substantial differences between the DFT and MP2 energies. The IRMPD bands are assigned to individual normal modes of the g-1 conformer, with frequency deviations of less than 29 cm(-1) (average <13 cm(-1)). The effects of protonation on the geometric and electronic structure are revealed by comparison with the corresponding structural, energetic, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of neutral serotonin.     

Evidence for homo-conjugation between two revolving 14pi-electron systems in 10b-methyl-10c-[2-(10b,10c-dimethyl-10b,10c-dihydropyrenyl)]-10b,10c-dihydropyrene

Ring contraction followed by an elimination reaction on anti-9-methyl-18-trans-2-(10b,10c-dimethyl-10b,10c-dihydropyrenyl)-2,11-dithia[3,3]metacyclophane gave the desired compound 10b-methyl-10c-[2-(10b,10c-dimethyl-10b,10c-dihydropyrenyl)]-10b,10c-dihydropyrene. 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis indicated a ring current effect over a considerable distance from the macro-molecular plane of each of the aromatic rings with the two pi systems freely rotating. Bathochromic shifts and peak broadening in its electronic spectrum clearly supports the presence of through-space pi-pi interactions between the two aromatic rings. This should serve as a good model to verify homo-conjugation effect in such a novel system where the two pi systems are freely revolving.     

Spectroscopic characterization of chromite from the Moa-Baracoa Ophiolitic Massif, Cuba

The Cuban chromites with a spinel structure, FeCr2O4 have been studied using optical absorption and EPR spectroscopy. The spectral features in the electronic spectra are used to map the octahedral and tetrahedral co-ordinated cations. Bands due Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions could be distinguished from UV-vis spectrum. Chromite spectrum shows two spin allowed bands at 17,390 and 23,810 cm(-1) due to Cr3+ in octahedral field and they are assigned to 4A2g(F) --> 4T2g(F) and 4A2g(F) --> 4T1g(F) transitions. This is in conformity with the broad resonance of Cr3+ observed from EPR spectrum at g = 1.903 and a weak signal at g = 3.861 confirms Fe3+ impurity in the mineral. Bands of Fe3+ ion in the optical spectrum at 13,700, 18,870 and 28,570 cm(-1) are attributed to 6A1g(S) --> 4T1g(G), 6A1g(S) --> 4T2g(G) and 6A1g(S) --> 4T2g(P) transitions, respectively. Near-IR reflectance spectroscopy has been used effectively to show intense absorption bands caused by electronic spin allowed d-d transitions of Fe2+ in tetrahedral symmetry, in the region 5000-4000 cm(-1). The high frequency region (7500-6500 cm(-1)) is attributed to the overtones of hydroxyl stretching modes. Correlation between Raman spectral features and mineral chemistry are used to interpret the Raman data. The Raman spectrum of chromite shows three bands in the CrO stretching region at 730, 560 and 445 cm(-1). The most intense peak at 730 cm(-1) is identified as symmetric stretching vibrational mode, A1g(nu1) and the other two minor peaks at 560 and 445 cm(-1) are assigned to F2g(nu4) and E(g)(nu2) modes, respectively. Cation substitution in chromite results various changes both in Raman and IR spectra. In the low-wavenumber region of Raman spectrum a significant band at 250 cm(-1) with a component at 218 cm(-1) is attributed F2g(nu3) mode. The minor peaks at 195, 175, 160 cm(-1) might be due to E(g) and F2g symmetries. Broadening of the peak of A1g mode and shifting of the peak to higher wavenumber observed as a result of increasing the proportion of Al3+O6. The presence of water in the mineral shows bands in the IR spectrum at 3550, 3425, 3295, 1630 and 1455 cm(-1). The vibrational spectrum of chromite gives raise to four frequencies at 985, 770, 710 and 650 cm(-1). The first two frequencies nu1 and nu2 are related to the lattice vibrations of octahedral groups. Due to the influence of tetrahedral bivalent cation, vibrational interactions occur between nu3 and nu4 and hence the low frequency bands, nu3 and nu4 correspond to complex vibrations involving both octahedral and tetrahedral cations simultaneously. Cr3+ in Cuban natural chromites has highest CFSE (20,868 cm(-1)) when compared to other oxide minerals.     

Infrared spectra of protonated neurotransmitters: dopamine

The infrared (IR) spectrum of the isolated protonated neurotransmitter dopamine was recorded in the fingerprint range (570-1880 cm(-1)) by means of IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The spectrum was obtained in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source, which was coupled to a free electron laser (FEL). The spectroscopic studies are complemented by quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory using the cc-pVDZ basis set. Several low-energy isomers with protonation occurring at the amino group are predicted in the energy range 0-50 kJ mol(-1). Good agreement between the measured IRMPD spectrum and the calculated linear absorption spectra is observed for the two gauche conformers lowest in energy (ΔE) and free energy (ΔG) at both levels of theory, denoted g-1 and g+1. Minor contributions of higher lying gauche isomers cannot be ruled out spectroscopically but their calculated energies suggest only minor population in the sampled ion cloud. In all these gauche structures, one of the three protons of the ammonium group is pointing toward the catechol subunit, thereby maximizing the intramolecular NH-π interaction of the positive charge with the aromatic ring. In total, 16 distinct vibrational bands are observed in the IRMPD spectrum and assigned to individual normal modes of the energetically most stable g-1 conformer, with deviations of less than 24 cm(-1) (average 11 cm(-1)) between measured and calculated frequencies. Comparison with neutral dopamine reveals the effects of protonation on the geometric and electronic structure.     

The electronic ground state of [V(urea)6]3+ probed by NIR luminescence, electronic Raman, and high-field EPR spectroscopies

The electronic structure of a trigonally distorted vanadium(III) complex, [V(urea)6](ClO4)3, and its deuterated analogue, [V(urea-d4)6](ClO4)3 has been investigated with Raman, luminescence, and high-frequency high-field electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies and with magnetic measurements. A broad electronic Raman transition is observed at around 1400 cm(-1) and attributed to a transition to the (3)E (D3) component of the (3)T1g (O(h)) ground state. The same splitting is seen in the near-infrared luminescence spectrum in the form of a similarly broad peak at 8450 cm(-1), 1400 cm(-1) lower in energy than the (1)E --> (3)A2 spin-flip transition. Powder high-frequency and high-field electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, and magnetization studies give a precise measurement of the zero-field splitting and of the g values in this complex (D = 6.00(2) cm(-1), E = 0.573(6) cm(-1), g(x) = 1.848(2), g(y) = 1.832(4), and g(z) = 1.946(7)). A set of angular overlap model parameters is proposed that reproduces all spectroscopic observations, and an analysis of the influence of the bonding of urea on the trigonal distortion of the complex is given.     

Charge transfer through a protein-nano junction

We address the problem of charge transfer (CT) between a nanosized inorganic system and a protein from a theoretical and numerical perspective. The CT process is described on an atomistic level by applying an electronic Hamiltonian that takes into account the chemical bond, vibronic coupling effects, and polarization degrees of freedom. As a structurally well-characterized example, we consider a complex of C60 and its antibody. For this system, we find a novel efficient protein CT mechanism; through-space superexchange is mediated by stacked pi orbital systems. The predicted rates are comparable to those obtained for short-range electron tunneling through covalent bonds, the fastest ground-state CT process known for proteins.     

2.2]paracyclophane-bridged mixed-valence compounds: application of a generalized Mulliken-Hush three-level model

A series of [2.2]paracylophane-bridged bis-triarylamine mixed-valence (MV) radical cations were analyzed by a generalized Mulliken-Hush (GMH) three-level model which takes two transitions into account: the intervalence charge transfer (IV-CT) band which is assigned to an optically induced hole transfer (HT) from one triarylamine unit to the second one and a second band associated with a triarylamine radical cation to bridge (in particular, the [2.2]paracyclophane bridge) hole transfer. From the GMH analysis, we conclude that the [2.2]paracyclophane moiety is not the limiting factor which governs the intramolecular charge transfer. AM1-CISD calculations reveal that both through-bond as well as through-space interactions of the [2.2]paracyclophane bridge play an important role for hole transfer processes. These electronic interactions are of course smaller than direct pi-conjugation, but from the order of magnitude of the couplings of the [2.2]paracyclophane MV species, we assume that this bridge is able to mediate significant through-space and through-bond interactions and that the cyclophane bridge acts more like an unsaturated spacer rather than a saturated one. From the exponential dependence of the electronic coupling V between the two triarylamine localized states on the distance r between the two redox centers, we infer that the hole transfer occurs via a superexchange mechanism. Our analysis reveals that even significantly longer pi-conjugated bridges should still mediate significant electronic interactions because the decay constant beta of a series of pi-conjugated MV species is small.     

Non-localized ligand-to-metal charge transfer excited states in (Cp)2Ti(IV)(NCS)2

The bent d(0) titanium metallocene (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) exhibits an intense phosphorescence from a ligand-to-metal charge transfer triplet excited state at 77 K in an organic glass substrate and a poly(methyl methacrylate) plastic substrate. Quantum chemical calculations and spectroscopic studies show that the orbital parentage of this triplet state arises from the promotion of an electron from an essentially nonbonding symmetry adapted pi molecular orbital located on the NCS(-) ligands to a d(z)2-(y)2 orbital located on the Ti metal. Standard infrared spectroscopy of (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) in its ground electronic state at 77 K reveals a pair of closely spaced absorptions at (2072 cm(-1), 2038 cm(-1))(glass) and (2055 cm(-1), 2015 cm(-1))(plastic) that are assigned, respectively, to the symmetric and antisymmetric CN stretching modes of the two coordinated NCS(-) ligands. Low-temperature (77 K) time-resolved infrared spectroscopy that accesses the phosphorescing triplet excited state on the ns time scale shows an IR bleach that is coincident with the two ground state CN stretching bands and an associated grow-in of a pair of new IR bands at slightly lower energies (2059 cm(-1), 2013 cm(-1))(glass) and (2049 cm(-1), 1996 cm(-1))(plastic) that are assigned, respectively, to the symmetric and antisymmetric CN stretches in the emitting triplet state. These transient IR bands decay with virtually identical lifetimes to those observed for the phosphorescence decays when measured under identical experimental conditions. Singular value decomposition analysis of the time-resolved infrared data shows that the observed transient IR features arise from the same electronic manifold as measured through luminescence studies. The close similarity between the ground state and excited-state CN stretching bands in (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) indicates that symmetry breaking does not occur in forming the charge-transfer triplet excited-state manifold; i.e., electron density is withdrawn from a delocalized pi MO spread across both NCS(-) ligands. Calculations at several levels of theory reveal a delocalized ligand-to-metal charge transfer excited triplet manifold. These calculations closely reproduce the relative intensity ratios and frequencies of the symmetric and antisymmetric transient infrared vibrations in the CN region. This study is the first time-resolved infrared investigation of a ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited state and the first to be performed at cryogenic temperatures in thin-film organic glass and plastic substrates.     

Intervalence (charge-resonance) transitions in organic mixed-valence systems. Through-space versus through-bond electron transfer between bridged aromatic (redox) centers

Intervalence absorption bands appearing in the diagnostic near-IR region are consistently observed in the electronic spectra of mixed-valence systems containing a pair of aromatic redox centers (Ar(*)(+)/Ar) that are connected by two basically different types of molecular bridges. The through-space pathway for intramolecular electron transfer is dictated by an o-xylylene bridge in the mixed-valence cation radical 3(*)(+) with Ar = 2,5-dimethoxy-p-tolyl (T), in which conformational mobility allows the proximal syn disposition of planar T(*)(+)/T redox centers. Four independent experimental probes indicate the large through-space electronic interaction between such cofacial Ar(*)(+)/Ar redox centers from the measurements of (a) sizable potential splitting in the cyclic voltammogram, (b) quinonoidal distortion of T(*)(+)/T centers by X-ray crystallography, (c) "doubling" of the ESR hyperfine splittings, and (d) a pronounced intervalence charge-resonance band. The through (br)-bond pathway for intramolecular electron transfer is enforced in the mixed-valence cation radical 2a(*)(+) by the p-phenylene bridge which provides the structurally inflexible and linear connection between Ar(*)(+)/Ar redox centers. The direct comparison of intramolecular rates of electron transfer (k(ET)) between identical T(*)(+)/T centers in 3(*)(+) and 2a(*)(+)( )()indicates that through-space and through-bond mechanisms are equally effective, despite widely different separations between their redox centers. The same picture obtains for 3(*)(+) and 2a(*)(+)( )()from theoretical computations of the first-order rate constants for intramolecular electron transfer from Marcus-Hush theory using the electronic coupling elements evaluated from the diagnostic intervalence (charge-transfer) transitions. Such a strong coherence between theory and experiment also applies to the mixed-valence cation radical 7(*)(+), in which the aromatic redox S center is sterically encumbered by annulation.     

An IR study of protonation changes associated with heme-heme electron transfer in bovine cytochrome c oxidase

IR changes caused by photolysis of CO from the mixed valence form of bovine cytochrome c oxidase have been investigated over the pH/pD range 6-9.8. Band assignments were based on effects of H2O/D2O exchange and by comparisons with published IR data and crystallographic data. Changes arise both from CO photolysis and from subsequent reversed electron transfer from heme a3 to heme a. This reversed electron transfer is known to have pH-independent and, above pH 8, pH-dependent components. The pH-independent component is associated with a trough around the 1742 cm(-1) band attributable to one or more protonated carboxylic acids. Its peak position, but not extent, is pH-dependent, indicative of a titratable group with a pK of 8.2 whose acid form causes increased hydrogen bonding to the IR-detectable carboxylic group. A different protonatable group with pK above 9 controls the extent of the pH-dependent component. This phase is associated with perturbation of an arginine guanidinium that is most clearly observed as a trough at 1592 cm(-1) after H/D exchange. It is suggested that this group, probably Arg-438 that is in close contact with propionate groups of both hemes and already proposed to be of functional significance, lowers the energy of the transient charge-uncompensated electron-transfer intermediate by changing the charge distribution in response to heme-heme electron transfer. No other IR signature of a titratable group that controls the extent of the pH-dependent phase is present, and it most likely arises from a nonphysiological deprotonation of the proximal water ligand of ferric heme a3 at high pH that has been reported to exhibit a similar pK.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance, optical absorption and IR spectroscopic studies of the sulphate mineral apjohnite

Apjohnite, a naturally occurring Mn-bearing pseudo-alum from Terlano, Bolzano, Italy, has been characterized by EPR, optical, IR and Raman spectroscopy. The optical spectrum exhibits a number of electronic bands around 400 nm due to Mn(II) ion in apjohnite. From EPR studies, the parameters derived, g=2.0 and A=8.82 mT, confirm MnO(H(2)O)(5) distorted octahedra. The presence of iron impurity in the mineral is reflected by a broad band centered around 8400 cm(-1) in the NIR spectrum. A complex band profile appears strongly both in IR and Raman spectra with four component bands around 1100 cm(-1) due to the reduction of symmetry for sulphate ion in the mineral. A strong pair of IR bands at 1681 and 1619 cm(-1) with variable intensity is a proof for the presence of water in two states in the structure of apjohnite.     

Femtosecond electron-transfer reactions in mono- and polynucleotides and in DNA

Quenching of redox active, intercalating dyes by guanine bases in DNA can occur on a femtosecond time scale both in DNA and in nucleotide complexes. Notwithstanding the ultrafast rate coefficients, we find that a classical, nonadiabatic Marcus model for electron transfer explains the experimental observations, which allows us to estimate the electronic coupling (330 cm(-1)) and reorganization (8070 cm(-1)) energies involved for thionine-[poly(dG-dC)](2) complexes. Making the simplifying assumption that other charged, pi-stacked DNA intercalators also have approximately these same values, the electron-transfer rate coefficients as a function of the driving force, DeltaG, are derived for similar molecules. The rate of electron transfer is found to be independent of the speed of molecular reorientation. Electron transfer to the thionine singlet excited state from DNA obtained from calf thymus, salmon testes, and the bacterium, micrococcus luteus (lysodeikticus) containing different fractions of G-C pairs, has also been studied. Using a Monte Carlo model for electron transfer in DNA and allowing for reaction of the dye with the nearest 10 bases in the chain, the distance dependence scaling parameter, beta, is found to be 0.8 +/- 0.1 A(-1). The model also predicts the redox potential for guanine dimers, and we find this to be close to the value for isolated guanine bases. Additionally, we find that the pyrimidine bases are barriers to efficient electron transfer within the superexchange limit, and we also infer from this model that the electrons do not cross between strands on the picosecond time scale; that is, the electronic coupling occurs predominantly through the pi-stack and is not increased substantially by the presence of hydrogen bonding within the duplex. We conclude that long-range electron transfer in DNA is not exceptionally fast as would be expected if DNA behaved as a "molecular wire" but nor is it as slow as is seen in proteins, which do not benefit from pi-stacking.     

Through-space and through-bond mixed charge transfer mechanisms on the hydrazine oxidation by cobalt(II) phthalocyanine in the gas phase

Two quantum chemistry theoretical models in the gas phase at the density functional theory B3LYP/LACVP(d) level of calculation are proposed to rationalize the hydrazine oxidation by cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (Co(II)Pc). This oxidation reaction involves the net transfer of four electrons. These theoretical models that are described in terms of energy profiles include a through-space mechanism for the transfer of the first electron of the hydrazine and a through-bond mechanism proposed for the transfer of the three electrons remaining. The main difference between both models arises from a one-electron and one-proton alternate transfer for model 1 and a two-electron and two-proton alternate transfer for model 2. The main problem for experimental studies is to determine if the first transfer corresponds to an electron or a chemical transfer. Under this point of view, we proposed two models which deal with this problem. We conclude that model 1 is more reasonable than model 2 because the whole oxidation process is always exergonic.     

Photoinduced electron transfer in 2-tert-butyl-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane

Intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer from a hydrazine unit to an aromatic group is studied by resonance Raman spectroscopy and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Substituted hydrazine functional groups have played an important role in studies of electron-transfer reactions, photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer, and of mixed valence. A prototypical compound, 2-tert-butyl-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, that has the hydrazine-to-anthracene charge-transfer band in a region of the visible spectrum suitable for detailed resonance Raman spectroscopy is studied in detail. Excitation profiles are obtained, calculated quantitatively by using time-dependent theoretical methods, and interpreted with the assistance of molecular orbital calculations. Excited-state distortions are calculated. The largest distortions occur on the hydrazine unit; the normal mode showing the largest distortion (659 cm(-1), calculated at 665 cm(-1)) involves an out-of-plane C-N-N-C bend consistent with removing an electron from the N-N pi antibonding orbital. Anthracene ring-centered C-C stretches also are enhanced, consistent with populating an antibonding pi orbital centered on the ring. Excellent fits to all of the excitation profiles and to the absorption band are obtained using one set of excited-state potential surfaces.     

Synthetic models for the cysteinate-ligated non-heme iron enzyme superoxide reductase: observation and structural characterization by XAS of an Fe(III)-OOH intermediate

Superoxide reductases (SORs) belong to a new class of metalloenzymes that degrade superoxide by reducing it to hydrogen peroxide. These enzymes contain a catalytic iron site that cycles between the Fe(II) and Fe(III) states during catalysis. A key step in the reduction of superoxide has been suggested to involve HO(2) binding to Fe(II), followed by innersphere electron transfer to afford an Fe(III)-OO(H) intermediate. In this paper, the mechanism of the superoxide-induced oxidation of a synthetic ferrous SOR model ([Fe(II)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))](+) (1)) to afford [Fe(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren)(solv))](2+) (2-solv) is reported. The XANES spectrum shows that 1 remains five-coordinate in methanolic solution. Upon reaction of 1 with KO(2) in MeOH at -90 degrees C, an intermediate (3) is formed, which is characterized by a LMCT band centered at 452(2780) nm, and a low-spin state (S = 1/2), based on its axial EPR spectrum (g(perpendicular) = 2.14; g(parallel) = 1.97). Hydrogen peroxide is detected in this reaction, using both (1)H NMR spectroscopy and a catalase assay. Intermediate 3 is photolabile, so, in lieu of a Raman spectrum, IR was used to obtain vibrational data for 3. At low temperatures, a nu(O-O) Fermi doublet is observed in the IR at 788(2) and 781(2) cm(-)(1), which collapses into a single peak at 784 cm(-1) upon the addition of D(2)O. This vibrational peak diminishes in intensity over time and essentially disappears after 140 s. When 3 is generated using an (18)O-labeled isotopic mixture of K(18)O(2)/K(16)O(2) (23.28%), the vibration centered at 784 cm(-1) shifts to 753 cm(-1). This new vibrational peak is close to that predicted (740 cm(-1)) for a diatomic (18)O-(18)O stretch. In addition, a nu(O-O) vibrational peak assigned to free hydrogen peroxide is also observed (nu(O-O) = 854 cm(-1)) throughout the course of the reaction between Fe(II)-1 and superoxide and is strongest after 100 s. XAS studies indicate that 3 possesses one sulfur scatterer at 2.33(2) A and four nitrogen scatterers at 2.01(1) A. Addition of two Fe-O shells, each containing one oxygen, one at 1.86(3) A and one at 2.78(3) A, improved the EXAFS fits, suggesting that 3 is an end-on peroxo or hydroperoxo complex, [Fe(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))(OO(H))](+). Upon warming above -50 degrees C, 3 is converted to 2-MeOH. In methanol and methanol:THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran) solvent mixtures, 2-MeOH is characterized by a LMCT band at lambda(max) = 511(1765) nm, an intermediate spin-state (S = 3/2), and, on the basis of EXAFS, a relatively short Fe-O bond (assigned to a coordinated methanol or methoxide) at 1.94(10) A. Kinetic measurements in 9:1 THF:MeOH at 25 degrees C indicate that 3 is formed near the diffusion limit upon addition of HO(2) to 1 and converts to 2-MeOH at a rate of 65(1) s(-1), which is consistent with kinetic studies involving superoxide oxidation of the SOR iron site.     

Studying and switching electron transfer: from the ensemble to the single molecule

We report here on the systematic investigation of photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer (IET) in a series of donor-bridge-acceptor molecules as a means of understanding electron transport through the bridge. Perylenebisimide chromophores connected by various oligophenylene bridges are studied because their electron-transfer behavior can readily be monitored by following changes in the fluorescence intensity. We find dramatic switching of the IET behavior as the solvent polarity (dielectric constant) is increased. By combining steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in a variety of solvents at multiple temperatures with standard theories of electron transfer, we determine parameters governing the IET behavior of these dimers, such as the electronic coupling through the bridges. We also deploy available ab initio quantum chemical methods to calculate the through-space component of the electronic coupling matrix element. Single-molecule investigations of the electron-transfer behavior also show that IET can be switched reversibly by a similar mechanism in an isolated individual molecule.     

Infrared spectra of the protonated neurotransmitter histamine: competition between imidazolium and ammonium isomers in the gas phase

The infrared (IR) spectrum of protonated histamine (histamineH(+)) was recorded in the 575-1900 cm(-1) fingerprint range by means of IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The IRMPD spectrum of mass-selected histamineH(+) ions was obtained in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer coupled to an electrospray ionization source and an IR free electron laser. A variety of isomers were identified and characterized by quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory using the cc-pVDZ basis set. The low-energy isomers are derived from various favourable protonation sites--all of which are N atoms--and different orientations of the ethylamine side chain with respect to the heterocyclic imidazole ring. The measured IRMPD spectrum was monitored in the NH(3) loss channel and exhibits 14 bands in the investigated spectral range, which were assigned to vibrational transitions of the most stable isomer, denoted A. This imidazolium-type isomer A with protonation at the imidazole ring and gauche conformation of the ethylamine side chain is significantly stabilized by an intramolecular ionic Nπ-H(+)···Nα hydrogen bond to the ethylamino group. The slightly less stable ammonium-type isomer B with protonation at the ethylamino group is only a few kJ mol(-1) higher in energy and may also provide a minor contribution to the observed IRMPD spectrum. Isomer B is derived from A by simple proton transfer from imidazole to the ethylamino group along the intramolecular Nπ-H(+)···Nα hydrogen bond via a low barrier, which is calculated to be of the order of 5-15 kJ mol(-1). Significantly, the most stable structure of isolated histamineH(+) differs from that in the condensed phase by both the protonation site and the conformation of the side chain, emphasizing the important effects of solvation on the structure and function of this neurotransmitter. The effects of protonation on the geometric and electronic structure of histamine are evaluated by comparing the calculated properties of isomer A with those of the most stable structure of neutral histamine A(n).     

Tetrapyrrole singlet excited state quenching by carotenoids in an artificial photosynthetic antenna

Two artificial photosynthetic antenna models consisting of a Si phthalocyanine (Pc) bearing two axially attached carotenoid moieties having either 9 or 10 conjugated double bonds are used to illustrate some of the function of carotenoids in photosynthetic membranes. Both models studied in toluene, methyltetrahydrofuran, and benzonitrile exhibited charge separated states of the type C*+-Pc*- confirming that the quenching of the Pc S1 state is due to photoinduced electron transfer. In hexane, the Pc S1 state of the 10 double bond carotenoid-Pc model was slightly quenched but the C*+-Pc*- transient was not spectroscopically detected. A semiclassical analysis of the data in hexane at temperatures ranging from 180 to 320 K was used to demonstrate that photoinduced electron transfer could occur. The model bearing the 10 double bond carotenoids exhibits biexponential fluorescence decay in toluene and in hexane, which is interpreted in terms of an equilibrium mixture of two isomers comprising s-cis and s-trans conformers of the carotenoid. The shorter fluorescence lifetime is associated with an s-cis carotenoid conformer where the close approach between the donor and acceptor moieties provides through-space electronic coupling in addition to the through-bond component.     

Infrared spectroscopy of ionized corannulene in the gas phase

The gas-phase infrared spectra of radical cationic and protonated corannulene were recorded by infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy using the IR free electron laser for infrared experiments. Electrospray ionization was used to generate protonated corannulene and an IRMPD spectrum was recorded in a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer monitoring H-loss as a function of IR frequency. The radical cation was produced by 193-nm UV photoionization of the vapor of corannulene in a 3D quadrupole trap and IR irradiation produces H, H(2), and C(2)H(x) losses. Summing the spectral response of the three fragmentation channels yields the IRMPD spectrum of the radical cation. The spectra were analyzed with the aid of quantum-chemical calculations carried out at various levels of theory. The good agreement of theoretical and experimental spectra for protonated corannulene indicates that protonation occurs on one of the peripheral C-atoms, forming an sp(3) hybridized carbon. The spectrum of the radical cation was examined taking into account distortions of the C(5v) geometry induced by the Jahn-Teller effect as a consequence of the degenerate (2)E(1) ground electronic state. As indicated by the calculations, the five equivalent C(s) minima are separated by marginal barriers, giving rise to a dynamically distorted system. Although in general the character of the various computed vibrational bands appears to be in order, only a qualitative match to the experimental spectrum is found. Along with a general redshift of the calculated frequencies, the IR intensities of modes in the 1000-1250 cm(-1) region show the largest discrepancy with the harmonic predictions. In addition to CH "in-plane" bending vibrations, these modes also exhibit substantial deformation of the pentagonal inner ring, which may relate directly to the vibronic interaction in the radical cation.