The consequences of knocking off a core or valence electron in a complex molecule can vary depending on the specific molecule and the location of the electron that is removed. Here are some general consequences to consider:
Change in charge: Removing an electron from a molecule will result in a positive charge on the molecule, as electrons carry a negative charge. This change in charge can affect the chemical reactivity and stability of the molecule.
Altered bonding: The removal of an electron can disrupt the electron distribution in the molecule, leading to changes in the bonding pattern. Covalent bonds may be weakened or broken, and new bonding interactions may form to compensate for the electron loss.
Reactive species formation: The resulting positively charged molecule, known as a radical cation or an ion, can become highly reactive due to its electron-deficient nature. It may readily participate in chemical reactions, such as oxidation or addition reactions, to regain stability by acquiring electrons from other molecules.
Electronic and spectroscopic properties: The removal of an electron can significantly alter the electronic and spectroscopic properties of a molecule. For instance, the energy levels and absorption/emission spectra may shift, affecting its color, UV-Vis absorption, and fluorescence properties.
Redox chemistry: Electron removal from a molecule can result in an oxidation process, as it loses electrons. This can affect the molecule's ability to act as an oxidizing agent or participate in redox reactions.
Biological activity: In the context of complex biological molecules, such as proteins or enzymes, the removal of core or valence electrons can disrupt the molecule's structure and function. This can have implications for their biological activity, such as enzyme catalysis or protein-protein interactions.
It's important to note that the consequences of electron removal can be highly dependent on the specific molecule, its environment, and the circumstances of the electron removal. Detailed analysis and experimentation would be needed to fully understand the specific consequences in a given scenario.