The “in-vitro” photochemistry of biological molecules. Part 1.—Energy transfer reactions involving retinol (Vitamin A)

Abstract

A study of the triplet energy transfer from hydrocarbon donors to retinol (vitamin A) is reported. The sensitized triplet-triplet absorption of retinol the retinol triplet level and the first-order decay rate of this triplet have been determined. Quenching rate constants for the reactions hydrocarbon³+ retinol¹→retinol³+ hydrocarbon¹ have been calculated and the result, which are not consistent with normal triplet energy transfer in solution, are discussed in terms of a “non-vertical” energy transfer.