Spin Effects on Spur Kinetics. 4. Incorporating a Realistic Exchange Interaction

F-cluster: Reaction-induced spin correlation in multi-radical systems

We provide a theoretical analysis of spin-selective recombination processes in clusters of n ≥ 3 radicals. Specifically, we discuss how spin correlation can ensue from random encounters of n radicals, i.e., "F-clusters" as a generalization of radical F-pairs, acting as precursors of spin-driven magnetic field effects. Survival probabilities and the spin correlation of the surviving radical population, as well as transients, are evaluated by expanding the spin density operator in an operator basis that is closed under application of the Haberkorn recombination operator and singlet-triplet dephasing. For the primary spin cluster, the steady-state density operator is found to be independent of the details of the recombination network, provided that it is irreducible; pairs of surviving radicals are triplet-polarized independent of whether they are actually reacting with each other. The steady state is independent of the singlet-triplet dephasing, but the kinetics and the population of sister clusters of smaller size can depend on the degree of dephasing. We also analyze reaction-induced singlet-triplet interconversion in radical pairs due to radical scavenging by initially uncorrelated radicals ("chemical Zeno effect"). We generalize previous treatments for radical triads by discussing the effect of spin-selective recombination in the original pair and extending the analysis to four radicals, i.e., radical pairs interacting with two radical scavengers.

Effect of molecular diffusion on the spin dynamics of a micellized radical pair in low magnetic fields studied by Monte Carlo simulation

Magnetic field effect is a powerful tool to study dynamics and kinetics of radical pairs (RPs), which are one of the most important intermediates for organic photon-energy conversion reactions. However, quantitative discussion regarding the relationship between the modulation of interelectron interactions and spin dynamics at low magnetic fields (<10 mT) is still an open question. We have studied the spin dynamics of a long-lived RP in a micelle by newly developed Monte Carlo simulation, in which fluctuations of the exchange and magnetic dipolar interactions by in-cage diffusion are directly introduced to the time-domain spin dynamics calculation. State-dependent relaxation/dephasing times of a few to a few tens of nanoseconds are obtained by simulations without hyperfine interactions (HFIs) as a function of the mutual diffusion constant (∼10(-6) cm(2)/s). Simulations with the HFIs exhibit incoherent singlet-triplet (S-T) mixings resulting from interplay between the HFIs and the fluctuating spin-spin interactions. The experimentally observed incoherent S-T mixing of ∼20 ns at 3 mT for a singlet-born RP in a sodium dodecyl sulfate micelle is reproduced by the simulation with reasonable diffusion coefficients. The computational method developed here contributes to quantitative detection of molecular motion that governs the recombination efficiency of RPs.

Influence of dipolar interactions on radical pair recombination reactions subject to weak magnetic fields

Monte Carlo simulations of the effects of weak magnetic fields on the recombination of interacting radical pairs undergoing free diffusion in solution have been performed, with the aim of determining the influence on the low field effect of the magnetic dipolar coupling between the radicals. The suppression of singlet-triplet interconversion in the radical pair by the dipolar interaction is found to be pronounced at magnetic field strengths comparable to the hyperfine interactions in the radicals, to the extent that the low field effect is completely abolished. The averaging of the dipolar coupling by the translational diffusion of the radicals around one another is relatively efficient in the presence of strong magnetic fields but becomes ineffective in weak applied fields where the strength of the dipolar interaction is independent of the orientation of the inter-radical vector. Low field effects are only likely to be observed if the motion of the radical pair is restricted in some way so as to increase the likelihood that, having separated to the large distance required for the dipolar interaction to have a negligible effect, the radicals subsequently encounter and have the opportunity to recombine.

Photocatalytic degradation of aqueous 4-chlorophenol by silica-immobilized polyoxometalates

The degradation of 4-chlorophenol with near-UV light by silica-immobilized polyoxometalate (POM-in-SiO2) catalysts has been studied. The silica-immobilized Na6W7O24 (SW7), H4W1032 (SW10), H3PW12O40 (SPW12), and H6P2W18O62 (SP2W18) were prepared by means of the sol-gel hydrothermal technique through the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in aqueous solution of the corresponding polyoxometalate, respectively. The degradation of 4-chlorophenol was monitored by measuring Cl- and CO2 concentrations and analyzing reaction intermediates by GC/MS analysis. During irradiation, 4-chlorophenol first dechlorinated to form hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone, and then these intermediates further mineralized to form CO2 and H2O. The degree to which 4-chlorophenol was mineralized by photocatalytic oxidation was investigated. Results indicate less than 15% for SW7 but nearly complete mineralization for SW10 after 60 min of photoirradiation. The present studies suggest that POM-in-SiO2 catalysts may be a novel type of photocatalyts for the purification of the environmentally chlorophenol-contaminated water.

Application of C18 disks followed by gas chromatography techniques to degradation kinetics, stability and monitoring of endosulfan in water

A comparative degradation study of endosulfan spiked at 35 micrograms/l in water using photocatalysis with (FeCl3/H2O2)/(TiO2/H2O2) and photolysis using either a xenon arc lamp and/or sunlight was performed. After irradiation the water samples were preconcentrated using C18 solid-phase disk extraction and analysis by gas chromatography-electron capture and mass spectrometric detection. Endosulfan sulphate was found in the photodegradation studies. Endosulfan showed high stability in water when it was exposed to sunlight and xenon are lamp, but by means of photocatalysis with FeCl3/H2O2, TiO2/H2O2, the degradation was very fast with half lives varying from 59-98 min. The degradation kinetics followed a first order reaction and the R.S.D. of rate constants, for n = 3, varied from 4-17%. The stability of endosulfan on C18 Empore disks has been determined at 20 degrees C, 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C for periods up to 3 months. Endosulfan was not degraded on C18 Empore disks. Ground water samples from south of Spain (Almeria) were monitored during 1 year. The compounds alpha-, beta- and endosulfan sulphate were detected at concentration values varying from 0.5-540 ng/l.