Competition between photodetachment and autodetachment of the 2(1)ππ* state of the green fluorescent protein chromophore anion

J Chem Phys. 2014 May 28;140(20):205103. doi: 10.1063/1.4874643.

Abstract

Using a combination of photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and quantum chemistry calculations, we have identified competing electron emission processes that contribute to the 350-315 nm photoelectron spectra of the deprotonated green fluorescent protein chromophore anion, p-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethylimidazolinone. As well as direct electron detachment from S0, we observe resonant excitation of the 2(1)ππ* state of the anion followed by autodetachment. The experimental photoelectron spectra are found to be significantly broader than photoelectron spectrum calculated using the Franck-Condon method and we attribute this to rapid (∼10 fs) vibrational decoherence, or intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution, within the neutral radical.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anions / chemistry*
  • Electrons
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Vibration

Substances

  • Anions
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins