Structure of Pyridazine in the S1 State: Experiment and Theory

The molecular structure of pyridazine in the first electronically excited state (S₁) is deduced from the combined use of resonance‐enhanced two‐photon ionization and mass‐analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopic methods. The equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster single and double (EOM–CCSD) calculation gives the distorted planar geometry for the most stable structure of the S₁ pyridazine. The symmetry constraint of C_2v is relaxed to that of C_s, and consequently many in‐plane vibrational modes are found to be optically active in both S₁–S₀ and D₀–S₁ excitation spectra, being appropriately assigned from the comparison of their frequencies with ab initio values. This indicates that the S₁–S₀ excitation is partially localized, and provides an alternative explanation for the long‐standing spectroscopic puzzle in S₁ pyridazine.     

The LIF excitation spectra of jet-cooled 3-aminobiphenyl

The S₁←S₀ transitions in 3-aminobiphenyl were studied in a supersonic jet by laser-induced fluorescence. The results were compared with ab initio HF, CIS and DFT/SCI calculations and with experimental data for the biphenyl, 1-phenylpyrrole and 2-phenylindole. The equilibrium geometry of the 3-aminobiphenyl in the S₁ state is non-planar with the dihedral angle between two phenyl rings about 5.4° (CIS/6-31G^*). The torsional potential in the S₁ state has been determined by fitting the one-dimensional potential of the form V(φ)= 2 ∑_n V_n(1−cos nφ), to reproduce the observed level spacing (V₂=3420, V₄=−378, V₆=−32.8 and V₈=−2.9 cm⁻¹). The observed deuteration effects seem to confirm this potential.     

Raman spectra and structure of biphenyl isoatomers (the S0, S1, T1 states and the cation and anion radicals)

The Raman and transient resonance Raman spectra of biphenyl (BP) and its perdeuterated analogue (BP-d₁₀) in three different electronic states (S₀, S₁ and T₁) and in two different ionized states (cation and anion) have been recorded in solution. The S₀ Raman spectra have also been measured for the crystalline state. The obtained set of spectra are analysed on the basis of the established vibrational assignments for the ground state of the planar (crystal) and the non-planar (solution) structures. The analysis suggests that BP in solution exists as a twisted structure in the S₁ state, but that it takes planar or nearly planar structures in the T₁, the cationic and the anionic states.     

S1←S0 vibronic spectrum and structure of fluoral in the S1 state

The vibronic absorption spectrum of fluoral vapor was studied in the region of the S₁←S₀ electronic transition (313–360 nm). The origin O₀ ⁰⁺) of the transition (29419 cm⁻¹) and a number of fundamental frequencies in the S₀ and S₁ states were determined. The character of intensity distribution in the spectral bands indicates that the electronic excitation leads to significant change of the CF₃ group orientation relative to the molecular frame. Moreover, it was found that the carbonyl fragment of the molecule in the S₁ state has pyramidal structure (in contrast, the carbonyl fragment of the fluoral molecule in the S₀ state is planar). The experimental torsion and inversion energy levels were used for the calculation of internal rotation and inversion potential functions of fluoral molecule in the S₁ state. The potential barriers to internal rotation and inversion were found to be 1270 cm⁻¹ (15.2 kJ mol⁻¹) and 550 cm⁻¹ (6.6 kJ mol⁻¹), respectively. The conformational changes caused by S₁←S₀ electronic excitation in the fluoral molecule are similar to those observed in acetaldehyde and biacetyl molecules and differ from the conformational behavior of hexafluorobiacetyl molecule. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 294–299, February, 1998.     

Vibronic spectral behavior of molecules. XIII. Theoretical contribution to the vibronic coupling and the dushinsky effect on the S1 ← S0 absorption and the S1 → S0, S2 → S1, and S2 → S0 fluorescences of azulene

Based on the completely optimized S₀, S₁, and S₂ molecular geometries of azulene, the vibronic structure of the S₁ ← S₀ absorption as well as of the S₁ → S₀, S₂ → S₁, and S₂ → S₀ fluorescences is investigated theoretically within the adiabatic approximation. By means of theory-experiment comparisons, the influence of non-Condon terms and of the Dushinsky effect on the vibronic structure of azulene spectral behavior is discussed. Typical for the S₁ ← S₀ absorption and the S₁ → S₀ fluorescence are vibronic transition moment contributions of Condon type, whereas the interpretation of azulene S₂ → S₁ and S₂ → S₀ fluorescences is successful only within the scope of the Herzberg–Teller approach by taking into account vibronic coupling terms and, additionally, the Dushinsky effect in the latter case. An analysis of the relevant vibrational modes is given.     

Theoretical study on geometry and spectroscopic properties of 1,1′-binaphthyl in the electronic ground and first excited singlet states

Equilibrium geometries for the electronic ground and first excited singlet states of 1,1'-binaphthyl have been calculated by minimization of the total energy with respect to all internal coordinates. Using these results, an interpretation of the fluorescence S₁→ S₀ and absorption spectra S_m ← S₀ and S_n ← S₁ in rigid and fluid solutions is given.For the first time the equilibrium geometry of the first excited singlet state of 1, 1′-binaphthyl has been calculated. On excitation to the S₁ state the dihedral angle θ between the two naphthalene moieties is de- creased from 61 ° to 41 °. A detailed survey of CH bond lengths in the S₀ and S₁ states has been given. This result should be of particular importance for the theoretical treatment of radiationless transitions.Using equilibrium geometries for the S₀ and S₁ states a satisfactory interpretation of the S_m ← S₀ and S_n ← S₁ absorption spectra as well as of the fluorescence spectra in fluid and rigid solutions can be given. Concerning the S_n ← S₁ absorption spectrum in fluid solution, the calculations predict a strong absorption (A ← B transition) in the still uninvestigated region of energies lower than 11000 cm^?1.From the results of this paper and of other calculations it can be concluded that the Warshel-Karplus method yields reliable equilibrium geometries for electronic ground and excited states of unsaturated hydrocarbons [22,23].     

Ab initio study on the electronic structures of styrene in the Franck-Condon region

The electronic structures of styrene in the Franck‐Condon region have been theoretically examined by means of ab initio complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) and the second order multireference Møller‐Plesset calculations. The optimized structure of styrene in S₀ is planar but the torsional motion of the phenyl group is very floppy. The S₁ state is assigned to the local π–π* excitation within the benzene ring. On the other hand, S₂, above S₁ by 0.561 eV, is assigned to a state that resembles the so‐called V‐state of ethylene. The transition intensity of S₀–S₁ is weak, while that of S₀–S₂ is strong. This is in good agreement with the experimental absorption spectrum where the S₀–S₁ and S₀–S₂ transitions are in the energy range of 290–220 nm. The optimized geometry of S₁, characterized by an enlarged benzene ring and its vibrational analyses, further justifies the assignment of the S₁ state. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 9: 928–937, 2002     

Remote Effect from Boron Cluster: Tunable Photophysical Properties of o-Carborane-Based Luminogens

We proposed a new molecular design strategy that the o-carboranyl group is attached as “an innocent unit” to the remote side of luminogens to tune photophysical properties. To verify this strategy, two o-carborane-based compounds with asymmetric molecular geometry were designed and synthesized. Photophysical properties of o-carborane-based luminogens were investigated on the basis of UV-Vis spectra, photoluminescence spectra, crystal structure analysis and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the o-carboranyl group has a slight effect on the energy gap between the ground state (S₀) and the first excited state (S₁) in the solution state but a significant effect on the energy gap between S₀ and S₁ in the solid state. Besides, the radiative and non-radiative transition processes are modulated by the o-carboranyl unit. This leads to emission quenching in the solution state but an enhanced luminous efficiency in the aggregate state with a typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property.     

Reductive Coupling of Diynes at Rhodium Gives Fluorescent Rhodacyclopentadienes or Phosphorescent Rhodium 2,2’‐Biphenyl Complexes

Reactions of [Rh(κ²‐O,O‐acac)(PMe₃)₂] (acac=acetylacetonato) and α,ω‐bis(arylbutadiynyl)alkanes afford two isomeric types of MC₄ metallacycles with very different photophysical properties. As a result of a [2+2] reductive coupling at Rh, 2,5‐bis(arylethynyl)rhodacyclopentadienes ( A ) are formed, which display intense fluorescence (Φ=0.07–0.54, τ=0.2–2.5 ns) despite the presence of the heavy metal atom. Rhodium biphenyl complexes ( B ), which show exceptionally long‐lived (hundreds of μs) phosphorescence (Φ=0.01–0.33) at room temperature in solution, have been isolated as a second isomer originating from an unusual [4+2] cycloaddition reaction and a subsequent β‐H‐shift. We attribute the different photophysical properties of isomers A and B to a higher excited state density and a less stabilized T₁ state in the biphenyl complexes B , allowing for more efficient intersystem crossing S₁→T_n and T₁→S₀. Control of the isomer distribution is achieved by modification of the bis‐ (diyne) linker length, providing a fundamentally new route to access photoactive metal biphenyl compounds.     

S 1 ←S 0 vibronic spectrum and the structure of the chloral molecule in theS 1 stateS 0 vibronic spectrum and the structure of the chloral molecule in theS 1 state

The vibronic absorption spectrum of chloral (CCl₃COH) vapors is studied in the region of S₁ ← S₀ electron transition (32,000–28,700 cm⁻¹). The 29,070 cm⁻¹ vibronic transition (not observed because of low intensity) is believed to be the ‘start’ of the electron transition. Several fundamentals are found in the S₀ and S₁ states. Inversion splitting of the zero vibrational level in the S₁ state of chloral, indicating a nonplanar structure of the carbonyl fragment, is found. The intensity ratio of the torsional transition bands indicates that the S₁ ← S₀ electronic excitation of the chloral molecule causes significant changes in the orientation of the −CCl₃ group relative to the molecular framework. The potential functions of internal rotation (S₀ and S₁ states) and inversion (S₁ state) of the chloral molecule are determined from experimental data. The potential barriers of internal rotation (S₀ and S₁ states) and inversion (S₁ state) are 380, 780, and 760 cm⁻¹ (4.5, 9.3, and 9.1 kJ/mole), respectively. M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Translated fromZhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 507–513, May–June, 1998.     

Ab initio investigation on the structures and spectra of the firefly luciferin

The ground state (S₀) geometry of the firefly luciferin (LH2) was optimized by both DFT B3LYP and CASSCF methods. The vertical excitation energies (T _v) of three low-lying states (S₁, S₂, and S₃) were calculated by TD-DFT B3LYP//CASSCF method. The S₁ geometry was optimized by CASSCF method. Its T _v and the transition energy (T _e) were calculated by MS-CASPT2//CASSCF method. Both the TD-DFT and MS-CASPT2 calculated S₁ state T _v values agree with the experimental one. The IPEA shift greatly affects the MS-CASPT2 calculated T _v values. Some important excited states of LH2 and oxyluciferin (oxyLH2) are charge-transfer states and have more than one dominant configuration, so for deeply researching the firefly bioluminescence, the multireference calculations are desired. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20673012) and the Major State Basic Research Development Programs (Grant No. 2004CB719903)     

Tunneling Splittings in the S0 and S1 States of the Benzoic Acid Dimer Determined by High‐Resolution UV Spectroscopy

Five different isotopologues of the benzoic acid dimer and a vibronic band located 57 cm^?1 above the electronic origin, which is assigned to the out‐of‐plane butterfly motion, are studied by rotationally resolved UV spectroscopy. From these measurements a ground‐state structure with C_2h symmetry is deduced, whereas the symmetry is lowered to C_s in the S₁ state. The increase in the center‐of‐mass distance between the two monomers that is found on electronic excitation indicates a decrease in hydrogen‐bond strength. The tunneling splittings in the S₀ and S₁ states are 1385.2±0.7 and 271.2±0.7 MHz, respectively, corresponding to an increase in barrier height by 7.2 % on electronic excitation.     

Molecular Structure and Conformations of Chloral (CCl3CHO) in the Ground and Lowest Triplet States

This paper reports on an ab initio quantum mechanical calculation of the structure of the conformationally nonrigid chloral (CCl₃CHO) molecule in the ground (S₀) and lowest excited triplet (T₁) states. Electronic excitation causes substantial changes in molecular geometry: the CCl₃ top is rotated, and the carbonyl (CCHO) fragment becomes nonplanar. For the torsional (S₀ and T₁) and inversion (T₁) nuclear vibrations, one- (S₀ and T₁) and two-dimensional (T₁) vibrational problems are solved; a relationship is found between the torsional and inversion vibrations in the T₁ state. The results are compared with the data of analogous calculations for the acetaldehyde molecule in the T₁ state.     

Molecular geometry and excited electronic states : Part VII. Theoretical study on conformational geometries and the dual fluorescence of styrene

Equilibrium molecular geometries of styrene in the electronic S₀, S₁, and S₂, states have been calculated within the scope of the adiabatic approximation by minimization of the total energy with respect to all molecular coordinates. Besides the most stable planar structures, some further conformers twisted about the single and/or double bonds have been found. An interpretation of the styrene dual fluorescence is given using these results.     

Über das «pK» elektronisch angeregter Azulenium-Kationen

It is shown that azulenium cations in the first electronically excited state S₁ are stronger acids than in the ground state S₀. Their apparent pK″*, obtained from the H₀-dependence of the quenching of the azulenium cation S₁ → S₀ fluorescence does not correspond to a true acid-base equilibrium in the electronically excited state S₁. The pK″* values are kinetically controlled, the rate of reprotonation of azulene in the S₁ state being too low to compete with the internal conversion to S₀.     

Vibrational Spectrum of o‐Dimethoxybenzene in the S1 and D0 States

The optimized molecular geometries of o‐dimethoxybenzene (ODMB) in the S₀ state were predicted by ab initio and density functional theory calculations. Its vibrational spectra in the S₁ and D₀ states were studied by one color resonant two photon ionization (1C‐R2PI) and mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) experiments. The results indicated that trans rotamer was most stable. Only one rotamer of ODMB was detected by the 1C‐R2PI spectra, and its band origin was (35750±2) cm^?1, its ionization energy was (61617±5) cm^?1. Most of the observed vibrations in the D₀ state resulted from the in‐plane ring and substituent sensitive modes.     

Electronic structures of the S2O and S3 isomers: an ab initio CI study

The electronic structures of the S₂O and S₃ isomers have been dealt with by the multireference double-excitation (MRD) configuration-interaction (CI) calculations, using contracted [5s3p1d] and [4s2p1d] basis functions for the S and O atoms, respectively. The ground-state geometries for the SOS (symmetric chain), S₂O (symmetric ring) and SSO (unsymmetric chain) are optimized, and their vertical singlet excitation energies are calculated. It is found that SSO is the most stable of the three isomers and that the ground state (¹A₁) of the S₂O (ring) is correlated with the excited states of SOS (2¹A₁) and SSO (3¹A). The chain and ring isomers of S₃ have been treated in a similar manner. Energetics for the ring closure of the O₃, SO₂, SSO and S₃ chain molecules are discussed on a unified ground.Dedicated to Professor J. Koutecký on the occasion of his 65th birthdayPresented at the 5th International Congress on Quantum Chemistry, Montréal, August 1985     

Photochemical reaction mechanism of cyclobutanone: CASSCF study

The photochemical reaction channels of cyclobutanone have been studied at the CASSCF level with a 6‐31G* basis set. Starting from the n‐π* excited‐state (S₁) cyclobutanone, the three reactions can take place: decarbonylation (produce CO and cyclopropane or propylene), cycloelimination (produce ketene and ethylene), and ring expansion (produce oxacarbene). Our computation indicates that decarbonylation products CO and triplet trimethylene are formed on the triplet n‐π* excited state (T₁) in a stepwise way via a biradical intermediate after intersystem crossing (ISC) to T₁ from S₁. And, then, the triplet trimethylene undergoes a second ISC to the ground state (S₀) to produce the singlet trimethylene from which cyclopropane can be produced rapidly only overcoming a 1 to 2‐kcal/mol barrier while propylene can be formed as a secondary product. The cycloelimination products ketene and ethylene are formed on the S₀ in a concerted mechanism after internal conversion (IC) to S₀ from S₁ via a biradical conical intersection. The reaction channels corresponding to ring expansion on the S₀, T₁, and S₁ states have also been discussed, and the likeliest reaction path is that oxacarbene is formed on the ground state following S₁/S₀ internal conversion. The surface topology of cyclobutanone on the S₁ surface is characterized by a transition state separating the minimum from the S₁/S₀ conical intersection, which is consistent with the previous computations and can explain the wavelength dependence of the fluorescence emission yield. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004