Excited-state double-proton transfer in a model DNA base pair: Resolution for stepwise and concerted mechanism controversy in the 7-azaindole dimer revealed by frequency- and time-resolved spectroscopy

The excited-state double-proton transfer (ESDPT) reaction in the dual hydrogen-bonded 7-azaindole dimer (7AI(2)) in a supersonic jet expansion has been extensively studied with various laser spectroscopic methods and quantum chemistry calculations by many groups. This article reviews the results and discussions associated with stepwise and concerted mechanism controversy on ESDPT of 7AI(2) together with the excited-state dynamics associated with ESDPT. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.