Dielectric Relaxation Behavior of Glycine Betaine in Aqueous Solution

Dielectric relaxation behavior of aqueous glycine betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) (GB) solutions was examined as a function of frequency from 6.28 × 106 to 1.26 × 1011 rad s-1 (1.00 × 106 to 20.0 × 109 Hz). Two kinds of relaxation modes were observed at frequencies of 1.25 × 1011 and 2.5 × 1010 rad s-1. The fast relaxation mode of which strength decreases with increasing the concentration of GB corresponds to the rotational relaxation mode of the medium, water. The other mode has relaxation strength proportional to the concentration of GB and is attributed to the rotational relaxation mode of GB bearing hydrated water molecules. To evaluate the magnitude of dipole moment (μ) and the number of tightly hydrated water molecules (m) to GB in aqueous solution, an analytical model proposed previously was employed, then, the values, μ ∼ 8.0 D and m = 2, were evaluated irrespective of the concentration of GB. On the other hand, ab initio quantum chemical calculations were carried out to determine the magnitude o...