Communication: Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of aqueous adenosine triphosphate at the carbon and nitrogen K-edges

Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy at the nitrogen and carbon K-edges was used to study the hydration of adenosine triphosphate in liquid microjets. The total electron yield spectra were recorded as a function of concentration, pH, and the presence of sodium, magnesium, and copper ions (Na(+)/Mg(2+)/Cu(2+)). Significant spectral changes were observed upon protonation of the adenine ring, but not under conditions that promote π-stacking, such as high concentration or presence of Mg(2+), indicating that NEXAFS is insensitive to the phenomenon. Intramolecular inner-sphere association of Cu(2+) did create observable broadening of the nitrogen spectrum, whereas outer-sphere association with Mg(2+) did not.