Photochemical reaction of harmaline. Part 1. Electronic spectra

Abstract

Electronic spectra (absorption, excitation and fluorescence spectra) of harmaline in organic solvents have been recorded. The unusual behaviour of this alkaloid has been studied by excited state proton transfer from organic solvents. The effect of the presence of water in the organic media on the electronic spectra and on the prototropic equilibria in the ground and excited singlet states are discussed briefly. Harmine was selected to be used as a model compound.