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Title: Magnetic resonance studies of photosynthetic reaction centers and porphyrins: Progress report, June 1, 1987-January 10, 1988

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5493034

The primary event in photosynthesis is a charge separation reaction involving chlorophylls as electron donor molecules. Work performed has been concerned with photoinduced electron transfer reactions in systems that exhibit some of the photochemical characteristics of chlorophylls. Information on factors that affect charge separation is obtained by monitoring paramagnetic species generated in the reaction using electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. Data on structure and dynamics of doublet and triplet state molecules were obtained with magnetic resonance methods. Of special interest is the application of Fourier Transform ESR methodology in the study of the electron transfer reaction from triplet zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) to duroquinone. FT ESR provides data on dynamics of free radical formation and decay with nanosecond time resolution. The technique can give detailed information on reactions that proceed at close to diffusion controlled rates. Spin polarization effects give an insight into the mechanism of the charge separation reaction.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Univ., Boston (USA). Dept. of Chemistry
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-84ER13242
OSTI ID:
5493034
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/13242-4; ON: DE88004955
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English