The photophysics of trans-stilbene

The fluorescence lifetime of trans-stilbene in dilute methylcyclohexane/iso-hexane solution has been measured and the mean S₁ radiative (k_F), radiationless (k_I) and cis-isomerization (k_C) rate parameters have been determined from ?90 to 60°C. S_i consists of a fluorescent trans (¹B_u^*) state (k_F⁰ = 6.0 × 10⁸ s^?1) which undergoes reversible thermal-activated rotational internal conversion (ΔH = 1.75 kcal mole^?1, ΔS = 10.6 cal deg^?1 mole^?1) to a non-fluorescent perp (¹A_g^*) state. p(¹A_g^*) lies 610 cm^?1 above t (¹B_u^*) with an intermediate S₁ potential maximum. p(¹A_g^*) undergoes internal conversion(k_I.^∞ = 5.8 × 10⁸ s^?1) to p (¹A_g) leading to cis-isomerization. This is the main isomerization channel over the whole temperature range.     

Picosecond photophysics of diphenylpolyenes: evidence for the influence of excited-state conformational changes on the energy gap ΔE(Bu*-Ag*)

B_u and A_g excited singlet states are directly observed in DPH (all-trans-1,6-diphenylhexatriene) and DPO (all-trans-1,8-diphenyloctatetraene) using picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Two absorption bands near 4800 and 6500 Å are observed and assigned to B_u and A_g excited singlet states, respectively. Time-resolved evolution, on a picosecond time scale, shows that in both DPO and DPH a thermal equilibrium exists between the B_u and A_g states with a non-negligible B_u population at room temperature even in DPO. Temperature variations enable us to deduce the energy gap ΔE between these two states. It is shown that conformational changes, including the solvent cage effect, significantly influence the ΔE value which is less in the excited-state than in the ground-state conformation.     

The 1B1u ← 1A1g 0—0 transition in crystal benzene

The transition linewidth ΔE in crystal C₆H₆, C₆D₆ and sym-C₆H₃D₃ has been measured as a function of temperature T from 4.2 to 135°K, and it extrapolates to a common value of ΔE_o = 50 cm^? at O°K. In C₆H₆ ΔE = (50 + 7T^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) cm^?1, indicative of strong exciton—phonon coupling, and there is a line shift of +40 cm^?1 per substituent deuteron. Fluorescence excitation spectral data are used to separate the ¹B_1u(= S₂) decay rate k_H = 9.4 × 10¹² sec^?1, derived from ΔE₀, into S₂S₁ internal conversion (rate ≈ 6.6 × 10¹² sec^?1) and S₂S_x (channel 3) internal conversion (rate ≈ 2.8 × 10¹² sec^?1. A similar value of k_H = 9.9 × 10¹² sec^?1 is obtained from the S₂S_o fluorescence quantum yield of liquid benzene.     

Absorption,fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra of the singlet and triplet states of s-tetrazine in the crystal and in mixed crystals at low temperatures

The electronic absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra of s-tetrazine at low temperatures (4.2-1.5 K) are reported and analyzed in the neat crystal and in several mixed crystals. The ³B_3u-¹A_g (nπ^*) origin is at 18414 ± 5 cm^?1 for neat tetrazine. In the mixed crystal several sites identified. The lowest energy origin is at 17453 cm^?1 for tetrazine in pyrazine; 17 701 cm^?1 in pyrimidine; and 17 676 cm^?1 in pyridazine. The ^eB_3u-¹A_g (nπ^*) origin is at 14 096 ± 2 cm^?1 for the neat crystal. The phosphorescence lifetime of neat tetrazine is measured to be 96.8 ± 2.1 μs at 4.2 and 1.8 K. All the spectra are predominately composed of members of progressions in a single totally symmetric mode (ν_6a) built upon site origins and vibrational fundamentals. The ν_6a interval is: 743 (¹A_g), 715 (³B_3u), and 709 cm^?1 (¹B_3u) in the neat tetrazine crystal; 732 (¹A_g) and 705 cm^?1 (¹B_3u in pyrazine host, 737 (¹A_g) and 701 cm^?1 (¹B_3u) in pyrimidine host, and 732 (¹A_g) and 703 cm^?1 (¹B_3u) in pyridazine host mixed crystals. All emission spectra may be analyzed by Oi → (ν″_6a)^o_n (i), i indicating the observed s     

Thermodynamic investigation of methyl salicylate/1-pentanol binary system in the temperature range from 278.15 K to 303.15 K

Densities (ρ), speeds of sound (u), isentropic compressibilities (k_s), refractive indices (n_D), and surface tensions (σ) of binary mixtures of methyl salicylate (MSL) with 1-pentanol (PEN) have been measured over the entire composition range at the temperatures of 278.15 K, 288.15 K, and 303.15 K. The excess molar volumes (V^E), excess surface tensions (σ^E), deviations in speed of sound (Δu), deviations in isentropic compressibility (Δk_s), and deviations in molar refraction (ΔR) have been calculated. The excess thermodynamic properties V^E, σ^E, Δu, Δk_s, and ΔR were fitted to the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation and the A_k coefficients as well as the standard deviations (d) between the calculated and experimental values have been derived. The surface tension (σ) values have been further used for the calculation of the surface entropy (S^S) and the surface enthalpy (H^S) per unit surface area. The lyophobicity (β) and the surface mole fraction $(x_2^{\text{S}})$ of the surfactant component PEN have been also derived using the extended Langmuir model. The results provide information on the molecular interactions between the unlike molecules that take place at the surface and the bulk.     

Measurement of kinetic processes in photoexcited stilbene solutions

The kinetics of photophysical processes has been measured in stilbene solutions in the temperature range between ?40°C and 20°C. The population of the S₁ level excited by two-photon absorption (TPA) and of secondary populated levels has been investigated using a probe beam method. It was found an energy barrier ΔE = 5 × 10² cm^?1 of the thermically activated transition S₁ → 1′. The rate parameter of this transition is determined to be k^?1_11′, ≈ 2 ps at very high temperatures.     

The tris(picolinate)vanadate(II) ion: Redox properties and electron transfer kinetics with cobalt(III) amines

Vanadium(II) ions form with the pyridine-2-carboxylate ligand a deep blue, tris-substituted complex absorbing at 660 nm (ε = 7.2 × 10³ M^?1) cm^?1) with a shoulder at 450 nm. Reversible spectroelectrochemistry and cyclic voltammetry were observed for this complex, with E_{$\text{1}\text{2}$} = ?0.448 V vs NHE, and ΔS_rc^θ = ?6 cal · mol^?1 · deg^?1. Electron transfer kinetics with [CO(en)₃]³⁺ led to k₁₂ = 3100 M^?1 s^?, ΔH^≠ = 12.4 kcal · mol^?1 and ΔS^≠ = ?0.9 cal · mol^?1 · deg^?1 (I = 0.10 M). For the related [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ complex, k₁₃ = 1.9 × 10⁴ M^?1 s^?1. The self-exchange rate constant and activation parameters were analysed in terms of relative Marcus theory.     

57Fe Mössbauer effect study of a presumed singlet-triplet transition in [Fe(P4)X]BPh4 complexes,X = Br,I

The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer effect in the solid compounds [Fe(P₄)X]BPh₄ (X = Br, I; P₄ = hexaphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraphosphadecane) has been studied between 4.2 and 298 K. A single temperature dependent doublet is observed. For the iodo complex, ΔE_Q = 2.25 mm s^?1, δ^IS = +0.13 mm s^?1, V_tzz 0, η ≈ 0.8 at 4.2 K, whereas ΔE_Q = 1.81 mm s^?1, δ^IS = +0.20 mm s^?1 at 298 K. The results are consistent with a singlet-triplet transition with k > 10⁹ s^?1.     

Large-scale configuration interaction calculations on the π-electron states of benzene

Ab initio extensive configuration interaction calculations were carried out on the π-electron states of benzene. Among the three π → π^*(e_1g → e_2u) singlet states, ¹B_2u(S₁). ¹B_1u(S₂), and ¹E_1u(S₃), the π^* orbital was found to be velence-like in S₁ and S₂, but diffuse in S₃. All three corresponding triplet states, ³B_1u(T₁) and ³B_2u(T₃), were found to be valence-like. The valence-like ¹E_2g(S₄) and ³E_2g(T₄) states were found to have significant double-excitation character, and were estimated to lie somewhat above S₃ and T₃, respectively. No low-lying S₅ and T₅ states were found. Several low-lying Rydberg states were identified.     

Magnetic circular dichroism and absorption spectra of the mononegative and dinegative ions of [16] annulene

The magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and absorption spectra of the mononegative and dinegative ions of [16] annulene have been measured in the 16000–30000 cm^?1 region. The results are interpreted using a PPP molecular orbital calculation. It is found that the D_4h symmetry, using Slater type atomic orbitals excellent agreement between experiment and calculations is obtained. The excited ²E_g and ¹E_u states of the mono- and dinegative ions have experimental averaged angular monomenta of 1.0 h and 2.3 h respectively and we conclude to planar ring structures for the ions. Variations in the parameters for the PPP calculations, i.e. B, do not influence the MCD values to any great extent.In addition, from temperature dependent measurements between 20°C and ?150°C, the thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔS for the equilibrium observed between molecule and ions in solution have been determined.     

Fluorescence of DPH derivatives. Evidence for emission from S2 and S1 excited states

Absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra, quantum yields, and fluorescence decay times have been measured for several derivatives of all-trans 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in a number of solvents. Emission occurs from the low-lying ¹Ag^*_g state and the ¹B^*_u which is at slightly higher energy. Accepted models for the photophysics of DPH are shown to be inadequate.     

Self-quenching and electronic energy transfer of triplet molecules. The benzaldehyde-biacetyl system in the vapor phase

The triplet-triplet energy transfer from benzaldehyde to biacetyl and the competing self-quenching between triplets and ground state molecules of benzaldehyde were investigated in the dilute vapor phase by monitoring the phosphorescence (T₁(nπ^*)S_o) decay of benzaldehyde. Following excitation into the S₁(nπ^*)S₀ absorption band, a triplet self-quenching rate constant of k_SQ=(2.4±0.1) × 10⁴ s^?1 Torr^?1, corresponding to a gas-kinetic cross section of σ_SQ=0.22 A², was measured. The collision-free lifetime of the benzaldehyde triplet was found to be 2.3 ± 0.4 ms. Substitution of the aldehydic proton by deuterium reduces k_SQ by a factor of two: complete deuteration of the molecule has no further effect. Under the same excitation conditions, the energy transfer rate to biacetyl is k_ET=(2.8 ± 0.1) × 10⁶ s^?1 Torr^?1, with σ_ET = 24 A². This process is not influenced by deuteration.     

Factor group splitting in the lowest triplet state of p-benzoquinone-d4 crystals

Polarized Stark-modulated Zeeman absorption experiments on p-benzoquinone-d₄ single crystals at 2 K show the factor group splitting in the origin of the lowest B_1g (nπ^*) triplet state at 18649 cm^?1 to be 0.62±0.06 cm^?1. The ordering of the crystal states is such that the orbital plus state lies at higher energy. The absence of a measurable factor group solitting in the ³A_u (nπ^*) state at 12.1 cm^?1 from the origin is taken as a further confirmation of the vibronic nature of this state. The ZFS parameter D of this level is found to be ?10±3 GHz.     

Synthesis and Diels-Alder Reactivity of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylidenenorbornane

Pd-catalyzed double carbomethoxylation of the Diels-Alder adduct of cyclo-pentadiene and maleic anhydride yielded the methyl norbornane-2,3-endo-5, 6-exo-tetracarboxylate ( 4 ) which was transformed in three steps into 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-idenenorbornane ( 1 ). The cycloaddition of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) to 1 giving the corresponding monoadduct 7 was 364 times faster (toluene, 25°) than the addition of TCNE to 7 yielding the bis-adduct 9 . Similar reactivity trends were observed for the additions of TCNE to the less reactive 2,3,5,6-tetramethylidene-7-oxanorbornane ( 2 ). The following second order rate constants (toluene, 25°) and activation parameters were obtained for: 1 + TCNE → 7 : k₁ = (255 + 5) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (12.2 ± 0.5) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?24.8 ± 1.6) eu.; 7 + TCNE → 9 , k₂ = (0.7 ± 0.02) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (14.1 ± 1.0) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = ( ?30 ± 3.5) eu.; 2 + TCNE → 8 : k₁ = (1.5 ± 0.03) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (14.8 ± 0.7) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?26.4 ± 2.3) eu.; 8 + TCNE → 10 ; k₂ = (0.004 ± 0.0002) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (17 ± 1.5) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?30 ± 4) eu. The possible origins of the relatively large rate ratios k₁/k₂ are discussed briefly.     

Picosecond observation of fluorescence from B4 states of diphenylpolyenes

Picosecond time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) spectroscopy has been used to study transient behavior in 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene (DPH) and 1,8-diphenylocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (DPO). The observation is reported of short-lived fluorescence lying to shorter wavelengths than the literature spectra for these molecules. From the vibrational structure and the solvent shift of the DPO transient spectrum in benzene with respect to hexane, the pulse-limited feature can be assigned to fluorescence from vibrationally unrelaxed levels of the B_u state. In the DPH case, the relaxation time of the transient feature is greater than the laser pulse autocorrelation width, indicating that the decay of B_u state fluorescence may be limited by vibrational relaxation in the lowest excited (A_g) state.     

Photon-echo experiments on singlet-triplet transitions in organic mixed crystals

The homogeneous optical linewidth of a spin-forbidden S_o → T₁ transition in a chemically mixed organic crystal was directly measured in a two-pulse photon-echo experiment. The experimental values of T₂^Opt for the system dibromobenzophenone in dibromodiphenyl ether ranged from 1.4(3) to 3.8(2) μs, depending on the nuclear spins of the host. A temperature-dependent contribution to (T₂^Opt)^?1 revealed an activation energy ΔE of 13.8(5) cm^?1, which is tentatively attributed to a librational mode frequency.     

Temperature effects on the phosphorescence spectra and lifetimes of 2,4-, 2,5-, and 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehydes dispersed in durene single crystals

The phosphorescence spectra and lifetimes of 2,4-, 2,5-, and 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehydes dispersed in durene single crystals have been measured as a function of temperature between 10 and 200 K. For all the guests involved, the vibrational structures of the spectra are found to be temperature dependent. This is interpreted in terms of two emissions that proceed from a triplet state having predominantly a ππ* character at low temperatures and from a thermally populated triplet state having essentially a nπ* character at higher temperatures. The energy gaps ΔE_T between ³ππ* and ³nπ* states evaluated spectroscopically are found to be 100, 70, and 340 cm^?1, respectively for 2,4-, 2,5- and 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehydes.Activation energies ΔE* determined from the Arrhenius plots of the phosphorescence decay rate constants are in good agreement with the ΔE_T for the first two guests. In contrast, the ΔE* are higher than the ΔE_T for 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehydes as well as for 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (where ΔE_T ≈ 400 cm^?1) because of the rapid increase of radiationless transitions in the temperature range where thermal population of the upper ³nπ* state is efficient. In the low and high temperature ranges, the phosphorescence decays for all these guests are exponential. In the intermediate range, these decays are non-exponential. The origin of these non-exponential decays is discussed.     

Variable temperature multinuclear NMR. Investigation of dimethylformamide exchange on the octakis (N,N-dimethylformamide)-thulium(III) ion

The rate of DMF exchange on [Tm (DMF)₈]³⁺ has been determined by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR. linebroadening techniques. ¹H-NMR. yields the following solvent exchange parameters; ΔH* = 33.2 (±0.5) kJ mol^?1, ΔS* = 9.9 (±2.4) J K^?1 mol^?1and k (200 K) = 2.94 (±0.09)× 10⁴ s^?1, whilst results from ¹³C-NMR. are similar. No evidence, by ³⁵C1-NMR., was found of contact ion-pair formation when the perchlorate salts were used.     

Measurement of state-to-state rotational transfer rates in collision of I2*(B 0u+, υ = 15, j) with 3He, 4He,Ne, Ar,H2, D2 and I2

The selective laser excitation and induced fluorescence observation technique has been used to study rotationally inelastic collisions of I₂^*(B 0_u⁺, υ = 15,j) with I₂, ³He, ⁴He, Ne, Ar, H₂ and D₂. For each collision partner, several initial rotational levels ranging from j_i = 12 up to j_i = 146 have been excited. For purely rotational transfer within the υ = 15 level, our data are perfectly consistent with energy sudden (eventually corrected) scaling laws. Thus, any thermally averaged rate constant, k(j_i → j_f), can be expressed as a function of the basis rate constants k(l → 0). Furthermore, these k(l → 0) are found to follow simple empirical fitting laws. Consequently any k(j_i → j_f) can be predicted given a set of two or three fitting parameters. Collisions with relatively heavy particles (I₂, Ar and Ne) are well described by using the inverse power fitting law k(l → 0) = b[l(l+1)]^?γ, where b = 1.7, 1.2 and 1.2×10^?10 cm³ s^?1 and γ = 1.08, 1.02 and 1.17 for I₂^*-Ne, I₂^*-Ar and I₂^*-I₂ collisions respectively. For collisions with light particles (³He, ⁴He, H₂ and D₂), k(l → 0) shows a sharp decrease with l which can be accounted for by a hybrid power-exponential fitting law k(l → 0) = b[l(l+1)]^?γ exp[-l(l+1)/l^* (l^*+1)], where b = 0.84, 0.71, 2.77 and 2.78×10^?10 cm³ s^?1l⁺ = 20.6, 23.1, 18.8 and 31.4, and γ = 0.66, 0.66, 0.78 and 0.91 for I₂^*-³He, I₂^*-He, I₂^*-H₂ and I₂^*-D₂ collisions, respectively. We confirm that the rotational transfer dynamics in heavy molecules is mainly governed by angular momentum exchange.     

Breaking the Semi‐Quinoid Structure: Spin‐Switching from Strongly Coupled Singlet to Polarized Triplet State

2,7‐TMPNO (4,5,9,10‐tetramethoxypyrene‐2,7‐bis(tert‐butylnitroxide)) was found to exist in semi‐quinoid form with unprecedented strong intramolecular magnetic exchange interaction of 2 J/k_B=1185 K operating over a distance of 10 Å. Structural transformations with the activation energy of ΔE_eq=949 K were observed by varying the temperature, from more quinoid structure at low temperature to more biradicaloid structure at higher temperature. Moreover, this molecule undergoes a transient spin transition from singlet to polarized triplet state upon photoexcitation revealed by TREPR spectroscopy. The spin Hamiltonian parameters were determined to be S=1, g=2.0065, D=?0.0112 cm^?1, and E=?0.0014 cm^?1 by spectral simulation with the hybrid Eigenfield/exact diagonalization method.