Effects of ionizing radiation and photolysis on methyl-cobalamin in low temperature matrices: an e.s.r. study

Abstract

Electron capture by methyl-cobalamin in CD₃OD at 77 K occurs into a π* corrin orbital with subsequent transfer ro the Co d_{x²– y²} orbital: in contrast, photolysis causes homolysis of the methyl–cobalt bond giving some methyl radicals and ·CD₂OD redicals separated from the Co^II product and some radicals trapped ca. 8.3 Å from the Co^II as indicated by the triplet-state e.s.r spectrum.