Abstract

Primary photoreactions of riboflavin (Rf) are considered. The goal was to present data on the transients formed under photoexcitation of Rf: excited singlet and triplet states, triplet reactions with the formation of Rf neutral free radicals, and a radical anion. The absorption spectra of transients are presented, as are the rate constants of their decay. Special attention is devoted to Rf in water (aerobic and anaerobic reactions).

Keywords: Riboflavin (Rf), vitamin B2, sensitizer, photocatalyst, electron donor, Mohr’s salt.