Academic Journal of Chemistry
Online ISSN: 2519-7045
Print ISSN: 2521-0211
Print ISSN: 2521-0211
Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)
Archives
Volume 11 Number 1 March 2026
Solvent Polarity and Microenvironment Effects on the Excited-State Properties and UV Photolysis of Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine)
Authors: Abdourahmane Khonté ; Diégane Sarr ; Pape Abdoulaye Diaw ; Diène Diégane Thiaré ; Jean Pierre Bakhoum ; Ndeye Arame Diop ; Atanasse Coly ; Philippe Giamarchi
Pages: 1-13
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/ajc.111.1.13
Abstract
The photophysical behavior and UV-induced photochemical degradation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) were studied in aqueous, organic, and micellar media using UV–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Solvent polarity, pH, and microenvironment exert a decisive influence on the spectral response and photochemical reactivity of 5-HT under UV irradiation. Solvatochromic analysis reveals a marked increase in dipole moment upon excitation (μₑ ≈ 7.8 D vs. μg ≈ 3.0 D), consistent with π–π* transitions accompanied by a significant redistribution of π electron density in the excited state.


