Photochemistry of salicylate anion in aqueous solution

Abstract

Photochemistry of the salicylate anion (HSA−) in aqueous solutions was studied by optical spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and nanosecond laser flash photolysis (XeCl laser, 308 nm). Excitation of this species gives rise to the HSA− triplet state, HSA· radical, and hydrated electron. The last two species are presumably formed due to the absorption of the second photon by the excited singlet state of the anion. In a neutral medium, the main decay channel of the HSA− triplet state is triplet-triplet (T-T) annihilation. The HSA· radical decays in recombination, and the hydrated electron reacts mainly with the HSA− anion.