Single‐Electron Self‐Exchange between Cage Hydrocarbons and Their Radical Cations in the Gas Phase

We show that the radical cations of adamantane (C₁₀H₁₆^.+, 1 H^.+) and perdeuteroadamantane (C₁₀D₁₆^.+, 1 D^.+) are stable species in the gas phase. The radical cation of adamantylideneadamantane (C₂₀H₂₈^.+, 2 H^.+) is also stable (as in solution). By using the natural ¹³C abundances of the ions, we determine the rate constants for the reversible isergonic single‐electron transfer (SET) processes involving the dyads 1 H^.+/ 1 H, 1 D^.+/ 1 D and 2 H^.+/ 2 H. Rate constants for the reaction 1 H^.++ 1 D? 1 H+ 1 D^.+ are also determined and Marcus’ cross‐term equation is shown to hold in this case. The rate constants for the isergonic processes are extremely high, practically collision‐controlled. Ab initio computations of the electronic coupling (H_DA) and the reorganization energy (λ) allow rationalization of the mechanism of the process and give insights into the possible role of intermediate complexes in the reaction mechanism.     

A New Approach for the Photosynthetic Antenna–Reaction Center Complex with a Model Organized Around an s‐Triazine Linker

Two new artificial mimics of the photosynthetic antenna‐reaction center complex have been designed and synthesized (BDP‐H₂P‐C₆₀ and BDP‐ZnP‐C₆₀). The resulting electron‐donor/acceptor conjugates contain a porphyrin (either in its free‐base form (H₂P) or as Zn‐metalated complex (ZnP)), a boron dipyrrin (BDP), and a fulleropyrrolidine possessing, as substituent of the pyrrolidine nitrogen, an ethylene glycol chain terminating in an amino group C₆₀‐X‐NH₂ (X=spacer). In both cases, the three different components were connected by s‐triazine through stepwise substitution reactions of cyanuric chloride. In addition to the facile synthesis, the star‐type arrangement of the three photo‐ and redox‐active components around the central s‐triazine unit permits direct interaction between one another, in contrast to reported examples in which the three components are arranged in a linear fashion. The energy‐ and electron‐transfer properties of the resulting electron‐donor/acceptor conjugates were investigated by using UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Comparison of the absorption spectra and cyclic voltammograms of BDP‐H₂P‐C₆₀ and BDP‐ZnP‐C₆₀ with those of BDP‐H₂P, BDP‐ZnP and BDP‐C₆₀, which were used as references, showed that the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the individual constituents are basically retained, although some appreciable shifts in terms of absorption indicate some interactions in the ground state. Fluorescence lifetime measurements and transient absorption experiments helped to elucidate the antenna function of BDP, which upon selective excitation undergoes a rapid and efficient energy transfer from BDP to H₂P or ZnP. This is then followed by an electron transfer to C₆₀, yielding the formation of the singlet charge‐separated states, namely BDP‐H₂P ^.+‐ C₆₀ ^.? and BDP‐ZnP ^.+‐ C₆₀ ^{. ?}. As such, the sequence of energy transfer and electron transfer in the present models mimics the events of natural photosynthesis.     

Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Tetrathiafulvalene−Porphyrin−Fullerene Molecular Triads

The two molecular triads 1a and 1b consisting of a porphyrin (P) covalently linked to a fullerene (C₆₀) electron acceptor and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) electron‐donor moiety were synthesized, and their photochemical properties were determined by transient absorption and emission techniques. Excitation of the free‐base‐porphyrin moiety of the TTF−P_{2 H}−C₆₀ triad 1a in tetrahydro‐2‐methylfuran solution yields the porphyrin first excited singlet state TTF−¹P_{2 H}−C₆₀, which undergoes photoinduced electron transfer with a time constant of 25 ps to give TTF−P_{2 H}^.+−C₆₀^.−. This intermediate charge‐separated state has a lifetime of 230 ps, decaying mainly by a charge‐shift reaction to yield a final state, TTF^.+−P_{2 H}−C₆₀^.−. The final state has a lifetime of 660 ns, is formed with an overall yield of 92%, and preserves ca. 1.0 eV of the 1.9 eV inherent in the porphyrin excited state. Similar behavior is observed for the zinc analog 1b . The TTF‐P_Zn^.+−C₆₀^.− state is formed by ultrafast electron transfer from the porphyrinatozinc excited singlet state with a time constant of 1.5 ps. The final TTF^.+−P_Zn−C₆₀^.− state is generated with a yield of 16%, and also has a lifetime of 660 ns. Although charge recombination to yield a triplet has been observed in related donor‐acceptor systems, the TTF^.+−P−C₆₀^.− states recombine to the ground state, because the molecule lacks low‐energy triplet states. This structural feature leads to a longer lifetime for the final charge‐separated state, during which the stored energy could be harvested for solar‐energy conversion or molecular optoelectronic applications.     

Porphyrin–Phthalocyanine/Pyridylfullerene Supramolecular Assemblies

The synthesis and photophysical properties of several porphyrin (P)–phthalocyanine (Pc) conjugates (P–Pc; 1 – 3 ) are described, in which the phthalocyanines are directly linked to the β‐pyrrolic position of a meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin. Photoinduced energy‐ and electron‐transfer processes were studied through the preparation of H₂P–ZnPc, ZnP–ZnPc, and PdP–ZnPc conjugates, and their assembly through metal coordination with two different pyridylfulleropyrrolidines ( 4 and 5 ). The resulting electron‐donor–acceptor hybrids, which were formed by axial coordination of compounds 4 and 5 with the corresponding phthalocyanines, mimicked the fundamental processes of photosynthesis; that is, light harvesting, the transduction of excited‐state energy, and unidirectional electron transfer. In particular, photophysical studies confirmed that intramolecular energy‐transfer resulted from the S₂ excited state as well as from the S₁ excited state of the porphyrins to the energetically lower‐lying phthalocyanines, followed by an intramolecular charge‐transfer to yield P–Pc^.+ ? C₆₀^.?. This unique sequence of processes opens the way for solar‐energy‐conversion processes.     

Access to Stable Metalloradical Cations with Unsupported and Isomeric Metal–Metal Hemi‐Bonds

Metalloradical species [Co₂Fv(CO)₄]^.+ ( 1 ^.+, Fv=fulvalenediyl) and [Co₂Cp₂(CO)₄]^.+ ( 2 ^.+, Cp=η⁵‐C₅H₅), formed by one‐electron oxidations of piano‐stool cobalt carbonyl complexes, can be stabilized with weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions in the solid state. They feature a supported and an unsupported (i.e. unbridged) cobalt–cobalt three‐electron σ bond, respectively, each with a formal bond order of 0.5 (hemi‐bond). When Cp is replaced by bulkier Cp* (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), an interchange between an unsupported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(CO)₄]^.+ (anti‐ 3 ^.+) and a supported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(μ‐CO)₂(CO)₂]^.+ (trans‐ 3 ^.+) is observed in solution, which cocrystallize and exist in the crystal phase. 2 ^.+ and anti‐ 3 ^.+ are the first stable thus isolable examples that feature an unsupported metal–metal hemi‐bond, and the coexistence of anti‐ 3 ^.+ and trans‐ 3 ^.+ in one crystal is unprecedented in the field of dinuclear metalloradical chemistry. The work suggests that more stable metalloradicals of metal–metal hemi‐bonds may be accessible by using metal carbonyls together with large and weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions.     

Elusive Antimony‐Centered Radical Cations: Isolation,Characterization, Crystal Structures,and Reactivity Studies

One‐electron oxidation of the stibines Aryl₃Sb ( 1 , Aryl=2,6‐ⁱ Pr₂‐4‐OMe‐C₆H₂; 2 , Aryl=2,4,6‐ⁱ Pr₃‐C₆H₂) with AgSbF₆ and NaBAryl^F₄ (Aryl^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) afforded the first structurally characterized examples of antimony‐centered radical cations 1 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻ and 2 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻. Their molecular and electronic structures were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, in conjunction with theoretical calculations. Moreover, their reactivity was investigated. The reaction of 2 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻ and p ‐benzoquinone afforded a dinuclear antimony dication salt 3 ²⁺[BAryl^F₄]₂⁻, which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The formation of the dication 3 ²⁺ further confirms that the isolated stibine radical cations are antimony‐centered.     

Elusive Antimony‐Centered Radical Cations: Isolation,Characterization, Crystal Structures,and Reactivity Studies

One‐electron oxidation of the stibines Aryl₃Sb ( 1 , Aryl=2,6‐ⁱ Pr₂‐4‐OMe‐C₆H₂; 2 , Aryl=2,4,6‐ⁱ Pr₃‐C₆H₂) with AgSbF₆ and NaBAryl^F₄ (Aryl^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) afforded the first structurally characterized examples of antimony‐centered radical cations 1 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻ and 2 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻. Their molecular and electronic structures were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, in conjunction with theoretical calculations. Moreover, their reactivity was investigated. The reaction of 2 ^.+[BAryl^F₄]⁻ and p ‐benzoquinone afforded a dinuclear antimony dication salt 3 ²⁺[BAryl^F₄]₂⁻, which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The formation of the dication 3 ²⁺ further confirms that the isolated stibine radical cations are antimony‐centered.     

Circular Photoinduced Electron Transfer in a Donor‐Acceptor‐Acceptor Triad

An electron‐donor‐acceptor‐acceptor (D‐A₁‐A₂) triad has been developed that provides the first proof‐of‐concept for a photoinitiated molecular circuit. After photoexcitation into an optical charge‐transfer transition between D and A₁, subsequent thermal electron‐transfer from A₁^.? to A₂ is followed by geometric rearrangement in the D^.+‐A₁‐A₂^.? charge‐separated state to form an ion‐pair contact. This facilitates “forward” charge recombination between A₂^.? and D^.+ to complete the molecular circuit with an estimated quantum efficiency of 4 % in toluene at 298 K.     

An Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Exhibiting Electrical Conduction and Single‐Ion Magnetism

The first three‐dimensional (3D) conductive single‐ion magnet (SIM), (TTF)₂[Co(pdms)₂] (TTF=tetrathiafulvalene and H₂pdms=1,2‐bis(methanesulfonamido)benzene), was electrochemically synthesised and investigated structurally, physically, and theoretically. The similar oxidation potentials of neutral TTF and the molecular precursor [HNEt₃]₂[M(pdms)₂] (M=Co, Zn) allow for multiple charge transfers (CTs) between the SIM donor [M(pdms)₂]^n? and the TTF^.+ acceptor, as well as an intradonor CT from the pdms ligand to Co ion upon electrocrystallisation. Usually TTF functions as a donor, whereas in our system TTF is both a donor and an accepter because of the similar oxidation potentials. Furthermore, the [M(pdms)₂]^n? donor and TTF^.+ acceptor are not segregated but strongly interact with each other, contrary to reported layered donor–acceptor electrical conductors. The strong intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, combined with CT, allow for relatively high electrical conductivity even down to very low temperatures. Furthermore, SIM behaviour with slow magnetic relaxation and opening of hysteresis loops was observed. (TTF)₂[Co(pdms)₂] ( 2‐Co ) is an excellent building block for preparing new conductive SIMs.     

Quadruple Switching of Pleated Foldamers of Tetrathiafulvalene–Bipyridinium Alternating Dynamic Covalent Polymers

Two dynamic covalent polymers P1 and P2 were prepared by alternately linking electron‐rich tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and electron‐deficient bipyridinium (BIPY²⁺) through hydrazone bonds. In acetonitrile, the polymers were induced by intramolecular donor–acceptor interactions to form pleated foldamers, which unfolded upon oxidation of the TTF units to the radical cation TTF^.+. Reduction of the BIPY²⁺ units to BIPY^.+ led to the formation of another kind of pleated secondary structures, which are stabilized by intramolecular dimerization of the BIPY^.+ units. The diradical dicationic cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT^2(.+)) could further force the folded structures to unfold by including the BIPY^.+ units of the polymers. Upon oxidation of the BIPY^.+ units of the cyclophane and polymers to BIPY²⁺, the first folded state was regenerated. Switching or conversion between the four conformational states was confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopic experiments.     

Metalloradicals Supported by a meta‐Carborane Ligand

In this work, a pincer‐type complex [Cp*Ir‐(SNPh)(SNHPh)(C₂B₁₀H₉)] ( 2 ) was synthesized and its reactivity studied in detail. Interestingly, molecular hydrogen can induce the transformation between the metalloradical [Cp*Ir‐(SNPh)₂(C₂B₁₀H₉)] ( 5 ^.) and 2 . A mixed‐valence complex, [(Cp*Ir)₂‐(SNPh)₂(C₂B₁₀H₈)] ( 7 ^.+), was also synthesized by one‐electron oxidation. Studies show that 7 ^.+ is fully delocalized, possessing a four‐centered‐one‐electron (S‐Ir‐Ir‐S) bonding interaction. DFT calculations were also in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Planar and Nonplanar Free‐Base Tetraarylporphyrins: β‐Pyrrole Substituents and Geometric Effects on Electrochemistry,Spectroelectrochemistry, and Protonation/Deprotonation Reactions in Nonaqueous Media

A series of planar and nonplanar free‐base β‐pyrrole substituted meso‐tetraarylporphyrins were characterized by electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and protonation or deprotonation reactions in neutral, acidic, and basic solutions of CH₂Cl₂. The neutral compounds are represented as H₂(P), in which P represents a porphyrin dianion with one of several different sets of electron‐withdrawing or ‐donating substituents at the messo and/or β‐pyrrole positions of the macrocycle. The conversion of H₂(P) to [H₄(P)]²⁺ in CH₂Cl₂ was accomplished by titration of the neutral porphyrin with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) while the progress of the protonation was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy, which was also used to calculate logβ₂ for proton addition to the core nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle. Cyclic voltammetry was performed after each addition of TFA or TBAOH to CH₂Cl₂ solutions of the porphyrin and half‐wave potentials for reduction were evaluated as a function of the added acid or base concentration. Thin‐layer spectroelectrochemistry was used to obtain UV/Vis spectra of the neutral and protonated or deprotonated porphyrins under the application of an applied reducing potential. The magnitude of the protonation constants, the positions of λ_max in the UV/Vis spectra and the half‐wave or peak potentials for reduction are then related to the electronic properties of the porphyrin and the data evaluated as a function of the planarity or nonplanarity of the porphyrin macrocycle. Surprisingly, the electroreduction of the diprotonated nonplanar porphyrins in acid media leads to H₂(P), whereas the nonplanar H₂(P) derivatives are reduced to [(P)]^2? in CH₂Cl₂ containing 0.1 M tetra‐n‐butylammonium perchlorate (TBAP). Thus, in both cases an electrochemically initiated deprotonation is observed.     

A Ruthenium Complex–Porphyrin–Fullerene‐Linked Molecular Pentad as an Integrative Photosynthetic Model

A ruthenium complex, porphyrin sensitizer, fullerene acceptor molecular pentad has been synthesized and a long‐lived hole–electron pair was achieved in aqueous solution by photoinduced multistep electron transfer: Upon irradiation by visible light, the excited‐state of a zinc porphyrin (¹ZnP*) was quenched by fullerene (C₆₀) to afford a radical ion pair, ^1,3(ZnP^.+‐C₆₀^.−). This was followed by the subsequent electron transfer from a water oxidation catalyst unit (Ru^II) to ZnP^.+ to give the long‐lived charge‐separated state, Ru^III‐ZnP‐C₆₀^.−, with a lifetime of 14 μs. The ZnP worked as a visible‐light‐harvesting antenna, while the C₆₀ acted as an excellent electron acceptor. As a consequence, visible‐light‐driven water oxidation by this integrated photosynthetic model compound was achieved in the presence of sacrificial oxidant and redox mediator.     

Kinetic study and UV–Vis spectra of 1:2 complexation of free base para‐substituted meso‐tetraphenylporphyrins with trimethylsilyl chloride

The UV–Vis spectra for 1:2 complexation of four different para‐substituted meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin (H₂t(4‐X)pp) and meso‐tetraphenylporphyrins (H₂tpp) with trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSC) displayed large and different redshifts (28–32.4 nm) of Soret and (15–41.7 nm) Q_(0‐0) bands, whereas 1:2 complexation of the less flexible tetramesitylporphyrin (H₂tmp) with TMSC led to rather small redshift (24.8 nm) of the Soret band and blueshift (−7.4 nm) of the Q_(0‐0) band. The varying spectral behavior for the porphyrins complexation seems to essentially reflect the different extent of π‐interactions between the meso‐aryl groups and the presumably saddled porphyrin macrocycle, through their relative coplanarity. The observed order of the rate constants for the complexation of various para‐substituted porphyrins, H₂t(4‐OCH₃)pp (9.27 ± 0.03) × 10⁻³ > H₂t(4‐CH₃)pp (6.68 ± 0.05) × 10⁻³ > H₂tpp (3.2 ± 0.05) × 10⁻³ > H₂t(4‐Cl)pp (8.36 ± 0.06) × 10⁻⁴, clearly demonstrated a higher reaction rate for the porphyrins containing para‐substituents with stronger electron donor ability. The calculated order for porphyrins (0.9 ± 0.1) and for TMSC (1.0 ± 0.1) suggests rate = K[Por][TMSC] for the complexation. Attempts were made to explain the absence of spectral evidence for the presence of an intermediate 1:1 (TMSC) Por adduct in terms of its high reactivity and/or relative instability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 39: 231–235, 2007     

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Based on Efficient Energy and Electron Transfers in Donor–Bridge–Acceptor Multibranched‐Porphyrin‐Functionalized Platinum Nanocomposites

Two donor–bridge–acceptor conjugates (5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(N,N‐diphenylaminobenzoate)phenyl] porphyrin (TPPZ) and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(N,N‐diphenylaminostyryl)phenyl] porphyrin (TPPX)) were covalently linked to triphenylamine (TPA) at the meso‐position of porphyrin ring. The triphenylamine entities were expected to act as energy donors and the porphyrins to act as an energy acceptor. In this paper, we report on the synthesis of these multibranched‐porphyrin‐functionalized Pt nanocomposites. The conjugates used here not only served as a stabilizer to prevent agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles, but also as a light‐harvesting photosensitizer. The occurrence of photoinduced electron‐transfer processes was confirmed by time‐resolved fluorescence and photoelectrochemical spectral measurements. The different efficiencies for energy and electron transfer in the two multibranched porphyrins and the functionalized Pt nanocomposites were attributed to diverse covalent linkages. Moreover, in the reduction of water to produce H₂, the photocatalytic activity of the Pt nanocomposite functionalized by TPPX, in which the triphenylamine and porphyrin moieties are bonded through an ethylene bridge, was much higher than that of the platinum nanocomposite functionalized by TPPZ, in which the two moieties are bonded through an ester. This investigation demonstrates the fundamental advantages of constructing donor–bridge–acceptor conjugates as highly efficient photosensitizers based on efficient energy and electron transfer.     

High‐Potential Perfluorinated Phthalocyanine–Fullerene Dyads for Generation of High‐Energy Charge‐Separated States: Formation and Photoinduced Electron‐Transfer Studies

High oxidation potential perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines (ZnF_nPcs) are synthesised and their spectroscopic, redox, and light‐induced electron‐transfer properties investigated systematically by forming donor–acceptor dyads through metal–ligand axial coordination of fullerene (C₆₀) derivatives. Absorption and fluorescence spectral studies reveal efficient binding of the pyridine‐ (Py) and phenylimidazole‐functionalised fullerene (C₆₀Im) derivatives to the zinc centre of the F_nPcs. The determined binding constants, K, in o‐dichlorobenzene for the 1:1 complexes are in the order of 10⁴ to 10⁵ M ^?1; nearly an order of magnitude higher than that observed for the dyad formed from zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) lacking fluorine substituents. The geometry and electronic structure of the dyads are determined by using the B3LYP/6‐31G* method. The HOMO and LUMO levels are located on the Pc and C₆₀ entities, respectively; this suggests the formation of ZnF_nPc^.+–C₆₀Im^.? and ZnF_nPc^.+–C₆₀Py^.? (n=0, 8 or 16) intra‐supramolecular charge‐separated states during electron transfer. Electrochemical studies on the ZnPc–C₆₀ dyads enable accurate determination of their oxidation and reduction potentials and the energy of the charge‐separated states. The energy of the charge‐separated state for dyads composed of ZnF_nPc is higher than that of normal ZnPc–C₆₀ dyads and reveals their significance in harvesting higher amounts of light energy. Evidence for charge separation in the dyads is secured from femtosecond transient absorption studies in nonpolar toluene. Kinetic evaluation of the cation and anion radical ion peaks reveals ultrafast charge separation and charge recombination in dyads composed of perfluorinated phthalocyanine and fullerene; this implies their significance in solar‐energy harvesting and optoelectronic device building applications.     

1‐Aryl‐4‐Silylmethyl[60]fullerenes: Synthesis,Properties, and Photovoltaic Performance

The efficient nucleophilic addition of aryl Grignard reagents (aryl=4‐MeOC₆H₄, 4‐Me₂NC₆H₄, Ph, 4‐CF₃C₆H₄, and thienyl) to C₆₀ in the presence of DMSO produced 1,2‐arylhydro[60]fullerenes after acid treatment. The reactions of the anions of these arylhydro[60]fullerenes with either dimethylphenylsilylmethyl iodide or dimethyl(2‐isopropoxyphenyl)silylmethyl iodide yielded the target compounds, 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes. The properties and structures of these 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes (aryl=4‐MeOC₆H₄, thienyl) were examined by electrochemical studies, X‐ray crystallography, flash‐photolysis time‐resolved microwave‐conductivity (FP‐TRMC) measurements, and electron‐mobility measurements by using a space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC) model. Organic photovoltaic devices with a polymer‐based bulk heterojunction structure and small‐molecule‐based p–n and p–i–n heterojunction configurations were fabricated by using 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes as an electron acceptor. The most efficient device exhibited a power‐conversion efficiency of 3.4 % (short‐circuit current density: 8.1 mA/ cm², open‐circuit voltage: 0.69 V, fill factor: 0.59).     

Carbon‐bridged Oligo(phenylenevinylene)s as Light‐harvesting Antenna for Porphyrins

The efficacy of carbon‐bridged oligo(phenylenevinylenes)s (COPVs) as light‐harvesting antenna for porphyrins is demonstrated using a series of 5,15‐di‐COPVn‐substituted free‐base and zinc porphyrins, COPVn‐MP‐COPVn (n=1–3, M=H₂, Zn). These molecules were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of COPVn‐Bpin and Br‐H₂P‐Br . The absorption spectra of these compounds in solution show a significant expansion of the Soret band region together with a bathochromic shift of the Q band, suggesting a significant interaction between these chromophores in the ground state. The photoluminescence quantum yield of the porphyrin‐COPV conjugates is enhanced up to four times relative to the parent porphyrins. Theoretical calculations also indicated interactions between these chromophores in the HOMO, which suggests that the light‐harvesting ability stems from the expansion of the π‐electron‐conjugation system.     

Hydrophilicity Control of Visible‐Light Hydrogen Evolution and Dynamics of the Charge‐Separated State in Dye/TiO2/Pt Hybrid Systems

Visible‐light‐driven H₂ evolution based on Dye/TiO₂/Pt hybrid photocatalysts was investigated for a series of (E)‐3‐(5′‐{4‐[bis(4‐R¹‐phenyl)amino]phenyl}‐4,4′‐(R²)₂‐2,2′‐bithiophen‐5‐yl)‐2‐cyanoacrylic acid dyes. Efficiencies of hydrogen evolution from aqueous suspensions in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as electron donor under illumination at λ>420 nm were found to considerably depend on the hydrophilic character of R¹, varying in the order MOD (R¹=CH₃OCH₂, R²=H)≈ MO4D (R¹=R²=CH₃OCH₂)> HD (R¹=R²=H)> PD (R¹=C₃H₇, R²=H). In the case of MOD /TiO₂/Pt, the apparent quantum yield for photocatalyzed H₂ generation at 436 nm was 0.27±0.03. Transient absorption measurements for MOD ‐ or PD ‐grafted transparent films of TiO₂ nanoparticles dipped into water at pH 3 commonly revealed ultrafast formation (<100 fs) of the dye radical cation (Dye^.+) followed by multicomponent decays, which involve minor fast decays (<5 ps) almost independent of R¹ and major slower decays with significant differences between the two samples: 1) the early decay of the major components for MOD is about 2.5 times slower than that for PD and 2) a redshift of the spectrum occurred for MOD with a time constant of 17 ps, but not for PD . The substituent effects on H₂ generation as well as on transient behavior have been discussed in terms substituent‐dependent charge recombination (CR) of Dye^.+ with electrons in bulk, inner‐trap, and/or interstitial‐trap states, arising from different solvent reorganization.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Photophysical Properties of Two Coordination Polymers Based on 2,3‐Dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline‐6‐carboxylic Acid

Two complexes based on the ligand 1,4‐dihydro‐2,3‐quinoxalinedione, namely [Mn(H₂L)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ( 1 ) and {[Zn₂(H₂L)₂(tz)₂] · 5H₂O}_n ( 2 ) (H₃L = 2,3‐dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline‐6‐carboxylic acid, Htz = 1,2,4‐triazole) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, as well as single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 exhibited a 1D comb‐like chain formed by H₂L^– anions linking Mn^II ions, whereas complex 2 was a 2D layer‐like structure with square‐shaped windows and outstretched arms built by combination of H₂L^– and tz^– ligands with Zn^II ions. The adjacent chains or layers connected with each other by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking to further extend to a 3D supermolecular framework. In addition, the thermal stabilities, luminescence properties, and optical energy gap of 1 and 2 were investigated in detail.