THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF CU(II) IONS IN THE PHOTO DEGRADATION OF URACILIN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS - A STEADY-STATE AND LASER FLASH-PHOTOLYSIS STUDY

High intensity laser excitation and gamma-radiolysis produce some simi lar intermediates and hence some similar end products. Evidence for ph oto ionisation through triplet state of uracil in aqueous solutions wa s obtained by ns laser flash photolysis. The effects of Cu2+ ions on t he photo reactions of uracil were studied by irradiating it in differe nt solvent environment by continuous irradiation with 266 nm laser bea m. The transient species involved in such photo reactions namely tripl ets of uracil were monitored by laser flash photolysis and evidence of electron abstraction by the Cu2+ ions from the triplet states of urac il was observed. Possible mechanism for the formation of photoproducts in the presence and in the absence of Cu2+ ions on 266 nm UV irradiat ion has been suggested. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.