The Triplet-state Charge-transfer Reaction between P-nitroacetophenone and Guanosine Monophosphate a Possible Mechanism for Electron-affinic Radiosensitization

Summary

Using flash photolysis it has been observed that the triplet state of p-nitroacetophenone reacts rapidly with guanosine monophosphate to give the p-nitroacetophenone radical anion, and presumably the guanine radical cation is also formed in this reaction. From this observation, it is predicted by theory that a similar reaction will occur between p-nitroacetophenone and the triplet state of guanosine monophosphate. Because guanine is excited to its triplet state when DNA is irradiated with X-rays, it is suggested that the charge transfer reaction between p-nitroacetophenone and the triplet state of guanine contributes to the radiosensitizing action of p-nitroacetophenone.