| Abstract: | Singlet oxygen generation is reported from (1) enzymatic reaction and (2) electron transfer reactions of the superoxide anion measured directly with an ultrasensitive near-IR emission spectrophotometer by monitoring the O2(1Δg) → O2 (3Σg?) transition at 1268 nm. Near-IR emission spectra from the myeloperoxidase and lactoperoxidase enzymatic systems show only emission of singlet oxygen at 1268nm. The lipoxygenase/Na–linoleate enzymatic reaction exhibits two emissions, 1268 nm and 1288 nm. The latter emission is identified as originating from a peroxy radical. Spectral and kinetic data giving evidence of singlet oxygen generation is obtained from the reaction of potassium superoxide solubilized by 18-crown-6-ether in acetonitrile with a series of organometallic coordination compounds. |
