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Analysis of photochemical pollution in summer and winter using a photochemical box model in the center of Tokyo, Japan.

In order to give an effective and rapid analysis of the photochemical pollution and information for emission control strategies, a photochemical box model (PBM) was applied to one moderate summer episode, 11 July 1996, and one typical winter episode, 3 December 1996, in the center of Tokyo, Japan. The box model gave a good prediction of the photochemical pollution with minimal investment. As expected, the peak ozone in summer is higher than in winter. The NOx concentrations in winter are higher than those in summer. In summer, NO and NO2 have one peak in the morning. In winter, NO and NO2 show two peaks during the day. Three model runs including no reactions, a zero ozone boundary condition and dark reactions were conducted to understand the photochemical processes. The effects of emission reduction on the formation of the photochemical pollution in the center of Tokyo have been studied. The results show that the reduction of NMHC emission can decrease the ozone, however, the reduction of NOx emission can increase the ozone. It can be concluded that if the NOx emission are reduced, the reduction of NMHC should be more emphasized in order to decrease the ozone concentration in the center of Tokyo, Japan, especially the reduction of the NMHC from stationary source emission.

Air Pollution↗

Photochemical functionalization of hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces: a structural and mechanistic study.

Hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces can be covalently modified with molecules bearing a terminal vinyl (C=C) group via a photochemical process using sub-band-gap light at 254 nm. We have investigated the photochemical modification of hydrogen-terminated surfaces of nanocrystalline and single-crystal diamond (111) to help understand the structure of the films and the underlying mechanism of photochemical functionalization. A comparison of the rates of photochemical modification of single-crystal diamond and nanocrystalline diamond films shows no significant difference in reactivity, demonstrating that the modification process is not controlled by grain boundaries or other structures unique to polycrystalline films. We find that both single-crystal and polycrystalline hydrogen-terminated diamond samples exhibit negative electron affinity and are functionalized at comparable rates, while oxidized surfaces with positive electron affinity undergo no detectable reaction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis shows the formation of new chemical products in the liquid phase that are formed only when the alkenes are illuminated in direct contact with H-terminated diamond, while control experiments with other surfaces and in the dark show no reaction. Our results show that the functionalization is a surface-mediated photochemical reaction and suggest that modification is initiated by the photoejection of electrons from the diamond surfaces into the liquid phase.

Journal Article↗

Reaction pathways and mechanisms of photodegradation of pesticides.

The photodegradation of pesticides is reviewed, with particular reference to the studies that describe the mechanisms of the processes involved, the nature of reactive intermediates and final products. Potential use of photochemical processes in advanced oxidation methods for water treatment is also discussed. Processes considered include direct photolysis leading to homolysis or heterolysis of the pesticide, photosensitized photodegradation by singlet oxygen and a variety of metal complexes, photolysis in heterogeneous media and degradation by reaction with intermediates generated by photolytic or radiolytic means.

Animals↗

Intramolecular interactions in the triplet excited states of benzophenone-thymine dyads.

Time-resolved and product studies on the synthesized dyads 1 and 2 have provided evidence that the benzophenone-to-thymine orientation strongly influences intramolecular photophysical and photochemical processes. The prevailing reaction mechanism has been established as a Paterno-Büchi cycloaddition to give oxetanes 3-6; however, the ability of benzophenone to achieve a formal hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group of thymidine has also been evidenced by the formation of photoproducts 7 and 8. These processes have been observed only in the case of the cisoid dyad 1. Adiabatic photochemical cycloreversion of the oxetane ring is achieved upon direct photolysis to give the starting dyad 1 in its excited triplet state. The photobiological implications of the above results are discussed with respect to benzophenone-photosensitized damage of thymidine.

Benzophenones↗

Inhibition of oxygen evolution following illumination of Chlorella cells with far-red light.

The effect of brief far-red illumination on Chlorella pyrenoidosa cells has been investigated. An inhibition of oxygen evolution occurs 20 to 30 s after the end of the far-red illumination. This inhibition occurs in a step following the initial charge separation process by the System II centers. It is reversible in the light through a purely photochemical process.

Chlorella↗

PUVA (psoralen + UVA) photochemotherapy: processes triggered in the cells.

Photochemotherapy using psoralens and UVA is a treatment used widely in some skin diseases, in cutaneous lymphomas and in autoimmune diseases. This review has selected recent publications dealing with the photochemical processes triggered in the cells by UVA radiation and psoralen treatment. The photochemical changes initiated in the cell membranes were described.

Cell Membrane↗

Photoacoustic detection of photosynthetic activities in isolated broken chloroplasts.

Methodology and demonstration how to utilize the photoacoustic technique in photosynthesis research are presented. Photoacoustic signals were obtained from suspensions of isolated broken chloroplasts. In the presence of strong, continuous (non-modulated) background light the signals were normally larger than without the background light. The effect of the background light was saturable and was absent when non-active (e.g. heat-treated) samples were used, showing that the normal smaller signal in the absence of background light is a genuine reflection of the loss of heat due to the competing photochemistry. The effect of the background light is to close the reaction-centers and hence to inhibit the photochemical process. The percent difference of the photoacoustic signal (+/- background light) is taken as a measure of the photochemical activity ('photochemical loss'). Initial results demonstrate the wavelength dependence of the 'photochemical loss'. As expected there was a 'red-drop' decrease of the 'photochemical loss' for lambda greater than 690 nm, when the cofactor methyl viologen was present. Surprisingly, however, there was a 'red-rise' increase for lambda greater than 690 nm when no cofactor was present. These findings indicate that under the last conditions there is an unsuspected photoactivity of PS I which was not detected hitherto by the conventional techniques. The dependence on the background light intensity confirms this result. This photoactivity can be explained tentatively as a cyclic electron flow around PS I, present without any added cofactor. Initial results on the modulation frequency dependence in the presence of electron acceptors are also demonstrated.

Chloroplasts↗

The initiating radical yields and the efficiency of polymerization for various dental photoinitiators excited by different light curing units.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency of the photopolymerization of dental resins it is necessary to know to what extent the light emitted by the light curing units is absorbed by the photoinitiators. On the other hand, the efficiency of the absorbed photons to produce species that launch the polymerization process is also of paramount importance. Therefore, the previously determined PAE (photon absorption efficiency) is used in conjunction with the polymerization quantum yields for the photoinitiators, in order to be able to compare the total process on an equivalent basis. This parameter can be used to identify the best performance for the photochemical process with specific photoinitiators. METHODS: The efficiency of LED (Ultrablue IS) and QTH (Optilux 401) lamps were tested comparing their performances with the photoinitiators camphorquinone (CQ); phenylpropanedione (PPD); monoacylphosphine oxide (Lucirin TPO); and bisacylphosphine oxide (Irgacure 819). The extent of photopolymerization per absorbed photon was determined from the polymerization quantum yields obtained by using the photoinitiators to polymerize methyl methacrylate, and afterwards combined with the previously determined PAEs. RESULTS: Although CQ presents a rather low polymerization quantum yield, its photopolymerization efficiency is practically the highest when irradiated with the Ultrablue LED. On the other hand, Lucirin is much more efficient than the other photoinitiators when irradiated with a QTH lamp, due to its high quantum yield and the overlap between its absorption spectrum and the output of the visible lamp light. SIGNIFICANCE: Difference in photopolymerization efficiencies arise when combinations of photoinitiators are used, and when LED sources are used in preference to QTH. Mechanistic understanding is essential to optimal initiator formulation.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Kinetics of p-hydroxybenzoic acid photodecomposition and ozonation in a batch reactor.

The decomposition of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, an important pollutant present in the wastewaters of the olive oil industry, has been carried out by a direct photolysis provided by a polychromatic UV radiation source, and by ozone. In both processes, the conversions obtained as a function of the operating variables (temperature, pH and ozone partial pressure in the ozonation process) are reported. In order to evaluate the radiation flow rate absorbed by the solutions in the photochemical process, the Line Source Spherical Emission Model is used. The application of this model to the experimental results provides the determination of the reaction quantum yields which values ranged between 8.62 and 81.43 l/einstein. In the ozonation process, the film theory allows to establish that the absorption process takes place in the fast and pseudo-first-order regime and the reaction is overall second-order, first-order with respect to both reactants, ozone and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The rate constants are evaluated and vary between 0.18x10(5) and 29.9x10(5) l/mol s depending on the temperature and pH.

Absorption↗

Chemical processing in the coma as the source of cometary HNC.

The discovery of hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) in comet Hyakutake with an abundance (relative to hydrogen cyanide, HCN) similar to that seen in dense interstellar clouds raised the possibility that these molecules might be surviving interstellar material. The preservation of material from the Sun's parent molecular cloud would provide important constraints on the processes that took place in the protostellar nebula. But another possibility is that HNC is produced by photochemical processes in the coma, which means that its abundance could not be used as a direct constraint on conditions in the early Solar System. Here we show that the HNC/HCN ratio determined for comet Hale-Bopp varied with heliocentric distance in a way that matches the predictions of models of gas-phase chemical production of HNC in the coma, but cannot be explained if the HNC molecules were coming from the comet's nucleus. We conclude that HNC forms mainly by chemical reactions in the coma, and that such reactions need to be considered when attempting to deduce the composition of the nucleus from observations of the coma.

Cyanates↗

(E)-5-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethenyl]cytidine as a chemical actinometer for germicidal UV radiation.

(E)-5-[2-(Methoxycarbonyl)ethenyl]cytidine (S) was examined for use as a chemical actinometer for germicidal UV radiation. Its photoproduct, 3-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-2,7-dioxopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (P), is strongly fluorescent with excitation and emission maxima at 330 and 385 nm, respectively. Experiments were conducted to characterize the dynamic behavior of aqueous solutions of S and P when subjected to UV radiation. UV sources used for these experiments included a low-pressure mercury lamp, a XeBr excimer lamp, and a KrCI excimer lamp; all three sources were mounted in collimating devices to provide incident beams that could be easily and accurately characterized by radiometry. These three sources each yielded essentially monochromatic outputwith characteristic wavelengths of 254, 282, and 222 nm, respectively. At practical concentrations, it was found that the absorbance of the actinometer solution was neither high enough to make the actinometer solutions optically opaque nor low enough to be optically transparent to UV. In addition, the photoproduct displayed a molar absorption coefficient that was similar in magnitude to that of the parent compound, thereby resulting in competitive absorption of UV energy between Sand Pduring irradiation. For purposes of evaluation of the results of irradiation, a mathematical model was developed to accountforthe nonideal optical characteristics of the system. The model is based on a description of local photochemical kinetics; predictions of overall reactor performance were developed by spatial and temporal integration of model results. The model was used to analyze the dynamic behavior of actinometer solutions during UV irradiation and to estimate the quantum yield for photoproduction of Pfrom S. This modeling approach is potentially applicable to other photochemical processes in which multiple compounds are present that absorb photoactive radiation; however, general application of this modeling approach to photochemical reactor systems will require inclusion of othertermsto describe relevanttransport behavior within the system.

Cytidine↗

A mechanistic study of the photooxidation of A2E, a component of human retinal lipofuscin.

A major constituent of human retinal lipofuscin is A2E (2-[2,6-dimethyl-8-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E,3E,5E,7E-octatetraenyl]-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-[4-methyl-6(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E,3E,5E,7E-hexatrienyl]-pyridinium). Light transmitted by the lens is absorbed by A2E and the processes initiated by this absorption has been implicated in several maculopothies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dominant photochemical mechanisms involved in these reactions, whether through free radical or singlet oxygen intermediacy. The photodestruction of A2E occurs faster in water vs. chloroform and hydrogenated vs. perdeuterated methanol. Both results suggest a free radical mechanism. Product distributions indicate sequential oxygen addition rather than the addition of two oxygen atoms which would be expected if singlet oxygen was an intermediate. Finally, EPR trapping studies lead to the detection of superoxide as the primary intermediate in the photochemical reactions. It is concluded that if singlet oxygen is involved in these photochemical processes it is of minor importance.

Free Radicals↗

A new approach to measuring the action spectrum for singlet oxygen production by human retinal lipofuscin.

The human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer contains a complex mixture of components called lipofuscin; this mixture forms with age and with various genetic disorders such as Stargardt's disease. Its presence may contribute to retinal deterioration via several mechanisms including photochemical processes. In the lipofuscin mixture, both type I and II mechanisms have been identified, with the latter consisting of the generation of singlet oxygen. Several components of that mixture have been identified, most notably a bis-retinoid pyridinium compound called A2E and its derivatives. Photooxidative studies on the compound A2E have revealed that its dominant photochemical mechanism is via free radical or type I processes. Because singlet oxygen is an important photooxidative intermediate in tissue, its generation in the RPE may contribute to retinal maculopathies. It is therefore necessary to determine which specific component(s) in the lipofuscin mixture produce singlet oxygen upon excitation with light. This was ascertained by evaluating the action spectrum for singlet oxygen production for the whole lipofuscin mixture using time-resolved spectroscopy. Singlet oxygen was generated by excitation of the sample at different wavelengths while maintaining a constant beam energy, and was directly detected by its phosphorescence decay at 1270 nm using a Ge photodiode. The action spectrum for singlet oxygen sensitization by the organic soluble portion of lipofuscin had an absorption maximum at ca 380 nm, which is to the blue of A2E (maximum at 430 nm). Compounds with a similar absorption maximum eluted in the HPLC earlier than A2E and were detected in human lipofuscin. The concentration of this component apparently increased in concentration in human RPE lipofuscin mixture as a function of age up to 90 years old.

Aged↗

Comparison of advanced processes on the oxidation of acid orange 7 dye.

The degradation of acid orange 7 dye (AO7) was studied using a 1 L semi-batch tank stirred glass reactor for performing three different photochemical processes (photoperoxidation, Fenton, photo-Fenton). A commercial low pressure lamp was used for irradiation of samples. The advancement of degradation was monitored by measurement of color reduction, UV-spectra, HPLC-UV and COD. The obtained results showed that the photo-Fenton treatment was the most effective for the degradation of AO7.

Azo Compounds↗

Photochemically removable silyl protecting groups.

Several o-phenol-containing alkoxyvinylsilanes were prepared and their photochemistry was investigated. These materials were prepared via hydrosilylation of the corresponding o-acetoxy arylacetylenes. Two major classes of photochemical processes were identified in these reactants: trans-->cis isomerization, leading to an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution process at silicon, and 1,5-silyl shift, leading to an unsymmetrical dialkoxysilane. The major outcome of this work is a novel class of photochemically removable protecting groups. Two alkyl substitutions on silicon, the dimethyl and diisopropyl, were examined. The latter is more stable and is preferred for protecting groups that must tolerate multiple steps or reagents. Protection of alcohols is generally performed starting with the arylethynyl acetate, which can be subjected to hydrosilylation, alcohol substitution, and acetate deprotection without isolation of intermediates. Two groups were studied in detail, the phenol and 2-naphthol vinyl silane derivatives. A variety of primary and secondary alcohols were protected with these reagents. These groups can be deprotected cleanly and in high yield by irradiation from 250 to 350 nm.

Acetylene↗

No oceans on Titan from the absence of a near-infrared specular reflection.

With its substantial atmosphere of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and nitriles, Saturn's moon Titan is a unique planetary satellite. Photochemical processing of the gaseous constituents produces an extended haze that obscures the surface. Soon after the Voyager fly-bys in 1980 and 1981 photochemical models led to the conclusion that there should be enough liquid methane/ethane/nitrogen to cover the surface to a depth of several hundred metres. Recent Earth-based radar echoes imply that surface liquid may be present at a significant fraction of the locations sampled. Here we present ground-based observations (at near-infrared wavelengths) and calculations showing that there is no evidence thus far for surface liquid. Combined with the specular signatures from radar observations, we infer mechanisms that produce very flat solid surfaces, involving a substance that was liquid in the past but is not in liquid form at the locations we studied.

Journal Article↗

Biochemical Changes that Occur during Senescence of Wheat Leaves : I. Basis for the Reduction of Photosynthesis.

Changes in activities of photosynthetic enzymes and photochemical processes were followed with aging of vegetative and flag leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Roy). Activities of stromal enzymes began to decline prior to photochemical activities. In general, total soluble protein and the activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase and NADP-triose-phosphate dehydrogenase declined in parallel and at an earlier age than leaf chlorophyll (Chl), leaf photosynthesis, and photosynthetic electron transport activity. Leaves appeared to lose whole chloroplasts as opposed to a general degradation of all chloroplasts based on three lines of evidence: (a) electron transport activity calculated on an area basis declined much earlier than the same data expressed on a Chl basis; (b) Chl content per chloroplast was similar for mature and senescent tissue; and (c) the absorbance at 550 nanometers (light scattering) per unit of Chl remained essentially constant until the end of senescence. Chloroplasts did, however, undergo some modifications before they were lost (e.g. loss of stromal enzyme activities), but the reduction in leaf photosynthesis was apparently caused by a loss of whole chloroplasts.

Journal Article↗

The complex photochromic behaviour of 5,6-benzo(2H)dimethylchromene in 3-methylpentane solution.

The photokinetic behaviour of 5,6-benzo(2H)dimethylchromene was investigated in 3-methylpentane solution by spectrophotometric methods using monochromatic irradiation wavelengths in the UV and visible regions. This molecule only exhibits photochromism at low temperature (T < 240 K), since the rate of the back thermal reaction (bleaching) is very fast (k > 10(2) s(-1)) at ambient temperature. The colour-forming kinetics were followed under continuous irradiation using UV light (318 nm) in two low temperature ranges (160-140 and 235-219 K). In the 160-140 K interval, the temperature is low enough to reduce the thermally activated processes and UV irradiation produces one coloured form, C1 (phi(C1) = 0.42). Visible light irradiation converts C1 (phi(-C1) = 0.10) to a photoproduct, P, which is thermally and photochemically stable in that temperature range. In the 235-219 K temperature interval, both thermal and photochemical processes were detected: two coloured forms, C1 and C2, are produced in consecutive steps, one of them is thermoreversible, whereas the other is photoreversible. Quantum yields of the photoreactions and kinetic parameters (rate coefficient and activation energy) of the thermal ring-closure reaction were determined. Based on the results obtained, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.

Journal Article↗