Synthesis,properties, and solvatochromism of 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐{(thien‐2‐yl)‐[4‐(1‐piperidyl) phenyl]methylidene}‐(1H,3H)‐pyrimidine‐2,4,6‐trione

A new merocyanine dye, 1,3‐Dimethyl‐5‐{(thien‐2‐yl)‐[4‐(1‐piperidyl)phenyl]methylidene}‐ (1H, 3H)‐pyrimidine‐2,4,6‐trione 3 , has been synthesized by condensation of 2‐[4‐(piperidyl)benzoyl]thiophene 1 with N,N′‐dimethyl barbituric acid 2 . The solvatochromic response of 3 dissolved in 26 solvents of different polarity has been measured. The solvent‐dependent long‐wavelength UV/Vis spectroscopic absorption maxima, v_max, are analyzed using the empirical Kamlet–Taft solvent parameters π* (dipolarity/polarizability), α (hydrogen‐bond donating capacity), and β (hydrogen‐bond accepting ability) in terms of the well‐established linear solvation energy relationship (LSER): (1) The solvent independent coefficients s , a , and b and (v_max)₀ have been determined. The McRae equation and the empirical solvent polarity index, E_T(30) have been also used to study the solvatochromism of 3 . Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvatochromism of catechol derivatives – solute/solvent interactions

The solvatochromism of nine push–pull substituted catechol derivatives has been studied in a set of 39 various solvents. The influence of successive methyl substitution at the catechol OH groups on the extent of the solvatochromic shift has been investigated. The positive solvatochromism of 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)‐2H‐indene‐1,3‐dione amounts 4360 cm^–1, which ranges from toluene to hexamethyl‐phosphoric triamide. To the best of our knowledge, it is one of the largest positive solvatochromic extent measured for a positive solvatochromic dye, comparable with Brooker's thiobarbituric acid with an extent of 4400 cm^–1. The detailed analyses of the solvatochromism were carried out by alternatively using the Kamlet–Taft and Catalán solvent parameters to achieve information of dipolarity versus polarizability effects of solvent upon solvatochromic properties. In solvents with high β values such as alcohols (0.66 < β < 0.90), amides (0.48 < β < 0.80), dimethyl sulfoxide (β = 0.76), tetramethyl urea (β = 0.80) and hexamethyl‐phosphoric triamide (β = 1.05) UV–Vis absorption spectra show two separate λ_max, which are caused by a deprotonation reaction. The solvatochromic behaviour of the anionic species is compared with those of the catechol derivatives. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3H‐1,2‐Dithiole‐3‐thione derivatives as novel solvatochromic dyes

The UV–Vis spectrum of 5‐(1‐butylthio)‐3H‐1,2‐dithiole‐3‐thione (1a) and that of the chromium pentacarbonyl complex of 5‐methyl‐3H‐1,2‐dithiole‐3‐thione (3) present significant changes with the solvent polarity. The two absorption bands shown by the compounds in the region above 300 nm were identified by theoretical calculations. For Compound 1a these are n→π^* and →π^* transitions and for Compound 3 the longest wavelength absorption corresponds to a charge transfer band and shows a remarkably negative solvatochromism. Not only has the wavelength of maximum absorption changed with the solvent but also the ratio of the absorbances at the two wavelengths. The effect of solvents was correlated with solvatochromic parameters such as π^* and α. The spectrum of 5‐(1‐butylthio)‐3H‐1,2‐dithiole‐3‐one ( 2 ) was also measured in different solvents but in this case the changes observed are less significant than for the other two compounds. The spectra of 1a and 3 were also determined in the presence of anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB), and neutral surfactants (Brig‐35) and it is shown that these compounds can be used as probes for the polarity of the binding sites of organized assemblies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photophysical properties of a series of 4‐aryl substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines

In this article, a series of Hantzsch 1,4‐dihydropyridines with different substituted aryl groups were synthesized and its spectral data obtained by UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies in solution. The dihydropyridines present absorption located around 350 nm and fluorescence emission in the blue–green region. A higher Stokes’ shift could be observed for the derivative 3b because of an intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state from the dimethylaniline to the dihydropyridine chromophores, which was corroborated by a linear relation of the fluorescence maxima (ν_max) versus the solvent polarity function (Δf) from the Lippert–Mataga correlation. A comparison between the experimental data and time‐dependent density functional theory‐polarizable continuum model calculations of the vertical transitions was performed to help on the elucidation of the photophysics of these compounds. For these calculations, the S₀ and S₁ states were optimized using Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31 G* and Configuration Interaction Singles/6‐31 G*, respectively. The predicted absorption maxima are in good agreement with the experimental; however, the theoretical fluorescence emission maxima do not match the experimental, which means that the excited specie cannot be related to neither a locally excited state nor to an aromatized structure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of hydroxyoligophenylenes containing electron‐donating,electron‐accepting groups,or π‐deficient aromatic ring and their solvatochromic behavior

We have reported oligo(p‐phenylene)s (OPPs) with an OH group located at one end, namely, OPP(n)‐OHs (where n is the number of benzene rings). The OPPs exhibited significant solvatochromism; the deprotonation of the OH groups of OPP(n)‐OHs , when treated with NaH, caused a bathochromic shift of absorption maxima (λ_max) that increased with the donor numbers (DNs) of the solvents. We assumed that the solvatochromism exhibited by OPP(n)‐ONa was attributed to an intramolecular charge shift from the sodium phenoxy group(s) to the adjacent rings. In this study, to investigate the assumption, hydroxyoligophenylenes ( R‐OPP(n)‐OH ) with an electron‐donating dimethylamino group (n = 3, R = NMe₂), an electron‐accepting nitro group (n = 3, R = NO₂), and a π‐deficient pyridine ring (n = 2, R = Py) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction. The deprotonation of the OH group of by treatment with NaH caused a bathochromic shift (Δλ) of λ_max of R‐OPP(m)‐ONa . The Δλ of the deprotonated species increased with the DNs of the solvents. The emission peak positions of R‐OPP(m)‐ONa depended on the DNs of the solvents; therefore, the emission color could be tuned by changing the solvent. R‐OPP(m)‐OH received an electrochemical oxidation of the OH group and OPP unit. The data related to the remarkable solvatochromic behavior of R‐OPP(n)‐ONa will be useful information for the development of new luminescent materials.     

Tuning the absorption spectra and nonlinear optical properties of D‐π‐A azobenzene derivatives by changing the dipole moment and conjugation length: a theoretical study

The optical properties of several azobenzene derivatives were modulated by varying the dipole moments and conjugation lengths of the D‐π‐A systems. The relationship between the structure and absorption spectrum and polarizability was studied in the gas phase, THF and MeOH solutions, respectively, by using the density functional theory. The calculated absorption spectra and second‐order polarizabilities are in good agreement with the available experimental observations. In comparison with the D‐π‐A monomer, the H‐shaped D‐π‐A dimer almost doubles the dipole moments and hence increases the second‐order polarizabilities, without a significant shift in the maximum absorption bands. The addition of another azobenzol group between electron‐donating and ‐accepting groups increases the second‐order polarizabilities by 4–6 times, but leads to an evident red‐shift of about 65–80 nm in spectra. The relative second‐order polarizability of the halogen‐substituted derivatives is in the sequence of ? CF₃ > ? F > ? Cl > ? Br, without obvious substituent effects on the optical transparency. The D‐π‐A chromophores with the strong electron‐donating (amino) and ‐accepting (acetyl) substituent present the larger second‐order polarizabilities, at the cost of about 20 nm red‐shift of the maximum absorption lengths relative to the halogen‐substituted species. It is also demonstrated that both the linear and nonlinear optical properties augment with the increase in solvent polarity, accompanied by a red‐shift in the wavelengths of maximum absorption by about 18 and 23 nm, respectively, in THF and MeOH solutions. The changes in optical properties upon the structural modifications are further rationalized by the electronic structures of various H‐shaped dimers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An attempt of molecular design and synthesis of 3,4′/4,3′‐disubstituted benzylideneanilines with specified UV–Vis absorption maximum wavelength

Thirty‐one samples of 3,4′/4,3′‐disubstituted benzylideneanilines (XBAY) with specified UV–Vis absorption maximum wavelength (λ_max) were designed and synthesized by applying the equation (Eqn 1 ) which was abstracted from the UV–Vis absorption maximum wavelength energy (ν_max = 1/λ_max) of 4,4′‐disubstituted benzylideneanilines. Then, the UV–Vis data (λ_max) of the designed compounds were measured in anhydrous ethanol. The predicted UV–Vis data of designed compounds are in agreement with the experimental ones, in which the mean absolute error is 2.9 nm. The results show that Eqn 1 is applicative for the prediction of UV–Vis absorption λ_max values of both 4,4′‐disubstituted benzylideneanilines and 3,4′/4,3′‐disubstituted benzylideneanilines. For a same pair of groups (X and Y), one can at least get four disubstituted benzylideneaniline compounds which have different λ_max values. It perhaps provides a convenient method to design an optical material for benzylideneaniline compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvent effects on electronic absorption spectra of donor‐substituted 11,11,12,12‐tetracyano‐9, 10‐anthraquinodimethanes (TCAQs)

Solvent effects on the electronic absorption spectra of donor‐substituted 11,11,12,12‐tetracyano‐9, 10‐anthraquinodimethanes (TCAQs) 1 – 3 have been investigated in 32 well‐selected solvents. These compounds were chosen as model structures for charge‐transfer chromophores featuring second‐ and third‐order nonlinear optical properties. The resulting data were evaluated by means of theoretical models and (semi)empirical correlations determining the optical properties related to electron distribution and polarizability. We found that solvent effects on a polar D‐π‐A system do not depend on the donor/acceptor orientation (HOMO/LUMO localization) but especially on the length of the π‐system in between. The observed solvent effects are described with high accuracy by the applied theoretical models and linear combinations of physical quantities. Solvent polarization, permanent dipole moment, and molar volume substantially affect the longest‐wavelength absorption maxima. Solvent‐induced bathochromic shift resulting from the solvent polarity is described with high accuracy by the Born function. On the other hand, hypsochromic effects of the solvent permanent dipole moment are caused due to the slower reorganization of molecular dipoles compared with the rate of excitation. Solvent polarizability shifts the longest‐wavelength absorption maxima bathochromically with increasing length of the π‐conjugated system. Whereas this effect could be suitably described by the Onsager‐induced polarizability, the orientation polarizability was not found to be important. The solvent molar volume as a hypsochromic shift‐inducing factor is only relevant if the size of the solute and solvent molecules are comparable. If the size of the solute is considerably larger than that of the solvent molecules, the solvent behaves as a ‘shape continuum.’ Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the use of β‐carotene as a probe for solvent polarizability

The solvatochromism of β‐carotene confirms its high sensitivity not only to the polarizability of the medium, but is also contaminated by additional solute/solvent interactions due to its dipolarity and acidity, as well as to changes in its molecular structure in some solvents. A thermochromic analysis of β‐carotene dissolved in 2‐methylbutane and 1‐chlorobutane (ClB) revealed the influence of the solvent dipolarity on its UV/Vis‐spectroscopy behavior in these solvents. Applying Abe's method to the solvent‐induced shift of the first Vis absorption band of β‐carotene in ClB revealed that the electronic excitation substantially increases its polarizability and its dipole moment. Other experimental evidence also confirms that β‐carotene is not a suitable polarizability probe of the medium. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Compounds with π(loc) → π*(deloc) electronic transitions and their solvatochromism

Molecular structures possessing atomic sites that contribute a non‐bonding electron pair to their π system (e.g. nitrogen atoms with sp² hybridization in pyrroles and anilines) usually exhibit a first absorption band whose solvatochromism is, surprisingly, sensitive only to the polarizability of the medium even though they are dipolar. As shown here, this solvatochromic behavior is a result of the first electronic transition in these compounds occurring from a substantially localized π orbital to a substantially delocalized π* orbital in the molecular structure. The high electronic delocalization present leads to a marked bathochromic band shift as the polarizability of the medium increases. It is especially relevant that this solvatochromism, which is because of the polarizability of the medium, explains the spectral shift that is only because of the redistribution of the electrons of the solvent molecules. It is important to take into account that this electronic redistribution happens instantaneously in this process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvatochromism of 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐7‐nitrofluorene and the natural dye β‐carotene: application for the determination of solvent dipolarity and polarizability

The effects of solvents on chemical phenomena (rate and equilibrium constants, spectroscopic transitions, etc.) are conveniently described by solvation free‐energy relationships that take into account solvent acidity, basicity and dipolarity/polarizability. The latter can be separated into its components by manipulating the UV–vis spectra of two solvatochromic probes, 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐7‐nitrofluorene (DMANF) and a di‐(tert‐butyl)‐tetramethyl docosanonaen probe (ttbP9) whose synthesis is laborious and expensive. Recently, we have shown that the natural dye β‐carotene can be conveniently employed instead of ttbP9 for the determination of solvent polarizability (SP) of 76 molecular solvents and four ionic liquids. In the present work, we report the polarizabilities of further 24 solvents. Based on the solvatochromism of β‐carotene and DMANF, we have calculated solvent dipolarity (SD) for 103 protic and aprotic molecular solvents, and ionic liquids. The dependence of SD and SP on the number of carbon atoms in the acyl‐ or alkyl group of several homologous series (alcohols; 2‐alkoxyethanols; carboxylic acid‐ anhydrides, and esters, ionic liquids) is calculated and briefly discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvatochromic behavior of dyes with dimethylamino electron‐donor and nitro electron‐acceptor groups in their molecular structure

Six dyes with N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl and 4‐nitrophenyl or 2,4‐dinitrophenyl groups in their molecular structures were prepared and characterized. These compounds have different conjugated bridges (C?C, C?N, and N?N) connecting the electron‐donor and the electron‐acceptor groups. All compounds are solvatochromic, with reverse solvatochromism occurring. The solvatochromic band observed in each spectrum for the dyes is due to a π ? π* transition, of an intramolecular charge transfer nature, which occurs from the electron‐donor N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl group to the electron‐acceptor group in the molecules, which is reinforced by the structures of the compounds optimized by applying density functional theory, which exhibit high planarity. The reverse solvatochromism was explained considering two resonance structures. The benzenoid form is better stabilized in less polar solvents and characterizes the region displaying positive solvatochromism, while the dipolar form is better stabilized in more polar solvents, in the region of negative solvatochromism. The Catalán multiparametric approach was used to study the contribution of solvent acidity, basicity, dipolarity, and polarizability to the solvatochromism exhibited by the compounds. These compounds are good candidates for the investigation of the polarizability and, to a lesser extent, the dipolarity of the medium, with very little interference from specific interactions of the solvent through hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dimer radical cation of 4‐thiouracil: a pulse radiolysis and theoretical study

Pulse radiolysis with optical absorption detection has been used to study the reactions of hydroxyl radical (OH^?) with 4‐thiouracil (4TU) in aqueous medium. The transient absorption spectrum for the reaction of OH^? with 4TU is characterized by λ_max 460 nm at pH 7. A second‐order rate constant k_(4TU+OH) of 1.7 × 10¹⁰ M^?1 s^?1 is determined via competition kinetics method. The transient is envisaged as a dimer radical cation [4TU]₂^?+, formed via the reaction of an initially formed radical cation [4TU]^?+ with another 4TU. The formation constant of [4TU]₂^?+ is 1.8 × 10⁴ M^?1. The reactions of dibromine radical ion (Br₂^??) at pH 7, dichlorine radical ion (Cl₂^??) at pH 1, and azide radical (N₃^?) at pH 7 with 4TU have also produced transient with λ_max 460 nm. Density functional theory (DFT) studies at BHandHLYP/6–311 + G(d,p) level in aqueous phase showed that [4TU]₂^?+ is characterized by a two‐centerthree electron (2c‐3e) [?S∴S?] bond. The interaction energy of [?S∴S?] bond in [4TU]₂^?+ is ?13.01 kcal mol^?1. The predicted λ_max 457 nm by using the time‐dependent DFT method for [4TU]₂^?+ is in agreement with experimental λ_max. Theoretical calculations also predicted that compared with [4TU]₂^?+, 4‐thiouridine dimer is more stable, whereas 4‐thiothymine dimer is less stable. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural dynamics of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole in light absorbing S2(ππ*) state

The short‐time structural dynamics of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole in light absorbing S₂(ππ*) state were studied by using resonance Raman spectroscopy and quantum mechanical calculations. The vibrational spectra and ultraviolet absorption spectra of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole were assigned. The resonance Raman spectra of imidazole and 4‐formaldehyde imidazole were obtained in methanol and acetonitrile with excitation wavelengths in resonance with the first intense absorption band to probe the short‐time structural dynamics. complete active space self‐consistent field calculations were carried out to determine the minimal singlet excitation energies and structures of S₁(nπ*), S₂(ππ*), and conical intersection point S₁(nπ*)/S₂(ππ*). The results show that the A‐band structural dynamics of imidazole is predominantly along the N₁H/C₄H/C₅H/C₂H in‐plane bending reaction coordinate, which suggests that excited state proton or hydrogen transfer reaction takes place somewhere nearby the Franck–Condon region. The significant difference in the short‐time structural dynamics between 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole is observed, and the underlying mechanism is interpreted in term of excited state charge redistribution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of substituents and conjugated chain length on the UV spectra of α,ω‐di‐substituted phenyl polyenes

A series of α,ω‐di‐substituted phenyl polyenes, p‐X–Ph(CH = CH)_nPh–p‐Y (n = 1, 2, or 3) were synthesized, and their ultraviolet (UV) absorption maximum wavelength were determined. The correlation between molecular structure and the maximum wavelength energy (wavenumber/cm^?1) was carried out. The results show that the maximum wavelength energy of the title compounds is mainly affected by both substituent excited‐state parameters and maximum wavelength energy of the parent molecule. However, the two influence factors are not independent, and the action of substituent is governed by the parent molecular absorption energy. In the case of the compounds containing NO₂ or NH₂ groups, the influence of interaction of polarity parameters on the maximum wavelength energy must also be considered. In addition, the exploration was also made for the quantifying correlation of UV absorption maximum wavelength energy with the conjugated polarizability potential CPP replacing the parent molecular absorption energy. And the results indicate that the equation with CPP parameters is more accurate and convenient. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photochromism of dihydroindolizines part VII: multiaddressable photophysical properties of new photochromic dihydroindolizines bearing substituted benzo[i]phenanthridine as a fluorescing moiety

Sixteen benzo[i]phenanthridine derivatives 8a‐p were prepared via photocyclization of cis‐trans substituted 4‐styrylquinolines in low‐to‐moderate yields. The chemical structure of the photocyclized benzo[i]phenanthridine derivatives was unambiguously elucidated by means of both spectral and analytical tools. The photochromic (PC) dihydroindolizines (DHIs) 8a‐p based on benzo[i]phenanthridines were prepared in 19–57% yields via nucleophilic addition of benzo[i]phenanthridines 4a‐p to spirocyclopropenes 5 . The 1D, 2D, NOESY NMR spectra, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis were used for characterization of the chemical structures of the newly synthesized DHIs 8a‐p . Developing and tuning of the photophysical properties of the synthesized compounds by substituents in the base part have been achieved. The absorption maxima (λ_max) and the half‐lives (t_1/2) of the colored zwitterionic forms 7a‐p were detected in all cases by flash‐photolysis measurements due to the fast 1,5‐electrocyclization back to the DHI system. Irradiation of DHI 8a‐p in'CH₂Cl₂ solution with polychromatic light leads to the formation of green to green–blue colored betaines 7a‐p after cooling with liquid nitrogen. The kinetics of the fast bleaching process of betaines 7a‐p to DHIs 8a‐p , studied by flash photolysis as well as low temperature FT‐UV/VIS, were found to take place in the millisecond range (432–2675 ms) in dichloromethane solution and fitted well a first‐order thermal back reaction. The fluorescence spectra as well as the fluorescence quantum yield were studied. Noticeable bathochromic and hypsochromic shifts in the emission spectra by changing the substituents in the base part were monitored. Interestingly, the photo‐fatigue resistance of some studied betaines 7a‐p showed a higher t₃₀‐value than the standard one (dicyanopyridazine DHI). Large solvatochromic effects on the absorption maxima (λ_max) as well as a substantial increase in the half‐lives (t_1/2) with solvent polarity of betaines 7a‐p were also observed. The multiaddressable PC properties of DHIs 8a‐p will help these compounds to find applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The intramolecular charge transfer in a donor–π–acceptor dianion probed by resonance Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

The dideprotonation of 4‐(4‐nitrophenylazo)resorcinol generates an anionic species with substantial electronic π delocalization. As compared to the parent neutral species, the anionic first excited electronic transition, characterized as an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from the CO⁻ groups to the NO₂ moiety, shows a drastic red shift of ca. 200 nm in the λ_max in the UV‐vis spectrum, leading to one of the lowest ICT energies observed (λ_max = 630 nm in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) in this class of push‐pull molecular systems. Concomitantly, a threefold increase in the molar absorptivity (ε_max) in comparison to the neutral species is observed. The resonance Raman enhancement profiles reveal that in the neutral species the chromophore involves several modes, as ν(C N), ν(NN), ν(CC) and ν_s(NO₂), whereas in the dianion, there is a selective enhancement of the NO₂ vibrational modes. The quantum chemical calculations of the electronic transitions and vibrational wavenumbers led to a consistent analysis of the enhancement patterns observed in the resonance Raman spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Abnormal effect of hydroxyl on the longest wavelength maximum in ultraviolet absorption spectra for bis‐aryl Schiff bases

Two sets of bis‐aryl Schiff bases that contain 4(or 4′)‐OH and 2(or 2′)‐OH were synthesized. The first set consists of 4‐HOArCH=NArY and XArCH=NArOH‐4′, and the second set consists of 2‐HOArCH=NArY and XArCH=NArOH‐2′. Their ultraviolet absorption spectra were measured and investigated. A very interesting phenomenon was observed by analyzing their wave number ν_max (cm^?1) of longest wavelength maximum λ_max (nm) of ultraviolet. Compared with the change regularity of the ν_max of XArCH=NArY (where the X and Y excluded OH), the 4′‐position hydroxyl (4′‐OH) and 2′‐position hydroxyl (2′‐OH) have abnormal performance. The details are the following: the 4′‐OH contributes an additional red shift to the ν_max of XArCH=NArOH‐4′ (λ_max increase), whereas the 2′‐OH contributes an additional blue shift to the ν_max of XArCH=NArOH‐2′ (λ_max decrease). In addition, there are ortho steric effects of all 2‐OH and 2′‐OH on the ν_max for 2‐HOArCH=NArY and XArCH=NArOH‐2′, and the ortho steric effect contributes a red shift to their ν_max. These experimental facts can provide an important theoretical reference for us using aryl Schiff base compounds as optical materials and performing the molecular design.     

Structural dynamics of 4‐cyanobenzaldehyde in S2(ππ*) state

The excited state structural dynamics of 4‐cyanobenzaldehyde (p‐CNB) were studied by using the resonance Raman spectroscopy and the quantum mechanical calculations. The experimental A‐ and B‐band absorptions were, respectively, assigned to the major n_O → π₃* and π₂ → π₃* transitions according to the B3LYP‐TD/6‐31G(d) and CIS/6‐31G(d) computations, and the resonance Raman spectra. It was determined that the actual S₂(π₂π₃) state was in energy lower than S₃(π₁π₃), which was just opposite to the B3LYP‐TD/6‐31G(d) calculated order of the S₂(π₁π₃) and S₃(π₂π₃). The vibrational assignments were carried out for the A‐ and B‐band resonance Raman spectra. The B‐band resonance Raman intensities of p‐CNB were dominated by the C2–C3/C5–C6 symmetric stretch mode ν₈, the overtones nν₈ and their combination bands with the ring C–H bend mode ν₁₇, the C9–N10 stretch mode ν₆, the C7–O8 stretch mode ν₇ and the remaining modes. The conical intersection between S₁(n_Oπ₃) and S₂(π₂π₃) states of p‐CNB was determined at complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF)(8,7)/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. The B‐band short‐time structural dynamics and the corresponding decay dynamics of p‐CNB were obtained by analysis of the resonance Raman intensity pattern and CASSCF computations. The resonance Raman spectra indicated that CI[S₁(n_Oπ₃)/S₂(π₁π₂π₃π₄)] located nearby the Franck–Condon region. The excited state decay dynamics evolving from the S_{2, FC}(π₂π₃) to the S₁(n_Oπ₃) state was proposed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.