Dual chromophore-nitroxides: novel molecular probes, photochemical and photophysical models and magnetic materials

Over the last decades scientists have faced growing requirements in novel methods of fast and sensitive analysis of antioxidant status of biological systems, spin redox probing and spin trapping, investigation of molecular dynamics, and of convenient models for studies of photophysical and photochemical processes. In approaching this problem, methods based upon the use of dual chromophore-nitroxide (CN) compounds have been suggested and developed. A CN consists of two molecular sub-functionality (a chromophore and a stable nitroxide radical) tethered together by spacers. In the dual compound the nitroxide is a strong intramolecular quencher of the fluorescence from the chromophore fragment. Reduction to hydroxylamine, oxidation of the nitroxide fragment or addition of an active radical yield the fluorescence increase and the parallel decay of the fragment electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. At certain conditions the dual molecules undergo photomagnetic switching and form excited state multi-spin systems. These unique properties of CN were intensively exploited as the basis for several methodologies, which include molecular probing, modeling intramolecular photochemical and photophysical processes, and construction of new magnetic materials.     

Novel bifunctional viologen-linked pyrene conjugates: Synthesis and study of their interactions with nucleosides and DNA

With the objective of developing efficient DNA oxidizing agents, a new series of viologen-linked pyrene conjugates with the general formula PYLnV(2+), having a different number of methylene spacer units (Ln) was synthesized, and their interactions with nucleosides and DNA have been investigated through photophysical and biophysical techniques. The viologen-linked pyrene derivatives PYL1V(2+) (n =equals; 1), PYL7V(2+) (n = 7), and PYL12V(2+) (n = 12) exhibited characteristic fluorescence emission of the pyrene chromophore centered around 380 nm but with significantly reduced yields when compared to those of the model compound PYL1Et(3)(+). The fluorescence quenching observed in these systems is explained through an electron-transfer mechanism based on a calculated favorable change in free energy (DeltaG(ET) = -1.59 eV), and the redox species characterized through laser flash photolysis studies. Intramolecular electron-transfer rate constants (k(ET)) were calculated from the observed fluorescence yields, and the singlet lifetimes of the model compound and are found to decrease with increasing spacer length. The DNA binding studies of these systems through photophysical, chiroptical, and viscometric techniques demonstrated that these systems effectively undergo DNA intercalation with association constants (KDNA) in the range of 1.1-2.6 x 10(4) M(-1) and exhibit 2:1 sequence selectivity for poly(dG) x poly(dC) over poly(dA) x poly(dT). Photoactivation of these systems initiates electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the pyrene chromophore to the viologen moiety followed by an electron transfer from DNA to the oxidized pyrene. This results in the formation of stable charge-separated species such as radical cations of both DNA and reduced viologen as characterized by laser flash photolysis studies and subsequently the oxidized DNA modifications. These novel systems are soluble in buffer media, stable under irradiation conditions, and oxidize DNA efficiently and selectively through a cosensitization mechanism and hence can be useful as photoactivated DNA cleaving agents.     

Efficient light harvesting and energy transfer in organic-inorganic hybrid multichromophoric materials

Thin films of silica hybrid materials consisting of two to three covalently bound organic chromophores at different ratios were conveniently synthesized and fabricated. The photophysical properties of these materials have been studied. The fluorescence spectra reveal complete fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from donor to acceptor, and the light-harvesting ability of these hybrid materials increases with increasing the molar fraction of donor chromophore. In a three-chromophore system, the energy is transferred from 300 to 530 nm successfully. Time-resolved fluorescence experiments are employed to elucidate the average rates and efficiencies (84-97%) of energy transfer in these organic/inorganic hybrid systems. The hybrid materials have been shown to provide antenna effect to facilitate energy transfer and light harvesting.     

X-射线荧光光谱法测定锌铝铜合金中的铝、铜、铁、硅、镍、铅和镉

建立了X射线荧光光谱法测定锌铝铜合金ZnAl6Cu1中铝、铜、铁、硅、镍、铅和镉的分析方法。探讨了各元素的分析条件,比较了不同制样方式及不同放置时间对铝强度的影响。在最佳的仪器分析条件下,测定了微量元素的检出限及主、次元素的精密度和准确度。检出限结果表明:各微量元素的检出限均满足标准要求,Cd和Pb元素的定量限稍高。精密度和准确度结果表明,铝、铜、铁元素的测量相对标准偏差在2.1%~5.9%,分析结果与国家标准方法一致。     

A novel nanocomposite material prepared by intercalating photoresponsive dendrimers into a layered double hydroxide

A novel combination for an inorganic-organic nanocomposite material was demonstrated. Anthryl dendron, i.e., poly(amidoamine) dendron with an anthracene chromophore group at the focal point, was incorporated in the interlayer space of ZnAl-NO₃ type layered double hydroxide (LDH) through an anion-exchange reaction. The photoabsorption and fluorescence properties of the resulting material were different from those of the bare anthryl dendron molecule. It was suggested that the change in photochemical properties was due to the organization and π-π interaction of anthracene chromophores within the interlayer of the LDH.     

A photophysical study of the α-carboline (1-azacarbazole) aggregation process

This paper reports a comprehensive photophysical study of the aggregation process of 1-azacarbazole, or α-carboline (9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole), AC, in low polar aprotic solvents by using absorption, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. To ascertain the characteristics of the aggregation process we have studied the changes produced by the increase of the AC concentration and the decrease of the temperature on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the AC monomer. Previously, to aid the interpretation of these results, the hydrogen bonding interactions of the AC monomer with pyridine, PY, and indole, IND, have been also analyzed. The results obtained from these studies reveal that, under our experimental conditions, AC does not form doubly hydrogen bonded cyclic dimers, (AC)(2), but singly hydrogen bonded open dimers, AC-AC, and open higher aggregates, (-AC-)(n). The formation of these species shifts to the red the absorption spectrum of the AC monomer and quenches its fluorescence.     

Novel peripherally substituted zinc phthalocyanine: synthesis,characterization, investigation of photophysicochemical properties and theoretical study

The new thiohexanoic acid substituted zinc phthalocyanine was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H–NMR, electronic spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry as well as DFT calculation studies. The photochemical properties (singlet-oxygen quantum yields and photodegradation quantum yields) and photophysical properties (fluorescence quantum yields and fluorescence behavior) of the compound were studied in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Singlet-oxygen quantum yields ranged from 0.29 to 0.43. However, energy-minimized structure, vibrational frequency, electronic distribution and molecular orbitals were obtained by DFT calculations which were supported by experimental results.     

Linkages Make a Difference in the Photoluminescence of Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with structural designability and tunability of photophysical properties enable them to be a promising class of organic luminescent materials by incorporating well-designed fluorescent units directly into the periodic skeletons. The photophysical properties of COFs are mainly affected by the structural features, which determine the conjugation degree, charge delocalization ability, and exciton dynamics of COFs. To understand the relationship between COF structures and their photophysical properties, two COFs with the same pyrene chromophore units but different linkages (imine or vinylene) were designed and synthesized. Interestingly, different linkages endow COFs with huge differences in solid-state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) for imine- and vinylene-linked pyrene-based COFs, which possess PLQY values of 0.34 % and 15.43 %, respectively. The femtosecond-transient absorption spectra and time-dependent density functional theory reveal the different charge-transfer pathways in imine- and vinylene-linked COFs, which influence the exciton relaxation way and fluorescence intensity. In addition, an effective white-light device was obtained by coating the vinylene-linked COF on a light-emitting diode strip.     

还原态脒类LED光产碱剂的合成及性能研究

光产碱剂作为光固化材料体系中的关键组分,对光固化速率及固化材料性能有重要影响。本文以氧杂蒽酮作为生色团,脒类化合物DBN作为强碱基团,设计并合成了一种新型单组分氧杂蒽酮还原态脒类光产碱剂,并系统探究了其光物理和光化学行为。结果表明,氧杂蒽酮还原态脒类光产碱剂在345 nm区域具有较强吸收,光解后释放的强碱DBN可有效引发巯基-环氧体系聚合。与商品化苄基还原态脒类光产碱剂相比,氧杂蒽酮生色团的引入使光产碱剂的吸收波长红移,能更好地匹配365 nm LED光源;与离子型硫杂蒽酮光产碱剂相比,氧杂蒽酮还原态脒类光产碱剂在光解过程中不产生二氧化碳,且催化效率更高,具有良好的应用前景。     

Probing the photochemical mechanism in photoactive yellow protein

Selectively bridged model compounds related to the chromophore in photoactive yellow protein have been synthesized where the single bond adjacent to the benzene ring (bond 1) and where both bond 1 and the adjacent double bond (bond 2) are bridged. They were compared to the nonbridged reference compound regarding their photophysical properties using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence at various temperatures. Quantum chemical calculations were additionally performed and showed that several conformers are populated in the ground state. The neutral model compounds show that the nonradiative deactivation channel is linked to both single- and double-bond twisting. The relative importance of single-bond twisting is increased for the corresponding deprotonated hydroxy compounds with an enhanced donor character. The simultaneous photochemical activity of both single and double bonds explains the ease of photochemical isomerization in the confined environment of the natural PYP protein and also of the primary step in the vision process in rhodopsin.     

Synthesis and fluorescence behavior of 3‐methacryamide‐9‐carbazole and its polymer 1

A novel acrylic monomer‐bearing carbazole chromophore, 3‐methacrylamide‐9‐ethyl‐carbazole and its model compound 3‐isobutyramide‐9‐ethylcarbazole were synthesized by reaction of 3‐amino‐9‐ethyl carbazole and the corresponding acyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. It can be polymerized easily by using azo‐bisisobutyronitrile as an initiator or photopolymerized without any sensitizer. The photochemical behavior of 3‐methacrylamide‐9‐ethyl‐carbazole, its polymer and 3‐isobutyramide‐9‐ethylcarbazole were investigated by recording the fluorescence spectra in N,N‐dimethylformamide. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of the monomer is dramatically lower than those of its polymer and the model compound in the same chromophore concentration. This phenomenon, termed as the ‘structural self‐quenching effect’, was commonly observed for acrylic monomers bearing chromophore moieties and ascribed to the coexistence of the electron‐donating chromophore and the electron‐accepting double bond within one molecule. The strong fluorescence of the polymer can be quenched by adding electron‐deficient monomers having no chromophore moieties such as methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile, and the Stern–Volmer constants were determined. It is observed that the higher the electron deficiencies of the quenchers, the higher the Stern–Volmer constants, implying a stronger quenching effect.Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of poly(oxyethylene)-substituted zinc phthalocyanines

The synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of the tetra- and octa-poly(oxyethylene)substituted zinc (II) phthalocyanines are reported for the first time. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy and mass spectra. General trends are described for photodegradation, singlet oxygen, triplet state and fluorescence quantum yields, and triplet and fluorescence lifetimes of these compounds in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Photophysical and photochemical properties of phthalocyanine complexes are very useful for PDT applications. The effects of the substituents on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the zinc(II) phthalocyanines (3a, 5a and 6a) are also reported. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (Phi(Delta)), which give an indication of the potential of the complexes as photosensitizers in applications where singlet oxygen is required (Type II mechanism) ranged from 0.60 to 0.72. Thus, these complexes show potential as Type II photosensitizers. The fluorescence of the complexes was quenched by benzoquinone (BQ).     

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence as a cycling process between excited singlet and triplet states: application to the fullerenes

In efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) the excited chromophore alternates randomly between the singlet and triplet manifolds a large number of times before emission occurs. In this work, the average number of cycles n is obtained and is shown to have a simple experimental meaning: n+1 is the intensification factor of the prompt fluorescence intensity, owing to the occurrence of TADF. A new method of data analysis for the determination of the quantum yield of triplet formation, combining steady-state and time-resolved data in a single plot, is also presented. Application of the theoretical results to the TADF of [70]fullerenes shows a general good agreement between different methods of fluorescence analysis and allows the determination of several photophysical parameters.     

Effect of alicyclic ring size on the photophysical and photochemical properties of bis(arylidene)cycloalkanone compounds

A series of bis(arylidene)cycloalkanone compounds based on cyclobutanone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone, C4-C7, respectively, with a D-π-A-π-D structure containing the same donor and acceptor but different alicyclic rings was prepared. The effects of alicyclic ring size on the photophysical, photochemical and electrochemical properties of these compounds were investigated systematically. We found that an increase of the number of carbons in the central alicyclic ring leads to changes in geometry, which has significant effects on the conjugation, and photophysical and photochemical properties. These effects include decreases in the fluorescence quantum yield, transient lifetimes, peak extinction coefficients, and the singlet oxygen quantum yield with the increase of the ring size. The one-photon absorption spectra, the two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra, and the fluorescence spectra all show a hypsochromic shift with increasing ring size. The results of this study provide guidance for the design of new cycloketone-based D-π-A-π-D 2PA compounds for photopolymerization and photodynamic therapy applications.     

Solvent-induced modulation of collective photophysical processes in fluorescent silica nanoparticles

In this paper we show how it is possible to control the nature and the efficiency of collective photophysical processes in a network composed of two different fluorescent units organized on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Such a structure is obtained by covering nanoparticles with a layer of dansyl moieties (Dns) and by partially protonating them in solution. The two fluorophores Dns and Dns.H(+) have very different photophysical properties and can be selectively excited and detected. The interaction between the two units Dns and Dns.H(+) has been first investigated in a reference compound obtained by derivatizing 1,6-hexanediamine with two dansyl units. The photophysical characterization of this compound (absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, quantum yield, and lifetime) showed that the two moieties can be involved both in energy and electron-transfer processes. Dansylated nanoparticles were prepared by modifying preformed silica nanoparticles with dansylated (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane. Photophysical studies indicated that protonation has a dramatic effect on the fluorescence of the nanoparticles, leading to the quenching of both the protonated units and the surrounding nonprotonated ones. This amplified response to protonation, due to charge-transfer interactions, is solvent-dependent and is less efficient in pure chloroform with respect to acetonitrile/chloroform (5/1 v/v) mixtures. The reduced efficiency of the electron-transfer processes responsible for the quenching makes energy transfer competitive to such an extent that in pure chloroform excitation energy migration takes place from Dns.H(+) to Dns with great efficiency.     

Photophysical properties of octupolar chromophore based on triazine core and fluorene divinylene conjugated bridge

A novel octupolar chromophore with 1,3,5-triazine as core,2,7-divinylene-9,9-dimethylfluorene as extendedπ-conjugated bridge,triarylamine as the electron-donating end-groups was successfully synthesized and characterized.Their linear photophysical and two-photon absorption(TPA) properties were investigated by UV absorption,excited fluorescence(SPEF) spectra and nonlinear transmission method,respectively.The absorption cut-off of the chromophore is below 520 nm and it has stronger fluorescence emission in a nonpolar solvent.In addition,the chromophore exhibits larger TPA cross-section(226.0 GM) in the femtosecond regime at 800 nm.     

Lipophilic phthalocyanines for their potential interest in photodynamic therapy: synthesis and photo-physical properties

Several phthalocyanines with different peripheral substituents were prepared and characterized by MALDI-TOF, ¹H NMR, UV–vis, fluorescence, and singlet oxygen quantum yields and retention time in HPLC normal phase. Zinc was used as a central metal ion to increase the photodynamic therapy efficiency. Phthalonitrile or 4-nitro phthalonitriles were used as starting materials. The influence of lipophilicity on the photophysical and photochemical properties was evaluated.     

纳米SiO_2颗粒表面修饰的有机分子在介质中的光物理行为研究

利用Sol-Gel方法投篮了单分散性很好的球型二氧化硅纳米颗粒，通过表面化 学修饰法引入了带有荧光发色团的有机分子，通过稳态光物理方法研究了纳米颗粒 表面的有机分子在水、乙醇以及阴、阳离子表面活性剂悬浮液中的光物理行为。实 验表明，纳米颗粒表面有机分子的分散状态是决定其光物理行为的主要因素。这一 结果为设计和开发新型“壳-核”型纳米二氧化硅荧光传感器提供了有用的参考。     

Biomolecular and Supramolecular Kinetics in the Submicrosecond Time Range: the Fluorazophore Approach

Fluorophores based on the azo chromophore 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene, referred to as fluorazophores, display an exceedingly long fluorescence lifetime and undergo quenching upon contact with efficient hydrogen or electron donors. These photophysical and photochemical properties allow several uncommon applications to biomolecular and supramolecular kinetic studies in the submicrosecond time range. Examples for kinetics of host–guest complexation, end-to-end contact formation in polypeptides, and lateral diffusion in membrane models are described. Principal requirements for these types of kinetic measurements and the dependence of the kinetics of diffusion-controlled reactions on the dimensionality of the system are discussed.     

Time-resolved total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy of polymer films

Using total internal reflection, the possibility of a subnanosecond fluorescence spectroscopy for elucidating photophysical and photochemical processes of polymer surface is demonstrated. The thickness which can be studied under the present experimental conditions is of the order of 0.01 μm.