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Reversible Quenching by Oxygen of the Fluorescence of Polycyclic Hydrocarbons

Nature volume 149, pages 471–472 (1942)Cite this article

Abstract

DURING an investigation into the estimation of 3: 4-benzpyrene by fluorescence measurements, great differences in fluorescence intensity were observed according to the solvent used; for example, the fluorescence is about five times as intense in tetraline as in hexane. These differences were found to be entirely due to a quenching effect of dissolved oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, the fluorescence intensity curves of a series of benzpyrene concentrations are practically identical in all the solvents studied. The most striking feature of the quenching by oxygen is its complete and instantaneous reversibility. The fluorescence of a given solution which has been almost completely quenched by oxygen is immediately and completely restored to its original value if the oxygen is pumped off, and this cycle can be repeated indefinitely.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Research Laboratory, North of England Council of the British Empire Cancer Campaign, Royal Victoria Infirmary,

    H. WEIL-MALHERBE

  2. Department of Chemistry, King's College, University of Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

    JOSEPH WEISS

Authors
  1. H. WEIL-MALHERBE
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  2. JOSEPH WEISS
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WEIL-MALHERBE, H., WEISS, J. Reversible Quenching by Oxygen of the Fluorescence of Polycyclic Hydrocarbons. Nature 149, 471–472 (1942). https://doi.org/10.1038/149471a0

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