Double-channel contact recombination of radical pairs subjected to spin conversion via the Delta g mechanism

The contact recombination from both singlet and triplet states of a radical pair is studied assuming that the spin conversion is carried out by the fast transversal relaxation and Delta g mechanism. The alternative HFI mechanism is neglected as being much weaker in rather large magnetic fields. The magnetic-field-dependent quantum yields of the singlet and triplet recombination products, as well as of the free radical production, are calculated for any initial spin state and arbitrary separation of radicals in a pair. The magnetic field effect is traced and its diffusional (viscosity) dependence is specified.     

Singlet and triplet products of the geminate recombination of a radical pair with a single magnetic nucleus (I = 1/2)

The double-channel recombination and separation of the photochemically created singlet radical pair is investigated, taking into account the spin conversion in a zero magnetic field and the arbitrary initial distance between the radicals. The quantum yields of the singlet and triplet products and the free radicals production are found analytically, assuming that the recombination of the diffusing radicals occurs at contact. All the yields are related to the singlet and triplet populations of the recombining radical pair, subjected to spin conversion and contact exchange interaction. The general analytical expressions for the quantum yields are specified for the particular limits of the weak and strong exchange. They are greatly simplified in the case of polar solvents, especially at the contact start. A close similarity is obtained with the results of a previously developed incoherent model of spin conversion, provided that the conversion rate is appropriately related to the hyperfine coupling constant.     

Production of free radicals and triplets from contact radical pairs and from photochemically generated radical ions

The quantum yields of triplets and free radicals (or radical ions) that escaped recombination in photochemically created primary radical pairs (or radical ion pairs) are calculated. As the products of monomolecular photodissociation, the neutral radicals appear at contact, while the ions are initially distributed over the space due to distant photoionization (bimolecular electron transfer) in the liquid solution. The diffusional dependence of the quantum yields is shown to be different when recombination starts from contact or from separated reactants. The experimental data for recombination of ionized perylene with aromatic amine counterions is well fitted with the noncontact initial distribution provided the recombination is also noncontact and even more distant than ionization.     

Cidep study of radical-ion pair systems: Photooxidation reactions of carbazoles by maleic anhydride in alcohol solution

Photooxidation (charge transfer) reactions of carbazole derivatives by maleic anhydride (MA) in alcoholic media are studied by a time-resolved cw-ESR (TRESR) and Fourier transform ESR (FTESR) techniques. The CIDEP spectra observed in the systems (methyl-, ethyl-, and phenyl-substituted carbazoles with MA) remarkably depend on the MA concentration. Under the high concentration conditions, an emissive TM (triplet mechanism) polarization with a slight A/E (absorption/emission) pattern of the RPM (radical pair mechanism) is observed. In the low concentration of MA, a TM-like absorptive polarization is superimposed on the A/E pattern of the RPM. Since this reaction takes place exclusively through the triplet state, this spectral phase reveals that the singlet state of the radical-ion pair (RIP) has an energy higher than that of the triplet state, in other words, the sign of the apparent exchange interaction of the present RIP systems is positive. The total absorptive polarization observed in the low concentration of MA is tentatively explained by the polarization transfer from the excited triplet state of carbazoles in thermal equilibrium.     

The induction of quantum beats by hyperfine interactions in radical-ion pair recombination

Quantum beats were detected in the recombination of spin-correlated radical-ion pairs. These beats are induced by singlet-triplet transitions in a pair due to hyperfine interactions. Singlet radical-ion pairs were generated by radiolysis of hydrocarbons involving acceptors of electrons and holes. The singlet pair recombination was detected by the luminescence of the product (singlet-excited molecules). The beat frequencies measured for (tetramethylethylene) ⁺/(paraterphenyl-d₁₄)-and (durene)⁺/(paraterphenyl-d₁₄)^? pairs correspond to the hfi constants in the cation radicals. The character of the beats differ in high and zero magnetic fields and their shape depends upon the solvent.     

Inhomogeneous electrochemiluminescence. II Markovian encounter theory of the phenomenon

The free energy dependence of the electro-chemiluminescence quantum yield is specified, with the Markovian encounter theory accounting for the reversibility of triplet production competing with the irreversible recombination to the ground state. It is shown that diffusional ion recombination is highly inhomogeneous in space. It proceeds at either large positive ionization free energy (mainly to the triplet product) or at large negative free energy when recombination to the ground state dominates. On the contrary at medium free energies, the quasi-resonant generation of triplets is under kinetic control and therefore much more homogeneous. In this case, both recombination products are generated in comparable amounts.The multiple reversible ionization is shown to act as an independent quenching mechanism previously unknown. The role of the triplet quenching at the electrode is also specified. These effects reduce noticeably the luminescence quantum yield but only at larger triplet life times and in different free energy regions.     

Free energy gap laws for the pulse-induced and stationary fluorescence quenching by reversible charge transfer in polar solutions

The Stern-Volmer constants for either pulse-induced or stationary fluorescence being quenched by a contact charge transfer are calculated and their free energy dependencies (the free energy gap laws) are specified. The reversibility of charge transfer is taken into account as well as spin conversion in radical ion pairs, followed by their recombination in either singlet or triplet neutral products. The natural decay of triplets as well as their impurity quenching by ionization are accounted for when estimating the fluorescence quantum yield and its free energy dependence.     

Photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer and triplet energy transfer in a steroid-linked norbornadiene-carbazole dyad

Bichromophoric compound 3 beta-((2-(methoxycarbonyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-3-yl)carboxy)androst-5-en-17 beta-yl-[2-(N-carbazolyl)acetate] (NBD-S-CZ) was synthesized and its photochemistry was examined by fluorescence quenching, flash photolysis, and chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) methods. Fluorescence quenching measurements show that intramolecular electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the carbazole to the norbornadiene group in NBD-S-CZ occurs with an efficiency (Phi SET) of about 14 % and rate constant (kSET) of about 1.6 x 10(7) s-1. Phosphorescence and flash photolysis studies reveal that intramolecular triplet energy transfer and electron transfer from the triplet carbazole to the norbornadiene group proceed with an efficiency (TET + TT) of about 52 % and rate constant (kTET + kTT) of about 3.3 x 10(5) s-1. Upon selective excitation of the carbazole chromophore, nuclear polarization is detected for protons of the norbornadiene group (emission) and its quadricyclane isomer (enhanced absorption); this suggests that the isomerization of the norbornadiene group to the quadricyclane proceeds by a radical-ion pair recombination mechanism in addition to intramolecular triplet sensitization. The long-distance intramolecular triplet energy transfer and electron transfers starting both from the singlet and triplet excited states are proposed to proceed by a through-bond mechanism.     

Yields of excited states from geminate recombination of hydrocarbon radical ions

A theory similar to the radical pair model for CIDNP, etc., is used to describe the rate of loss of spin correlation in geminate pairs of radical ions produced by radiolysis. The ratio of the yields of triplet and singlet excited states and the effects of magnetic fields are discussed.     

Novel interactions of radical-ion pairs: Cidep studies of photoionization and photooxidation reactions

The time-resolved ESR studies of the photoionization of TMPD in alcohols showed the formation of a transient radical-ion pair and a solvated electron, where the positive sign of the exchange interaction was postulated. The addition of water to this system changed the spin-polarization pattern drastically. The photooxidation reaction of TMPD and N-ethylcarbazole with maleic anhydride (MA) in alcohols showed the TM (triplet mechanism)-like peculiar CIDEP. These phenomena were tentatively explained by the level crossing due to the Coulomb interaction of geminately formed radical-ion pairs.     

Nanosecond time-resolved magnetic field effect on radical recombination in solution

The time dependence of the magnetic field effect on radical recombination in solution has been analyzed experimentally and theoretically. For the geminate recombination of anthracene anions and dimethylaniline cations in a polar solvent, the effect originates from a magnetic field dependent production of triplet states in an initially singlet phased radical pair, induced by hyperfine interaction of the unpaired electrons with the nuclei. The magnetic field dependence of the triplet yield shows a lifetime broadening of the energy levels of the radical pair if a short delay-time between radical production and triplet observation is chosen. The agreement of this delay-time dependent broadening effect with the theoretical results proves directly the coherence of the spin motion in the radical pairs.     

Radical pair substitution in chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization. Co-operative effects

The problem of radical pair substitution in Chemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization is reconsidered. The singlet—triplet evolution in the radical pairs is described in a continuous fashion, assuming non-disturbance of the electron spin state during the scavenging reaction. The CIDNP effect of the recombination product of the secondary pair is demonstrated to result from the “co-operative effect” of singlet—triplet evolution in both the primary and the secondary pair. The hypothetical one proton case, in which the primary pair has different g-factors and a zero hyperfine interaction, and the secondary pair equal g-factors and a non-zero hyperfine interaction is treated qualitatively. Some examples are discussed in which older models lead to a faulty interpretation of experimental results.     

Influence of a magnetic field on delayed fluorescence of aromatic hydrocarbons in solution: I. Dependence on temperature,solvent and solute

The relative magnetic field effects on the total triplet—triplet annihilation (TTA) rate constant, on the rate constant for production of a singlet monomer and on the rate constant for production of a singlet excimer have been measured in a magnetic field range from 0 to 6000 gauss for the hydrocarbons pyrene, 3,4-benzopyrene, 1,2-benzanthracene and phenanthrene in solvents of different polarity between room temperature and 120 K. A qualitative discussion of the experimental results yields the following information on the mechanism of TTA: (i) The ratio of singlet to triplet products decreases with decreasing temperature or increasing viscosity of the solvent. (ii) The magnetic field effect depends much more on viscosity than on temperature. (iii) Singlet monomers and excimers are predominantly formed from different initial triplet—triplet pair configurations. (iv) Ionic radical pair states do not seem to play an important role in the TTA mechanism between equal molecules.     

ANTHRALIN-DERIVED TRANSIENTS—II. FORMATION OF THE RADICAL BY SPONTANEOUS FRAGMENTATION OF BOTH SINGLET AND TRIPLET STATES OF THE 10,10''-DEHYDRODIMER: RADICAL PAIR MULTIPLICITY EFFECTS

The singlet and triplet states of the anthralin (1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthrone) dehydrodimer have been produced selectively in benzene via pulsed laser excitation and pulse radiolysis respectively. The lifetime of S1 is less than or equal to 30 ps, that of T1 short but unspecified. Both states fragment spontaneously to yield a pair of anthralin radicals. The singlet radical pair predominantly undergoes geminate recombination within the solvent cage. In contrast, the corresponding triplet radical pair undergoes essentially exclusive cage escape to give the anthralin free radical (lambda max 370, 490 and 720 nm) which recombines under normal diffusive conditions. Both recombination processes lead, at least in part, to one or more species which have been assigned as tautomeric forms of the original dimer. The anthralin free radical in benzene is insensitive to the vitamin E model 6-hydroxy-2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman and reacts only slowly with oxygen.     

Intramolecular Singlet Fission in Oligoacene Heterodimers

We investigate singlet fission (SF) in heterodimers comprising a pentacene unit covalently bonded to another acene as we systematically vary the singlet and triplet pair energies. We find that these energies control the SF process, where dimers undergo SF provided that the resulting triplet pair energy is similar or lower in energy than the singlet state. In these systems the singlet energy is determined by the lower‐energy chromophore, and the rate of SF is found to be relatively independent of the driving force. However, triplet pair recombination in these heterodimers follows the energy gap law. The ability to tune the energies of these materials provides a key strategy to study and design new SF materials—an important process for third‐generation photovoltaics.     

Reduction of triplet tetraphenyl-prophyrin dication by aryl amines and hydroquinones: Kinetics and primary radical yields

The photophysics and one-electron reduction of triplet tetraphenylporphyrin dication by homologous series of substituted triphenylamines and hydroquinones in acetone solution have been studied by nanosecond flash photolysis. Triplet yield is 0.3 and direct internal conversion from the singlet is a major decay pathway. Quenching rates (10⁹ - 10⁶ M^-1; s^-1) for reductants covering a range of ΔG⁰ 0.4 V lead to reorganization energies λ 0.6 ±0.1 eV. Radical yields (0.38 for the amines) are remarkably constant for recombination free energies between 1.02 and 1.45 V. A rate-limiting step in the back reaction is suggested, involving spin-orbit relaxation of the primary radical pair.     

Controlling electron transfer dynamics in donor-bridge-acceptor molecules by increasing unpaired spin density on the bridge

A t-butylphenylnitroxide (BPNO*) stable radical is attached to an electron donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) system having well-defined distances between the components: MeOAn-6ANI-Ph(BPNO*)-NI, where MeOAn=p-methoxyaniline, 6ANI=4-(N-piperidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide, Ph=phenyl, and NI=naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide). MeOAn-6ANI, BPNO*, and NI are attached to the 1, 3, and 5 positions of the Ph bridge, respectively. Time-resolved optical and EPR spectroscopy show that BPNO* influences the spin dynamics of the photogenerated triradical states 2,4(MeOAn+*-6ANI-Ph(BPNO*)-NI-*), resulting in slower charge recombination within the triradical, as compared to the corresponding biradical lacking BPNO*. The observed spin-spin exchange interaction between the photogenerated radicals MeOAn+* and NI-* is not altered by the presence of BPNO*. However, the increased spin density on the bridge greatly increases radical pair (RP) intersystem crossing from the photogenerated singlet RP to the triplet RP. Rapid formation of the triplet RP makes it possible to observe a biexponential decay of the total RP population with components of tau=740 ps (0.75) and 104 ns (0.25). Kinetic modeling shows that the faster decay rate is due to rapid establishment of an equilibrium between the triplet RP and the neutral triplet state resulting from charge recombination, whereas the slower rate monitors recombination of the singlet RP to ground state.     

Pseudo cage effect in double energy transfer

In some systems, the donor of a triplet—triplet energy transfer can be sensitized in its singlet state through a singlet—singlet energy transfer (Dexter mechanism), where the donor is the acceptor of the triplet transfer itself. As a consequence an extra acceptor molecule in the triplet energy transfer is present in the vicinity of the donor, thus enhancing the efficiency of the transfer process. Experiments show clearly this effect and a diffusional model gives semi-quantitative agreement with the experimental data.