Symmetry‐Breaking Charge‐Transfer Chromophore Interactions Supported by Carbon Nanodots

Carbon dots (CDs) and their derivatives are useful platforms for studying electron‐donor/acceptor interactions and dynamics therein. Herein, we couple amorphous CDs with phthalocyanines (Pcs) that act as electron donors with a large extended π‐surface and intense absorption across the visible range of the solar spectrum. Investigations of the intercomponent interactions by means of steady‐state and pump‐probe transient absorption spectroscopy reveal symmetry‐breaking charge transfer/separation and recombination dynamics within pairs of phthalocyanines. The CDs facilitate the electronic interactions between the phthalocyanines. Thus, our findings suggest that CDs could be used to support electronic couplings in multichromophoric systems and further increase their applicability in organic electronics, photonics, and artificial photosynthesis.     

C64 Nanographene Tetraimide—A Receptor for Phthalocyanines with Subnanomolar Affinity

Phthalocyanines are extensively used by the dye and pigment industry and in photovoltaic and photodynamic therapy research due to their intense absorption of visible light, outstanding stability, and versatility. As pigments, the unsubstituted phthalocyanines are insoluble owing to strong intermolecular π-π-stacking interactions, which causes limitations for the solution chemistry for both free base and metalated phthalocyanines. Here we show a supramolecular host–guest strategy to dissolve phthalocyanines into solution. C₆₄ nanographene tetraimide ( 1 ) binds two free base/zinc/copper phthalocyanines in a 1 : 2 stoichiometry to solubilize phthalocyanines as evidenced by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorption and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Binding studies using a tetra-tert-butyl-substituted soluble phthalocyanine revealed binding affinities of up to 10⁹ M⁻¹ in tetrachloromethane, relating to a Gibbs free energy of −52 kJ mol⁻¹. Energy decomposition analysis revealed that complexes between 1 and phthalocyanines are stabilized by dispersion interactions followed by electrostatics as well as significant charge-transfer interactions.     

Halosulfo Derivatives of Phthalic Acid and Octasubstituted Metal Phthalocyanines on Their Basis

There have been synthesized triammonium salts of 4-halo-5-sulfophthalic acids and octasubstituted copper(II) and cobalt(II) phthalocyanines on their basis. The electronic absorption spectra of the synthesized metal phthalocyanines have been shown to depend on the solvent and complex-forming metal.     

Phthalocyanine-pyrene conjugates: a powerful approach toward carbon nanotube solar cells

In the present work, a new family of pyrene (Py)-substituted phthalocyanines (Pcs), i.e., ZnPc-Py and H(2)Pc-Py, were designed, synthesized, and probed in light of their spectroscopic properties as well as their interactions with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The pyrene units provide the means for non-covalent functionalization of SWNTs via π-π interactions. Such a versatile approach ensures that the electronic properties of SWNTs are not impacted by the chemical modification of the carbon skeleton. The characterization of ZnPc-Py/SWNT and H(2)Pc-Py/SWNT has been performed in suspension and in thin films by means of different spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical techniques. Transient absorption experiments reveal photoinduced electron transfer between the photoactive components. ZnPc-Py/SWNT and H(2)Pc-Py/SWNT have been integrated into photoactive electrodes, revealing stable and reproducible photocurrents with monochromatic internal photoconversion efficiency values for H(2)Pc-Py/SWNT as large as 15 and 23% without and with an applied bias of +0.1 V.     

Liquid crystalline metal-free phthalocyanines designed for charge and exciton transport

A joint theoretical and experimental study of the electronic and structural properties of liquid crystalline metal-free phthalocyanines bearing a strong potential for charge and exciton transport has been performed. The synthesis of such compounds has been triggered by quantum chemical calculations showing that: (i) hole transport is favored in metal-free phthalocyanines by their extremely low reorganization energy (0.045 eV) and large electronic splittings; and (ii) the efficiency of energy transfer along the one-dimensional discotic stacks is weakly affected by rotational disorder due to the two-dimensional character of the molecules. We have synthesized two metal-free phthalocyanines with different branched aliphatic chains on the gram scale to allow for a full characterization of their solid-state properties. The two compounds self-organize in liquid crystalline mesophases, as evidenced by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and molecular dynamics simulations. They exhibit a columnar rectangular mesophase at room temperature and a columnar hexagonal mesophase at elevated temperature.     

Synthesis and properties of tetra-4-morpholinyl(piperidinyl)-5-R-substituted phthalocyanines

Demetallation of magnesium tetra-4-morpholinyl(piperidinyl)-5-R-substituted phthalocyanines was performed to obtain the corresponding metal-free phthalocyanines. Their electronic absorption spectra were shown to depend on the nature of the solvent. It was found that both the saturated heterocycle and the oxyaryl substituent have almost no effect on the position of the absorption maximum.     

5-Acylamino-4-phenoxyphthalodinitriles and Metal Phthalocyanines Based Thereon

Tetra(5-acetylamino-4-phenoxy)-, tetra(5-benzoylamino-4-phenoxy)-, and tetra(5-octanoylamino-4-phenoxy)phthalocyanines are synthesized, and their electronic absorption spectra are studied.     

Phthalocyanines and related compounds: XLIV. Synthesis of conjugates of phthalocyanines with rhodamines

A series of conjugates of sulfo- and carboxy-substituted phthalocyanines with rhodamines were prepared, and their electronic absorption and luminescence spectra were studied. An intramolecular transfer of the excitation energy from the rhodamine moiety (donor) to the phthalocyanine moiety (acceptor) was revealed.     

Synthesis and electronic spectra of dimeric phthalocyanines

Dimeric phthalocyanines of a new type with a bridging 9,9,10,10-tetramethyl-9,10-dihydroanthracene fragment were synthesized. On the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis and molecular modeling of 9,9,10,10-tetramethyl-9,10-dihydroanthracene, a nearly planar structure was assumed for these phthalocyanines. The electronic absorption spectra of the obtained phthalocyanines and their monomeric and conjugated dimeric analogs were compared. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 1686–1692, October, 2006.     

Cyclodextrin-functionalised gold nanoparticles via streptavidin: a supramolecular approach

Biofunctionalised nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased attention both for their potential use as drug carriers and imaging agents and for their applications in medical diagnostics. Functionalised gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bring together their unique electronic and optical properties (including strong plasmon absorption bands and enhanced light scattering) with the specific capabilities of the functionalising biological molecule. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used to functionalise NPs with different approaches. CDs are able to protect from physical, chemical and enzymatic degradation drugs that are included in their cavity. In this study, we report on a new supramolecular approach for the fabrication of CD-functionalised AuNPs. Particularly, we synthesised streptavidin (SA)-coated NPs modified with biotinylated β- and γ-CD, in order to exploit the interaction with SA.     

Synthesis and characterization of phthalocyanines with direct Si-Si linkages

Several cofacial phthalocyanines (Pcs) with an Si-Si linkage were obtained by one-step condensation of 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-diimine with hexachlorodisilane as template in quinoline. They were characterized by gel-permeation chromatography, IR, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. The results strongly suggest that we indeed obtained Pc dimers directly linked by an Si-Si bond using this novel concept of utilizing a compound/salt with an element-element bond as a template. The cofacial dimer structures are reasonably supported by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra, and molecular orbital (MO) calculations. Interestingly, they show an electronic absorption spectrum very similar to that of silicon tetrabenztriazacorrole (SiTBC).     

Synthesis,spectral, magnetic,thermal and antibacterial studies on symmetrically substituted 1,8,15,22-tetra- phenylpropene-1-imino phthalocyanines

This article describes a simple method developed for the synthesis of symmetrically substituted 1,8,15,22-tetra-phenylpropene-1-imino phthalocyanines (M-PhproImPcs) of cobalt(II), copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) by condensing 1,8,15,22-tetra amino phthalocyanines with cinnamaldehyde. The dark bluish-green colored tetraimino substituted phthalocyanine derivatives were characterized by elemental analysis, electronic spectra, IR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, powder XRD and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to check the structural integrity and purity. The variations of magnetic moment as a function of field strength indicated the presence of intermolecular co-operative interactions. The complexes were also evaluated for their antibacterial activities.     

Quantum chemical investigation on the structural and electronic properties of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin complexes: DFT and QTAIM analysis

To characterize the structural, thermochemical and electronic aspects in complexes of leucine, vanillin and mechlorethamine with α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs), a density functional theory (DFT) study has been conducted in combination with quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis. The QTAIM method has been utilized to explore the nature of various possible interactions between leucine, vanillin and mechlorethamine with CDs in terms of bond critical points (BCPs). HOMO and LUMO and atomic charges studies show charge transfer occurs between drugs and cyclodextrins. This behavior has been also investigated via QTAIM charge analysis. On the other hand, based on QTAIM electronic energy indicators we have discussed electrostatic character of interactions between vanillin, leucine and mechlorethamine with inner surface CDs in the coordination sphere.     

Cobalt(II) Tetraaminotetranitrophthalocyanine and Its N-Acyl Derivatives

The reaction of 4-acylamino-5-nitrophthalocyanines with cobalt(II) chloride was used to prepare for the first time the corresponding cobalt phthalocyanines. Hydrolysis of cobalt(II) tetra-4-acetylamino-tetra-5-nitrophthalocyanine gave cobalt(II) tetra-4-aminotetra-5-nitrophthalocyanine. The effect of amino(acylamino) and nitro groups on the properties of the metal complexes, particularly on their electronic absorption spectra, was demonstrated.     

Bifunctional octasubstituted phthalocyanines. Synthesis and properties

Data on the synthesis of bifunctional octasubstituted phthalocyanines are reported. Some specificities of their electronic absorption spectra, thermal stability, and other properties, depending on the substituent nature and central metal ion, are revealed.     

Comparative studies of photophysical and photochemical properties of solketal substituted platinum(II) and zinc(II) phthalocyanine sets

A complete set of platinum(II) solketal substituted phthalocyanines has been synthesized and characterized. To evaluate their potential as Type II photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, comparative studies of their photophysical and photochemical properties with analogous zinc(II) series have been achieved: electronic absorption, fluorescence quantum yields, lifetimes, and fluorescence quenching by benzoquinone, as well as singlet oxygen generation and photodegradation. It appears that platinum(II) phthalocyanines are worth being used as Type II photosensitizers, as they exhibit good singlet oxygen generation and appropriate photodegradation.     

Synthesis,structural investigations and biological studies on symmetrically substituted 4,4′,4″,4″′- tetra-methoxyphenylimino phthalocyanine complexes

The synthesis and characterization of novel metal(II) 4,4′,4″,4″′-tetra-methoxyphenylimino substituted phthalocyanines (MImPc) of copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) by condensing the 4,4′,4″,4″′-tetra amino phthalocyanines with anisaldehyde are described. The dark bluish green colored tetraimino substituted phthalocyanine derivatives are characterized by various physico-chemical techniques, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, electronic, and IR spectra, powder X-ray diffraction and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) to check the structural integrity and purity. The variations of magnetic moment as a function of field strength indicated the presence of intermolecular co-operative interactions. The complexes are also evaluated for their antifungal and antibacterial activities.     

NIR to UV absorption spectra and the optical constants of phthalocyanines in glassy medium

Optical absorption studies of phthalocyanines (Pc-s) in borate glass matrix have been reported for the first time. Measurements have been done corresponding to photon energies between 1.1 and 6.2 eV for free base, manganese, iron, nickel, molybdenum, cobalt and copper phthalocyanines. Several new discrete transitions are observed in the UV-vis region of the spectra in addition to a strong continuum component of absorption in the IR region. Values of some of the important optical constants viz. absorption coefficient (alpha), molar extinction coefficient (epsilon), absorption cross-section (sigma(a)), band width (delta lambda), electric dipole strength (q2) and oscillator strength (f) for the relevant electronic transitions are also presented. All the data reported for Pc-s in the new matrix have been compared with those corresponding to solution, vapor and thin film media.     

酞菁染料的金属化和溴化与光物理影响的研究

以α位(2,4-二特戊基)苯氧基邻苯二腈作为环合前体,制备了多种金属酞菁,产物经元素分析、紫外、红外、核磁氢谱等分析手段进行表征.并选择了部分酞菁进行溴化,其中着重研究了不同中心金属以及溴化对染料Q带吸收的影响.结果表明,酞菁染料的金属化对于其Q带吸收影响很大,多数染料金属化后会出现蓝移,而选择合适的条件进行溴化,可以使得金属酞菁的Q带吸收出现一定程度的红移,其中部分溴化金属酞菁的吸收波长与光信息产业中使用的近红外激光器很接近,具有潜在的实用价值.     

Glucose orientation and dynamics in alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins

We investigate, using molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations, the conformational behavior of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins (CDs). Our analysis of a 30 ns trajectory of CD solution dynamics reveals the underlying conformational behaviours of the CDs that explain their relative flexibility. The distributions of the torsion angles related to the glycosidic linkages, P(phi,psi) were calculated for the three CDs. Most noticeable is the limited range in phi torsion rotations compared with psi rotations for all the CDs. This difference between the three CDs is amplified in the motion and dynamics of their glucose monomers when we monitor their orientational and librational positions relative to the macrocyclic mean plane. The relaxation times of the monomers to their equilibrium orientations follow the pattern gamma-CD > alpha-CD > beta-CD. The root-mean-square deviations of the motion of the monomer centers of mass from the mean macrocyclic planes exhibit the same trend.