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ESR and ENDOR study of the photooxidation of magnesium and zinc tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrins

Journal Article · · J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00242a010· OSTI ID:6629385

An ESR and ENDOR study has been made of the photoinduced electron transfer from magnesium and zinc tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrins (Mg- and Zn TPPS) to K/sub 3/Fe(CN)/sub 6/ in a H/sub 2/O-Me/sub 2/SO glass. ESR signals from the porphyrin photoexcited triplet state and ..pi..-cation radical were used to monitor the yield of the photooxidation reaction and the kinetics of growth and decay of the redox ions. At low temperature, electron-transfer products are formed very slowly. However, a slight softening of the glassy matrix causes a dramatic increase in the rate of the establishment of a photostationary equilibrium between reactants and redox ion products. In a soft glass, virtual quantitative photooxidation of the porphyrin can be attained within seconds. The electron-transfer reaction is completely reversible. A comparison of the rigid matrix ENDOR spectra from chemically oxidized ZnTPP (or MgTPP) and the photochemically generated doublet radical confirms that the doublet radical ESR signal is due to the ..pi..-cation radical of Zn(or Mg)TPPS. ENDOR spectra provide evidence that under the conditions of the experiments, molecular motion is restricted severely. It is concluded that free radicals are formed as a result of long-range electron transfer. The viscosity effect is attributed to the fact that during the excited-state lifetime of the donor molecules, donor-acceptor pairs can attain a configuration favoring electron transfer. Solvent reorganization around the solvent-separated redox pairs stabilizes the electron-transfer products. Kinetic data show that the back reaction takes place before the redox ions have a chance to diffuse apart.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-84ER13242
OSTI ID:
6629385
Journal Information:
J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 109:8; ISSN JACSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English