Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of solvent refractive index, polarizability and density on lycopene maximum absorption frequency (1/λmax), absorption coefficient (A1% 1cm) and spectral fine structure (represented by VⅢ/VⅡ). Methods: Various sample solutions at 0.25 μg/mL were prepared with acetonitrile/water solutions and 21 organic solvents. The electronic absorption spectrum of each solution was acquired by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: Data from the spectral observations of acetonitrile/water solution suggested that an increased (from 0 to 10%, V/V) amount of water in acetonitrile could result in a reduced A1% 1cm and VⅢ/VⅡ, but had no influence on the maximum absorption frequency of lycopene. Additionally, 20% of water could result in aggregate construction of lycopene. Spectral data of lycopene in 21 organic solvents indicated that increased solvent polarizability, refractive index and density could reduce the maximum absorption frequency, A1% 1cm and VⅢ/VⅡ value of lycopene.

Key words: lycopene, electronic absorption spectrum, maximum absorption wavelength, frequency, absorption
coefficient, solvent, polarizability, refractive index, density