X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the nucleotide bases at the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen K-edges.

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectra of three pyrimidine (viz., cytosine, uracil, and thymine) and two purine (viz., adenine and guanine) nucleobases, which are the key constituents of DNA and RNA, were measured at the C, N, and O K-edges using the self-absorption-free partial electron yield mode. The nucleobase samples were prepared as highly pure native polycrystalline powder films. The spectra are analyzed in terms of the electronic structure of the nucleobases. Subtle chemical effects related to the molecular structures of these heterocyclic compounds with extended pi-electron systems are considered and discussed.