THE EFFECT OF MICELLAR MEDIA ON PHOTOINDUCED ELECTRON-TRANSFER REACTIONS IN METHYLVIOLOGEN NAPHTHALENE GROUND-STATE CHARGE-TRANSFER COMPLEXES

We have studied photoinduced electron transfer reactions by photoexcitation of ground-state charge-transfer complexes between methylviologen ions and several differently charged naphthalene derivatives. Using laser flash photolysis and picosecond absorption spectroscopy techniques, we have determined ion pair lifetimes and charge separation efficiencies. One-electron oxidation potentials of the napthalene compounds have been measured by cyclic voltametry and complex formation equilibrium constants have been obtained from Benesi-Hildebrand plots. Since most of the biologically relevant electron transfer reactions occur in or close to membranes, we have been interested in the effects of interfaces on the electron transfer reactions studied. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar dispersions as model interfacial environment we have studied the micellar effects on charge recombination and escape rate constants and on the escape yields.