Microwave Detection of Metallic Ions and Organic Radicals in Plant Materials

Abstract

IN numerous plant substances we have detected strong electron-magnetic resonances from manganese ions (see Fig. 1, for example). The manganese resonance can be immediately recognized by its six-line hyperfine structure resulting from the manganese nuclear interaction (spin 5/2). In all plant materials in which it was found, the multiple spacing was exactly that for manganese ions in aqueous solution (component separations of 95 gauss). Since the manganese multiplet spacing in crystals has been found to depend upon crystalline fields, we conclude that the manganese ions which we have found in plants may be dissolved in their water content.