TRANSIENTS AND STABLE RADICAL FROM THE DEAMINATION OF ALPHA-ALANINE

The objects of investigation were single crystals of L-cr-alanine, in which radical anion CH3 C . H CO2- has been formed by radiation induce d deamination of alanine. Previously, this stable radical has been spe ctrally identified (lambda(max)= 350 nm, epsilon=1100 M(-1)cm(-1)), an d its characteristics have found to be identical with characteristics of the same radical obtained by pulse radiolysis in aqueous solution. The mechanism of radical formation in the solid state is not known. Ti me resolved pulse radiolysis of single crystal alanine has shown more complicated way of the formation of the same radical in solid state th an in aqueous solution. The electrons abstracted from the solid alanin e molecule neutralise positive the charge of zwitter-ion alanine. Ammo nia is leaving the reaction-complex in time of milliseconds, leaving t he stable radical anion.