Proton is the lightest nuclei and its monatomic form (H1) is the most abundatnt chemical substance in the Universe. The relative lightness and small size of this �quantum� particle explains the unusually high diffusion rate of the 'excess' proton through the hydrogen bond network of water molecules. We have shown recently that radiationless deactivation channel associated with conical intersection between the electronically excited state and the ground state for proton-transfer reaction along hydrogen bonds may provide a very effective mechanism for explanation of functionality of commercial organic photostabilizers, and the photostability of biological molecules such as DNA and proteins [1].A question of control of proton motion with the aid of light fields is not only of fundamental interest, but may also results in some practical applications. Thus the mechanistic aspects of the excited-state intra-molecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) process may be utilized in construction of optically driven photostable molecular switches (a) [2], while the electron-driven proton-transfer (EDPT) phenomenon along the inter-molecular hydrogen bond(s) may provide a template for designing of macromolecular systems, which are able to oxidize water using solar radiation (b) [3].[1] W. Domcke, A.L. Sobolewski, Nature Chem. 5 (2013) 257.[2] A.L. Sobolewski, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys, 10 (2008) 1243.[3] A.L. Sobolewski and W. Domcke, PCCP, 14 (2012) 12807.

Juggling with protons: From theory to applications

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.