The influence of dielectric permittivity of the nonaqueous phase on the photooxidation of water at the interface of two immiscible liquids in the presence of a hydrated oligomer of chlorophyll. The role of a proton acceptor

We have investigated polarographically the dependence of the dioxygen yield on the concentration of 2,4-dinitrophenol in photooxidation of water in an octane/water system containing hydrated oligomer of chlorophyll, a water-soluble electron acceptor ferricyanide and a buffer. A linear correlation between the rate of dioxygen evolution and the photopotential at the interface between the two liquid phases is observed. Investigation of the dependences of photopotential and rate of dioxygen evolution on the dielectric permittivity of the nonaqueous phase has shown that with increasing dielectric permittivity, one can observe a decrease in both the reaction rate and the potential difference. The lifetime of chlorophyll in the course of water photooxidation reaction has been measured. Key words: chlorophyll, oxygen, water photooxidation, oil/water interface, artificial photosynthesis.