The photophysics of Cd(OH)(2)-coated Q-CdS in the presence of guanine and related compounds has been examined. Guanine and adenine quench the bandgap emission and reduce the emission lifetime of these particles. Approximately 50% of the bandgap fluorescence is quenched by a low [guanine] (2x10(-5) mol dm(-3)). Quenching takes place with a bimolecular rate constant of 2x10(12) dm(3) mol(-1) s(-1). The presence of these additives did not affect the red emission appreciably. The nature of the interaction between Cd(OH)(2) layer of Q-CdS and the additive has been analyzed by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Interception of the hole by guanine and adenine occurs through their adsorption and hydrogen-bonding interaction between the -OH of Cd(OH)(2) and certain functional groups of the additive. Cd(OH)(2)-coated Q-CdS sensitizes the photodecomposition of guanine efficiently in the presence of oxygen under visible light irradiation. Shallowly trapped and direct holes are suggested to participate in the oxidation. The reactivity of the hole is governed by the redox potential of the solute. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.