Electronic Structure and Photophysical Properties of Isoindole and its Benzo[f]- and Dibenzo[e,g]-Derivatives

The synthesis of N-methyl-benz[f]isoindole ( 2 ) and N-methyl-dibenz[e,g]isoindole ( 3 ) is reported. The NMR. spectra of N-methyl-isoindole ( 1 ) and of 2 have been analysed and the implications concerning the alternation of bond lengths are discussed. The photophysical properties of 1 to 3 have been investigated by the following methods: HeI photoelectron (PE.) spectroscopy, UV./VIS. absorption (polarization measurements by the stretched-foil technique) and emission spectroscopy (fluorescence spectra, lifetimes and quantum yields, phosphorescence spectra), and flash spectroscopy (triplet-triplet absorption spectra). The discussion of the results is based on HMO. and PPP SCF CI. calculations and points to the relationship between the heterocycles 1 to 3 and the corresponding benzenoid hydrocarbons obtained by replacement of the ? NMe? subunit by ? CH?CH? . Some comments concerning the ground state properties of isoindole and related compounds are derived from the analysis of their electronic structure.