Photophysics of cinnamic acid derivatives

CHED 1430

Andrew F. Fidler, aff10@albion.edu and Craig Bieler, cbieler@albion.edu. Chemistry Department, Albion College, KC 5850, Albion, MI 49224
Cinnamic acid and several of its derivative compounds have traditionally been used as matrix compounds in matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric methods. While MALDI has become a common analytical tool for mass determination of high Dalton molecules, the mechanics by which the desorption/ionization process operates are still not readily understood. We will report absorbance and fluorescence measurements for a range of cinnamic acid derivatives. This data is correlated to substituant type and position and is compared between compounds that are currently used as matrix compounds and those that are not currently used. Additionally, ab initio excited states calculations are reported as an attempt to learn more about the excited states involved in these processes.