Photophysics of 2-(4′-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Dimethylaminophenyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in Micelles: Selective Dual Fluorescence in Sodium dodecylsulphate and Triton X-100

The photophysical behavior of 2-(4′-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (DMAPIP-b) has been studied in nonionic triton X-100 (TX-100), cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles using steady state and time resolved fluorescence techniques. The molecule emits both normal and TICT fluorescence in SDS and TX-100 but emits only normal fluorescence in CTAB. This difference in behavior of the fluorophore is due to varying extent of hydrogen bonding experience by it in different micelles. Of the three possible monocations, only two kinds of monocations, MC1 (formed by protonation of pyridine ring nitrogen) and MC2 (formed by the protonation of imidazole nitrogen) are present in all the micelles (Scheme 1). DFT calculations performed on the monocations reveal that MC1 and MC2 are more stable than MC3, the monocation formed by the protonation of dimethylamino nitrogen.      

Physical image versus structure relation. Part 14—an attempt to rationalize some acidic region 13C NMR‐pH titration shifts for tetraaza macrocycles throughout the conformational GIAO DFT computational results: a pendant‐arm cyclam case

The most probable time‐averaged conformations of three polyammonium cations H_n 2 ⁿ⁺ (n = 3–5) formed from the macrocyclic pentamine ligand ( 2 , scorpiand) [derivative of 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam)] were analyzed in order to elucidate an origin of ‘wrong‐way’ amine‐protonation shifts found in some ¹³C NMR pH‐profiles determined for the acidic H₂O/D₂O solution. These NMR trends were reproduced quite well in δ_Cs computed for multicomponent shapes of related cations, which were in turn elucidated by the best fitting experimental data to those predicted by the gauge‐independent atomic orbital (GIAO) B3LYP/6‐31G* method, including the IEF‐PCM approach. A consistent DFT methodology of the treatment of such equilibrated cationic mixtures is proposed. Moreover, a few novel ONIOM2‐GIAO B3LYP/6‐31G*:STO‐3G type supermolecular calculations were performed for a simulated presence of bulk water molecules surrounding H₅ 2 ⁵⁺. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄烷酮及其羟基衍生物的荧光性质研究

黄烷酮类化合物是天然药物的重要活性成分,也是有机合成的研究热点之一,但此类化合物的荧光性质尚缺乏研究。研究了黄烷酮及其6种羟基衍生物的荧光性质,发现黄烷酮(Flavanone,FV)、7-羟基黄烷酮(7-Hydroxyflavanone,7HF)和6-羟基黄烷酮(6-Hydroxyflavanone,6HF)的水溶液有荧光,而2’-羟基黄烷酮(2’-Hydroxyflavanone,2’HF)、4’-羟基黄烷酮(4’-Hydroxyflavanone,4’HF)、柚皮素(4’,5,7-三羟基黄烷酮,Naringenin)和乔松素(5,7-二羟基黄烷酮,Pinocembrin)的水溶液基本无荧光。在三维荧光图谱中,FV的荧光激发波长(λ_ex)为235,265和340 nm,发射波长(λ_em)为386 nm;7HF的λ_ex为230,276和315 nm,λ_em为391 nm;6HF的λ_ex为260和356 nm,λ_em为482 nm。研究了pH对FV,7HF和6HF荧光的影响,从分子结构的角度讨论了pH对荧光产生影响的原因。研究了7HF和6HF在不同pH条件下的紫外吸收光谱,用pH-光度法测得7HF和6HF的羟基质子电离常数pK_a分别为7.26±0.05和9.90±0.02。研究了溶剂(甲醇)对FV,7HF和6HF荧光光谱的影响,发现FV和7HF在甲醇溶液中的荧光比在水中减弱,而6HF在甲醇中的荧光显著增强。在有序介质(SDS,CTAB,β-CD)中,FV和7HF的荧光减弱,而6HF在β-CD或CTAB中的荧光增强。以硫酸奎宁或L-色氨酸为参比,测得FV和7HF水溶液的荧光量子产率分别为0.057和0.012;6HF在甲醇中和在β-CD浓度为1.62 mg·mL-1的水溶液中的荧光量子产率分别为0.064和0.012。     

Trans‐2‐Aminocyclohexanol derivatives as pH‐triggered conformational switches

A series of trans‐2‐aminocyclohexanol derivatives have been explored as powerful conformational pH triggers. On protonation of the amino group, a conformer with equatorial position of ammonio and hydroxy groups becomes predominant because of an intramolecular hydrogen bond and electrostatic interactions. The energy of these interactions was estimated to be above 10 kJ/mol and in some models exceeded 20 kJ/mol (strong enough to twist a ring in tert‐butyl derivatives). As a result of this conformational flip, all other substituents are forced to change their orientation. If the substituents are designed to perform certain geometry‐dependent functions, for example, as cation chelators or as lipid tails, such acid‐induced transition may be used to control the corresponding molecular properties. The pH sensitivity of conformational equilibria was explored by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and the titration curves were used for estimation of the pK_a values of protonated compounds that varied from 2.6 to 8.5 (in d₄‐methanol) depending on the structure of amino group. Thus, trans‐2‐aminocyclohexanols can be also used as conformational pH indicators in organic solvents.     

The photochemistry of the self‐healing chromophore Disperse Orange 11

Recent interest in the self‐healing ability of the laser dye 1‐amino‐2‐methylanthraquinone, Disperse Orange 11, has lead us to investigate the possible alternative mechanisms of action, either intramolecular proton transfer (PT) or twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) formation. AMPAC semiempirical PM3 CI (all single excited configurations) potential energy surfaces searches have been conducted with either reaction mechanism. Based purely on the potential energy surface results, no state, S0, T1, or S1, seems especially likely to be kinetically favorable for PT. The T1 state is favorable thermodynamically for PT. However, the S1 state TICT reaction is both thermodynamically favorable and kinetically preferred over all PT reactions. There is also a favorable T1 TICT reaction, but much slower kinetically on the triplet surface than S1 TICT. The Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method has been used to ascertain proton tunneling contributions to PT. Even with proton tunneling, S1 TICT is still more highly favored, though proton tunneling could make the T1 PT reaction competitive depending on the rate of intersystem crossing. We also examine spectroscopic properties of PT transfer and TICT reaction path entities in comparison with published experimental evidence. However, this comparison leads to ambiguous findings that suggest that electronic spectral properties alone will not fully clarify the mechanism. Overall, results suggest that the TICT mechanism is the most likely for optical damage and self‐repair for Disperse Orange 11, and might be considered for the damage and repair mechanisms for other organic solid state laser materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Observation of the fast component in the fluorescence of gaseous SO2 excited to the A1A2 state in the presence of a magnetic field

Effects of an external magnetic field (B) on the SO₂ fluorescence have been examined under excitation of the ‘C’ band and the single rotational levels of the ‘B’ and ‘E’ bands of the A(¹A₂) ← X¹A₁ transition. For the ‘C’ band, the total SO₂ fluorescence was studied, while for excitation of the single rotational levels, fluorescence of the single rotational lines of (^rR₅(5) (31711 cm^-1), ^pP₇(7) (31662 cm^-1)) (‘E’ band) and of (^rR₈(8) (31000 cm^-1), ^pP₁₀(10) (30927 cm^-1)) (‘B’ band) was studied. Decay of the SO² fluorescence was studied with nanosecond time resolution in the 1?5–50 mTorr region. In the presence of a magnetic field, decay of the total SO₂ fluorescence and of the fluorescence belonging to the single rotational lines were fitted by the bi-exponential functions. In the case of the total SO₂ fluorescence, this function also includes the time independent term, which, however, is dependent on a magnetic field. The time independent term belongs to the long-living component, which can be approximated by a constant in the time-scale studied. Radiationless processes induced by an external field were directly observed. The magnetic field and pressure dependences of the processes induced by a field were studied under excitation of the SO₂ fluorescence by light of a different wavelength. The data obtained were explained by the direct mechanism.     

Structure elucidation of fluorescent H1 antihistamines by ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy: solvent structures of tripelennamine and mepyramine

Ultraviolet Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy—a Raman technique that combines high sensitivity with high selectivity and does not suffer from background fluorescence—is applied to the fluorescent H₁ antihistamines tripelennamine (TRP) and mepyramine (MEP) in aqueous solution to elucidate their molecular structure as a function of pH. In a previous investigation of these compounds (C. Tardioli, G. Gooijer G. van der Zwan, J. Phys. Chem. B, 113 , (2009), 6949), the presence of gauche conformers caused by intramolecular interaction of the protonated alkylamine tail with the pyridine nitrogen was assumed to explain the pH dependence of the fluorescence properties. In order to validate this assumption, use is made of the resonant excitation of the aminopyridine chromophore in TRP and MEP. In that way, structural information associated with the vibrations of that moiety can be obtained, and the changes it undergoes upon protonation can be monitored. Assignment of the vibrations was achieved with the help of a number of other compounds, and quantum chemical calculations. N,N‐Dimethylaminopyridine (2DMP) and its mono‐protonated form (2DMPH⁺) were investigated, since this molecule was shown to have optical properties closely resembling those of the aminopyridine moiety in TRP and MEP. Assignment of the vibrations of 2DMP was accomplished by comparison with the resonance Raman spectra of two other reference structures, 2‐aminopyridine and dimethylaniline—for which ordinary Raman data are available—and by Gaussian calculations. UVRR spectra of TRP and MEP could be readily interpreted on the basis of vibrational assignments of the parent chromophores, i.e. 2DMP and 2DMPH⁺. Vibrations of the aminopyridine chromophore in TRP and MEP at neutral pH, where the aminoalkyl chain is protonated, are modified when compared to the vibrational pattern recorded for a fully neutral molecule in alkaline solution. This implies an electronic redistribution in the ring originating from internal hydrogen bonding between the aminoalkyl tail and the aminopyridine chromophore. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of the backscatter fundamental parameter method for in situ element determination using a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer

The backscatter fundamental parameter (BFP) algorithm was adapted and modified for the use with a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer system. The method utilizes coherently and incoherently scattered peaks of primary radiation to estimate the ‘dark matrix’ of the analysed sample. A so‐called ‘full fundamental parameter’ model was implemented in the algorithm, allowing a simple calibration of the method using only one standard sample. To improve the accuracy of the method, the differential mass scattering cross‐sections were used. The algorithm also takes into account the secondary excitation effects. The method was applied to element determinations in various matrices with minimum sample preparation. It was tested in the laboratory with homogeneous samples prepared from standard reference materials and was also successfully applied to in situ element determinations in soil. The analyses were performed using a portable XRF spectrometer equipped with a ¹⁰⁹Cd radioisotope source and an Si‐PIN photodiode detector. The BFP algorithm was found to perform well for the analysis of loose powder samples containing an unknown fraction of ‘dark matrix,’ and therefore it is regarded as suitable for in situ element determinations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

喹诺酮类药物的质子化作用及互变异构现象与荧光特性的相关性研揪

研究了不同酸碱条件下8种喹诺酮类药物的荧光特性.发现了在不同pH介质中喹诺酮类药物的荧光波长和荧光强度的变化规律,并对喹诺酮类药物质子化作用及互变异构现象与荧光性质的相关性进行了考察.确定了不同酸碱条件下的两种发光形体,进而对相应的变化机理进行了探讨.     

Raman imaging and stress quantification in self‐assembled graphene oxide fiber ‘Latin Letters’

To probe the intrinsic stress distribution in terms of spatial Raman shift (ω) and change in the phonon linewidth (Γ), here we analyze self‐assembled graphene oxide fibers (GOF) ‘Latin letters’ by confocal Raman spectroscopy. The self‐assembly of GOF ‘Latin letters’ has been explained through surface tension, π–π stacking, van der Waals interaction at the air–water interface and by systematic time‐dependent investigation using field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Intrinsic residual stress due to structural joints and bending is playing a distinct role affecting the E_2g mode (G band) at and away from the physical interface of GOF segments with broadening of phonon linewidth, indicating prominent phonon softening. Linescan across an interface of the GOF ‘letters’ reveals Raman shift to lower wavenumber in all cases but more so in ‘Z’ fiber exhibiting a broader region. Furthermore, intrinsic stress homogeneity is observed for ‘G’ fiber distributed throughout its curvature with negligible shift corresponding to E_2g mode vibration. This article demonstrates the significance of morphology in stress distribution across the self‐assembled and ‘smart‐integrable’ GOF ‘Latin letters’. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

喹诺酮类药物的质子化作用及互变异构现象与荧光特性的相关性研究

研究了不同酸碱条件下8种喹诺酮类药物的荧光特性,发现了在不同PH介质中喹诺酮类药物的荧光波长和荧光强度的变化规律,并对喹诺酮类药物质子化作用及互变异构现象与荧光性质的相关性进行了考察,确定了不同酸碱条件下的两种发光形体,进而对相应的变化机理进行了探讨。     

Steric effects on the mechanism of reaction of nucleophilic substitution of β‐substituted alkoxyvinyl trifluoromethyl ketones with four secondary amines

The kinetics of the reaction of β‐substituted β‐alkoxyvinyl trifluoromethyl ketones R¹O‐CR²?CH‐COCF₃ ( 1a – e ) [( 1a ), R¹?C₂H₅, R²?H; ( 1b ), R¹?R²?CH₃; ( 1c ), R¹?C₂H₅, R²?C₆H₅; ( 1d ), R¹?C₂H₅, R²?V^?pNO₂C₆H₄; ( 1e ), R¹?C₂H₅, R²?C(CH₃)₃] with four aliphatic amines ( 2a – d ) [( 2a ), (C₂H₅)₂NH; ( 2b ), (i‐C₃H₇)₂NH; ( 2c ), (CH₂)₅NH; ( 2d ), O(CH₂CH₂)₂NH] was studied in two aprotic solvents, hexane and acetonitrile. The least reactive stereoisomeric form of ( 1a – d ) was the most populated ( E‐s‐Z‐o‐Z ) form, whereas in ( 1e ), the more reactive form ( Z‐s‐Z‐o‐Z ) dominated. The reactions studied proceeded via common transition state formation whose decomposition occurred by ‘uncatalyzed’ and/or ‘catalyzed’ route. Shielding of the reaction centre by bulky β‐substituents lowered abruptly both k′ (‘uncatalyzed’ rate constant) and k″ (‘catalyzed’ rate constant) of this reaction. Bulky amines reduced k″ to a greater extent than k′ as a result of an additional steric retardation to the approach of the bulky amine to its ammonium ion in the transition state. An increase in the electron‐withdrawing ability of the β‐substituent increased ‘uncatalyzed’ k′ due to the acceleration of the initial nucleophile attack (k₁) and ‘uncatalyzed’ decomposition of transition state (k₂) via promoting electrophilic assistance (through transition state 8 ). The amine basicity determined the route of the reaction: the higher amine basicity, the higher k₃/k₂ ratio (a measure of the ‘catalyzed’ route contribution as compared to the ‘uncatalyzed’ process) was. ‘Uncatalyzed’ route predominated for all reactions; however in polar acetonitrile the contribution of the ‘catalyzed’ route was significant for amines with high pK_a and small bulk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of divalent metal ions on low pH induced LacDNA structural changes as probed with UV resonance Raman spectroscopy

UV (275 nm) resonance Raman spectra of LacDNA 22‐mer duplex [d(TAATGTGAGTTAGCTCACTCAT) · d(ATGAGTGAGCTAACTCACATTA)], which contain protein binding sites within the E. coli lac promoter, were measured at two pH values (6.4 and 3.45) in the absence and presence of Mn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ metal ions, respectively. Also, the UV (275 nm) resonance Raman markers of the corresponding oligonucleotide d(TAATGTGAGTTAGCTCACTCAT) and of its complementary anti‐sense strand d(ATGAGTGAGCTAACTCACATTA) were established and tentatively assigned. Large changes in the UV (275 nm) resonance Raman spectra of LacDNA duplex were observed at pH 3.45 as compared with the corresponding spectrum at pH 6.4, in the absence of divalent metal ions and at low concentrations of Ca²⁺ ions, respectively. Major changes comprise: adenine protonation, GC base pair protonation, DNA bases unstacking and changes in the hydrogen bonding strength between the strands of different LacDNA complexes, respectively. Divalent metal ions (Mn²⁺ and Ca²⁺) were found to inhibit LacDNA protonation even at low concentrations. Manganese(II) ions are much more effective in this regard, as compared with calcium(II) ions. Binding of Mn²⁺ ions to N7 of guanine and, possibly, in a lesser extent to adenine was observed as judging from the difference Raman bands at 1315, 1354 and 1493 cm⁻¹. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectral Properties and Solubilization Location of 2'-Ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)benzoate in Micelles

在阳离子、非离子和阴离子表面活性剂胶束溶液中,研究了4-(N,N-二甲氨基)苯甲酸2'-乙基己基酯(EHDMAB)的双重荧光和紫外吸收．当EHDMAB增溶在不同的胶束溶液中,紫外吸收增强,在离子型胶束溶液中,可观察到具有较长波长的EHDMAB分子内扭转电荷转移(TICT)荧光,相反,在非离子型胶束溶液中,可观察到具有较短波长TICT荧光,特别是位于阳离子胶束Stern层中的吡啶阳离子可强烈猝灭EHDMAB分子的双重荧光,所吸收的紫外辐射主要通过TICT荧光和非辐射去活化衰减．按照EHDMAB分子TICT荧光在有机溶剂中的极性依赖性,EHDMAB分子的4-(N,N-二甲氨基)在离子型胶束和非离子型胶束中处于不同的极性环境;根据EHDMAB和表面活性剂分子的结构和大小分析,EHDMAB分子的4-(N,N-二甲氨基)应朝向胶束的极性头基团,而2'-乙基己基链则朝向疏水性的胶束内核．动态荧光猝灭测量为EHDMAB分子在不同胶束中的位置进一步提供了佐证．     

Photoinduced decarboxylation of 9‐oxo‐6,9‐dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo[3,4‐f]quinoline‐8‐carboxylic acid

Photoinduced reactions of 9‐oxo‐6,9‐dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo[3,4‐f]quinoline‐8‐carboxylic acid (SeQCA) were investigated in alkaline media (aqueous NaOH solutions) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, following the in situ formation of paramagnetic species. According to UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance investigations, protonation (pH ≈ 11) and deprotonation (pH ≈ 13) of the imino hydrogen of the 4‐pyridone moiety has to be considered, reflected also in the different EPR spectra observed upon irradiation. Photoinduced generation of radicals was found only for carboxylate substituted SeQCA; other studied selenadiazoloquinolone derivatives, together with those substituted at the C(8) position (R = H, COOCH₂CH₃, COOCH₃, COCH₃ or CN), did not generate paramagnetic species during exposure. Consequently, photodecarboxylation was suggested as the decisive step, accompanied by the decomposition of the selenadiazole ring, resulting in the formation of ortho‐hydroxylate anions. EPR parameters elucidated from experimental EPR spectra obtained at pH ≈ 11 and pH ≈ 13 indicate the formation of oxygen‐centered radicals at the decarboxylated 4‐pyridone ring. EPR spin trapping experiments with nitromethane confirmed a very effective photoinduced electron transfer from all the selenadiazoloquinolones investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hybrid Rayleigh,Raman and two‐photon excited fluorescence spectral confocal microscopy of living cells

A hybrid fluorescence–Raman confocal microscopy platform is presented, which integrates low‐wavenumber‐resolution Raman imaging, Rayleigh scatter imaging and two‐photon fluorescence (TPE) spectral imaging, fast ‘amplitude‐only’ TPE‐fluorescence imaging and high‐spectral‐resolution Raman imaging. This multi‐dimensional fluorescence–Raman microscopy platform enables rapid imaging along the fluorescence emission and/or Rayleigh scatter dimensions. It is shown that optical contrast in these images can be used to select an area of interest prior to subsequent investigation with high spatially and spectrally resolved Raman imaging. This new microscopy platform combines the strengths of Raman ‘chemical’ imaging with light scattering microscopy and fluorescence microscopy and provides new modes of correlative light microscopy. Simultaneous acquisition of TPE hyperspectral fluorescence imaging and Raman imaging illustrates spatial relationships of fluorophores, water, lipid and protein in cells. The fluorescence–Raman microscope is demonstrated in an application to living human bone marrow stromal stem cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fluorescence studies and semiempirical calculations on alkali ion indicators

Two newly synthesized cryptands act as sensitive Na⁺- and K⁺-selective indicators for cation concentrations above 20 M. The fluorescence properties change markedly upon cation binding. In addition, the free ligands exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to pH, which is considerably lower for the cation complexes. Time resolved fluorescence is characterized by a decay time of about 5 ns that is attributed to the diprotonated protolytic state of the uncomplexed ligands. Semiempirical calculations show the systematic influence of the nitrogen lone pairs or the N–H bond on the stability of the system. The cause of the strong fluorescence intensity increase observed upon protonation of the fluorescent cryptands may be attributed to an increase in the S₁–T _x energy gap as a consequence of bridgehead nitrogen protonation.This is a peer-reviewed conference proceeding article from the Third Conference on Methods and Applications of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Prague, Czech Republic, October 18–21, 1993.     

Fluorescence ofp-N,N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile incorporated in pores of molecular sieves

The donor-acceptor-substituted aromatic moleculep-N, N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) is known to show a characteristic dual twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) fluorescence with a pronounced solvent dependence. Despite the two-band structure of the fluorescence from DMABN incorporated within pores of the molecular sieves AlPO-5, SAPO-5, ZSM-5, and silicalite, there is no indication for TICT-state emission.     

Quantitative or semi‐quantitative?–laboratory‐based WD‐XRF versus portable ED‐XRF spectrometer: results obtained from measurements on nickel‐base alloys

‘Semi‐quantitative’ analytical procedures are becoming more and more popular. Using such procedures, the question of the accuracy of results arises. The accuracy of an analytical procedure depends to a great extent on spectral resolution, counting statistics and matrix correction. Two ‘semi‐quantitative’ procedures are compared with a quantitative analytical program. Using a laboratory‐based wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometer and a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) spectrometer, 28 different nickel‐base alloy Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were analyzed. Line interferences and inaccurate matrix correction are reasons for deviations from the reference value. As the comparison shows, ‘semi‐quantitative’ analyses on the WD‐XRF spectrometer can be accepted as quantitative determinations. The investigations show that the results obtained with the portable ED‐XRF spectrometer do not meet the quality requirements of laboratory analysis, but they are good enough for field investigations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adsorption of 2‐amino‐5‐cyanopyridine on a gold surface as probed by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The adsorption of 2‐amino‐5‐cyanopyridine (2‐ACP) was investigated in solution at different pH values by i n situ surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy combined with the electrochemical method. The assignments of the main bands were first performed on the basis of the spectral features of similar compounds and with the help of density functional theory calculations. The results revealed that the adsorption and the interfacial structure of 2‐ACP on the Au electrode depended on the applied potential and the pH values of the solution. In the natural solution, 2‐ACP was adsorbed on the surface with a vertical orientation by the CN group from − 0.4 to − 1.0 V, whereas in the − 0.4 to 0.8 V range, the N atom of the pyridine ring was bound to the surface. A transition region for the reorientation of the two adsorption modes was observed from − 0.8 to − 0.4 V. A flat configuration was preferred at an extremely negative potential. A similar surface adsorption behavior was observed in the alkali environment, while the Stark effect slope decreased because of the adsorption of OH⁻. Due to the protonation of N atom in the acidic solution, the potential region for the coexistence of two configurations ranged from − 0.4 to 0.2 V. Additionally, a similar adsorption configuration was proposed on the Au colloids at various pH values. The results revealed that the adsorption behavior became more complex on colloidal surfaces than that on a rigid electrode surface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.