Abstract
C40 carotenoids fall, with respect to fluorescence in homogeneous solution, into two distinct groups depending on the presence of a C = O group in the molecule. Excitation spectra agree with absorption spectra for the carbonyl derivatives astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. In contrast, zeaxanthin and isomers of beta-carotene have a twentyfold increase in fluorescence quantum yield for excitation around 350 nm compared to excitation near the absorption maximum (at approximately 430 nm). These differences are interpreted in terms of the role of non-emitting 1(n, pi*) states related to the C = O group in facilitating non-radiative deactivation of higher 1(pi, pi*) states.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Chemical Physics Letters |
Volume | 190 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 514-519 |
ISSN | 0009-2614 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |