Isotope effect with deuterated media in photo- and dark-electron transfer reactions

The effects of isotope substitution were in solvent and acceptor molecules on the efficiency of electron tunneling from electronically excited molecules to acceptor particles in vitreous matrices were studied. Photoelectron transfer from magnesium etio-I-porphyrin to chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were investigated. Ethanol and methanol, deuterated and solidified in the form of transparent glass, served as the matrix. Optical and electron spin resonance spectra were obtained. Photoannealing curves are presented. Deuteration of a molecule of the medium led to a decrease on the rate of photoelectron transfer. The data indicated that the quantum mode of the solvent played a role in the electron transfer reactions