PHOTOCHEMICAL-REACTION OF HARMALOL .2. ELECTRONIC-SPECTRA

Electronic spectra (absorption, emission and excitation fluorescence s pectra) of harmalol in organic solvents have been recorded. The unusua l behaviour of this alkaloid has been studied by excited state proton transfer from organic solvents. The effect of the presence of water in the organic media on the electronic spectra and on the prototropic eq uilibria in the ground and excited singlet states are discussed briefl y, as well as those owing to the presence of acidic and basic impuriti es in the organic media on the electronic spectra. Harmol was selected to be used as a model compound. Emission and excitation spectra of bo th alkaloids in an adsorbed phase and in the solid state are also desc ribed.