β-Carbolines. 2. Rate Constants of Proton Transfer from Multiexponential Decays in the Lowest Singlet Excited State of Harmine in Water As a Function of pH

Abstract

The β-carbolines present a complex problem involving multiple equilibria in the excited state in hydrogen-bonding solvents including water. Three excited state species exist: neutral, cation, and zwitterion. Here we examine the multiple equilibria and excited state kinetics of harmine, using time-resolved and steady state fluorescence techniques. From an analysis of the multiexponential decays, measured at the emission wavelengths of the three species as a function of the pH, seven unknowns (four rate constants and three reciprocal lifetimes) were determined. Data analysis was made both by a previously reported numerical method and by analytical solution of the differential equation set. The results obtained accurately describe the independently obtained steady-state fluorescence results. The dramatic modifications of the equilibria and rate constants between the ground and excited states can be understood on the basis of the significative changes in charge densities on the two nitrogen atoms of harmine upon excitation. Mechanisms are proposed for the formation of excited state cation and zwitterion beginning with the excited state neutral molecule.