Crystal fluorescence of carcinogens and related organic compounds

Abstract

The crystalline fluorescence spectra of 41 organic compounds, including 29 known carcinogens, have been observed, when excited by 254 m$\mu $ radiation. For anthracene, 1:2-benzanthracene and other compounds, a correction has been made for self-absorption, and the molecular fluorescence spectra have been derived. In the 1:2-benzanthracene derivatives, a sequence of spectral types is observed, ranging from type A, with a vibrational structure similar to the spectrum of the parent compound, to type E, with a single broad, diffuse band and a major bathochromic shift. The effect is attributed to molecular interaction in the crystal. The molecular photofluorescence decay times of 32 of the compounds are reported.