Chromone-3-carboxylic acid as a potential electron scavenger: a surface-enhanced Raman scattering study

• Published in: Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP 2011-01, Vol.13 (3), p.112-118
• Main Authors: Machado, N. F. L, Ruano, C, Castro, J. L, Marques, M. P. M, Otero, J. C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Antioxidants - chemistry; Benzopyrans - chemistry; Carboxylic Acids - chemistry; Charge transfer; Chemistry; Chromones - chemistry; Colloids; Colloids - chemistry; Electrons; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Physical chemistry; Raman scattering; Scavengers; Silver; Silver - chemistry; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Stretching
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c0cp01174f

A SERS study of chromone 3-carboxylic acid adsorbed on silver colloids was undertaken, in order to assess the ability of this compound to accept electrons in charge transfer (CT) processes. Theoretical SERS intensities under photoinduced CT resonant conditions have been carried out for both the neutral and the deprotonated species allowing to conclude, by comparison with the experimental data, that the recorded SER corresponds to the anionic form of the acid linked to the metal. It was shown that the SERS-CT mechanism predominates for this particular compound, thus explaining the strong enhancement of the band at ca. 1600 cm −1 assigned to the 8a ring stretching mode. The identification of CT processes is of the utmost importance for understanding the mechanism through which these benzopyranes may act as antioxidants. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of chromone-3-carboxylic acid shows its capability as electron scavenger; a feature closely related to its pharmacological activity.