ON CHARGE TRANSFER COMPLEXES BETWEEN SUBSTANCES OF BIOCHEMICAL INTEREST

Abstract

The method of freezing samples affords a simple and effective means for the observation of complexes. Since the procedure is easily reversible, a color change probably indicates complexing rather than an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction. The specificities and the position of the energy levels of the molecules involved suggest that the complexes involve charge transfer. In this way the existence of charge transfer complexes in the following couples may be demonstrated reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide-flavin mononucleotide (DPNH-FMN), reduced triphosphopyridine-nucleotide-FMN (TPNH-FMN), tryptophan-DPN+, tryptophan-TPN+, FMN-FMN [sic][FMN-FMNH?], serotonin-FMN, tryptophan-FMN.