Syntheses,Structures and Photoelectron Spectra of Phospha-Alkenes and Phospha-Alkynes and Their Transition Metal Complexes

Abstract

The chemistry of the novel phospha-alkenes RP[dbnd]CR'₂, and phospha-alkynes, RC[tbnd]P, containing 2pπ-3pπ bonds is of current interest.^1,2 Recent molecular orbital calculations,^3,4 suggest that the highest occupied molecular orbital in CH₂[dbnd]PH is of the π-type with the phosphorus lone pair ó-orbital only slightly more stable while the π? lumo orbital is relatively low lying. We now report He (I) photoelectron spectroscopic studies on a variety of RC[tbnd]P molecules^5,6 which indicate that the homo is also of the π-type and the π-σ separation is much greater than that found in the analogous RC[tbnd]N systems.     

The Ionization Potentials of Butadiene,Hexatriene, and their Methyl Derivatives: Evidence for through space interaction between double bond π-orbitals and non-bonded pseudo-π orbitals of methyl groups?

It is shown that the correlation of the π-ionization potentials of ethylene ( 1 ), butadiene ( 2 ) and trans-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 4 ) favours the orbital sequence π, π, σ in butadiene and π, π, σ, π in the hexatriene in excellent agreement with the results of SPINDO calculations. Within the experimental error the π-ionization potentials of cis-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 3 ) and trans-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 4 ) are the same. Methyl-substitution of 2 lowers the π-ionization potentials I₁(π) and I₂(π). For 1 and/or 4 substitution the difference I₂(π)?I₁(π) remains constant (≈ 2.5 eV). On the other hand 2 and/or 3 substitution leads to a smaller gap of I₂(π)–I₁(π) ≈ 1.6 to 2.0 eV without changing the mean π-ionization potential I (π) relative to the corresponding 1,4 substituted derivatives. This result is rationalized in terms of a through space interaction between double bond π-orbitals and non-bonded pseudo-π-orbitals of the substituting methyl groups. The reduced split I₂(π)–I₁(π) in cyclopentadiene is attributed to hyperconjugation across the methylene group.     

Short intramolecular oh...π - electron distances in rigid polycyclic structures : Synthesis and IR-spectroscopic study of tetracyclo[5.3.0.0.2,5.0.4,8]dec-9-en-3-ol and the 3-methyl derivative

Two strained bridgehead cage alcohols with a very short intramolecular OH...π distance, tetracyclo[5.3.0.0.^2,5.0.^4,8 dec-9-en-3-ol and its 3-methyl derivative, have been synthesized. The IR spectra have been studied and discussed in relation to the starting ketone tetracyclo[5.3.0.^2,5.0.0.^4,8] dec-9-en- 3-one.Considerable attractive OH-proton...π-electron interaction on the one hand and repulsive steric and oxygen-lone-pair... π forces on the other hand lead to a position of the hydroxyl bond, practically parallel to the double bond. Non-bonding proton..proton interaction in the 3-methyl compound causes increased C-H stretching frequencies of the alkyl groups involved. The IR-data of the ketone confirms the presence of non-bonding π-orbital interaction and shows the C=O vibration is subject to Fermi resonance.     

The ionization energies of bridged [14]annulenes and of dicyclohepta[cd,gh] pentalene

The ionization energies J_J, of 1,6;8,13-alkanediylidene-[14]annulenes ( 2 to 5 ) and of dicyclohepta[cd,gh]pentalene ( 1 ) have been determined by photoelectron spectroscopy, using HeI radiation. The data are interpreted in terms of Koopmans' theorem (J_J = ?ε_J) on the basis of correlation diagrams and with the help of simple molecular orbital models. If the bridge is an ethane-, propane- or butane-diylidene group, the π-orbital sequence, in descending order of orbital energies, is (in C_2v): b₁, b₂, a₂, a₁. The sequence is due to a complicated and not uniquely definable interplay of inductive, conjugative and homoconjugative effects. A detailed analysis of these effects suggests that the effective angle of twist between two consecutive basis-AOs 2p_μ, 2p_ν of the peripheral π-system should be smaller than the twist angles θ_μν determined by X-ray analysis, i.e. that the pi;-ribbon adjusts elastically and is no longer locally orthogonal to the σ-frame. In the non-alternant hydrocarbon 1 of symmetry D_2h, the sequence is 2b_2g, 3b_1u, 2b_3g, 1a_u, 2b_1u. The sequence 3b_1u above 2b_3g, _i.e. the reverse of b₂ above a₁ in the bridged [14]annulenes, is explained as being due to the interaction of the semilocalized perimeter orbitals b_1u and b_3g with the bonding (π(B_1u))and antibonding (π*(B_3g)) orbital of the central double bond. In 2 the replacement of the two latter orbitals by the Walsh-orbitals of the cyclopropane moiety leads to the sequence b₁, b₂, a₁, a₂. From the data observed for 1 to 5 and for 1,6-methano-[10]annulene [11], a crude estimate for the orbital energies of the hypothetical all-cis D_10h-[10]- and D_14h-[14]annulenes can be derived.     

A Photoelectron-spectroscopic investigation of the Homoconjugative Interaction between π- and Walsh-Orbitals in endo- and exo-Cyclopropano-norbornene

Photoelectron spectra of endo- and exo-cyclopropano-norbornene ( = endo- and exo-tricyclo[3.2.1.0^2.4]octa-6-ene) show that a significant homoconjugation exists between the π-orbital of the double bond and the symmetric Walsh-es-orbital of the cyclopropane ring in the exo-isomer, whereas the interaction is negligeable in the endo-derivative.     

Near Cancellation of Through Space and Through Bond Interaction in bicyclo[3.2.2]nona-6,8-diene

The photoelectron spectra of bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane and its five dehydrogenated analogues are reported. Analysis of the π-bands reveals that the unsymmetrical diene 5 retains the ‘natural order’ of the π-orbitals present in the lower homologues, i. e. the in-phase below the out-of-phase combination of the basis π-orbitals π_a and π_c. The isomeric diene 4 is the first member of the symmetrical homologous series (I), which inverts this order, so that a ₁(π) (in phase!) lies above b ₂(π) (out-of-phase!).     

Valence-bond calculations on N2 and isoelectronic species

Valence-bond calculations are reported for the isoelectronic series of molecules and ions: N₂, CO, BF, NO⁺ and CN^?. The most important structures are N?N, C?O, B_π? F, N⁺?O and C?N. Hybridization of the 2s and 2p orbitals is important. Only two or three structures are required to obtain an energy lower than that obtained with the molecular orbital approximation. Structures in which the electronegative element loses a σ-orbital or gains a π-orbital are favored. π-bonds tend to be favored over σ-bonds. The bond in NO⁺ resembles that in CO, whereas that in CN^? resembles the bonding in N₂.     

EXCITED STATES OF SIX-MEMBERED N-HETEROCYCLES. FLUORESCENCE, PHOSPHORESCENCE AND ACID—BASE EQUILIBRIA OF ELECTRONICALLY EXCITED PHENAZINE

Abstract— An account of a systematic study of the acid-base equilibria of phenazine in the two lowest excited (π,π) states is presented. Pure electronic levels of the free base and of both its protonated forms have been located by spectroscopic methods. Fluorescence, phosphorescence and corresponding absorption spectra have been measured. The O-O energies of the free base, of the singly-protonated species and of the doubly protonated form in the lowest triplet state (³L_α(π, π)) are: 15, 475 cm^-1, 14, 175 cm^-1 and about 9300cm^-1, respectively. This last value has been estimated from the experimentally determined S-T splitting in the other two forms. Corresponding energies of the lowest singlet state (^IL_α(π,π)) are: 23,500 cm^-1, 21,250cm^-1 and 17,300 cm^-1. The fluorescence of the free base has been found in polar as well as in non-polar solvents and has been checked by the fluorescence excitation spectrum. Fluorescence quantum yields for the free base have been measured: 8.6 times 10^-4 and 3.0 × 10^-5 in ethanol and hexane solutions, respectively. Emission in ethanol has been ascribed to (π,π), that in hexane —to (π, π). fluorescence. The changes of pK_α's under excitation, calculated from the Forster's cycle, are equal: δpK_a¹=+2.8±0.3; δpK_a¹¹?+10±1.5 in the lowest (π, π) triplet state and δpK_a¹=+4.8±0.5; δpK_a¹¹=+8.4 ± 0.5 in the lowest (π,π) singlet state. The δpK_a¹¹ in the triplet state is at least as high as that in the ¹L_a(π, π) state. P P P calculations of the electronic levels and of the molecular diagrams have been performed. The energies obtained exceed experimental values by not more than 0.5 eV. An increase of the net charge on nitrogen δp under excitation has been found to be +50, +70 and +19 per cent in the ¹L_a, ¹L_b and ³L_a states, respectively. A good correlation has been found between δpK_a¹ and δp in both excited states, which have been studied experimentally.     

The influence of the negative hyperconjugation is relevant for the analysis of the π-π<Superscript>*</Superscript> conjugation with the mono-substitution and di-substitution of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>C= by O= and/or HN= in <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-buta-1,3-diene?

We have studied prop-2-en-1-imine (1), prop-2-enal (2), ethane-1,2-diimine (3), ethanedial (4), and 2-iminoacetaldehyde (5) to investigate the influence of the negative hyperconjugation in π-π^* interaction with the substitution of =CH₂ by =NH and/or =O in trans-buta-1,3-diene (6). The analyzes of the π-π^* interaction performed from evaluation of the π molecular orbital diagrams and electron localization function method demonstrated, that compared to 6, the substituted compounds 1-5 presented lower electron conjugation, especially in the structures bearing =O. The geometric parameters, natural bond orders, and topological analysis realized by quantum theory of atoms in molecules method indicated a predominant C-C and C=C character for the simple and double C-C bonds in the substituted compounds, 1-5, as compared to 6. Compound 4 had the highest enthalpy of formation, which reflected the lowest π-π^* interaction, maintained by the two =O conjugated groups. The natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural resonance theory (NRT) methods revealed that the π-π^* electron delocalization in substituted compounds, 1-5, is lower than in 6 from, firstly, of the less favorable interactions: π(X=C) ? π^*(C=C) and π(X=C) ? π^*(C=X), despite of the larger π(C=C) ? π^*(C=X) conjugation, with X = N and/or O, of 1-5 than π(C=C) ? π^*(C=C) of 6. But, most importantly, the weight of the interaction: n_π(O) ? σ^*(C-C), was determined from NBO and NRT methods as proportional to the π-π^* conjugation and thus demonstrating be decisive to establish the level of π electronic delocalization.     

Photoelectron Spectra of Unsaturated Oxides. I. 1,4-Dioxin and related systems

The He (Iα) photoelectron spectra of the four unsaturated oxides 3,4-dihydropyran ( 6 ), γ-pyran ( 7 ), 2, 3-dihydro-1, 4-dioxin ( 9 ) and 1, 4-dioxin ( 10 ) are reported and analysed. Band assignments are based on ab-initio calculations, using the STO-3G basis set. The proposed orbital sequences (with reference to the coordinate systems given in Table 1) are, for the top three orbitals: 6 , π, nσ, nπ; 7 , 3b₁(π), 1a₂(π), 11a₁(σ); 9 , 11b(π), 12a(σ), 11a(π); 10 , 2b_3u(π), 1b_1g(π), 6a_g(σ). Finally the (almost) localized π-orbitals have been computed by the Foster-Boys localization procedure.     

Photoelectron-spectroscopic Evidence Concerning “Homo-aromaticity”

The first of the two π-bands in the photoelectron spectrum of cis-cis-cis-1, 4, 7-cyclononatriene (I, symmetry C_3v) shows a Jahn-Teller split. This is consistent with the prediction of molecular orbital theory that the top occupied orbitals of I are e (π) and a ₁(π) respectively. From the difference ?( e (π)) - ?( a ₁(π)) = 0.90 to 0.97 eV a value of β_1,3 = ?0.68 eV = 0.27 β (β = -2.5 eV) is obtained for the homoconjugative interaction of two π-orbitals in I. This value represents almost exclusively through-space interaction between the π-orbitals. Through-bond interaction (hyperconjugation) is a minor effect in I. A comparison of the photoelectron data of bicyclo [4.2.1] nonatriene with those of norbornene and cycloheptadiene shows that homoconjugation (homo-aromaticity) can only be detected by photoelectron spectroscopy if the interacting π-bonds (basis orbitals) are symmetry equivalent or have accidentally (almost) degenerate energies.     

Silicon version of enamines: Amino-substituted disilenes by the reactions of the disilyne RSiSiR (R = SiPr[CH(SiMe3)2]2) with amines

The reaction of 1,1,4,4-tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-1,4-diisopropyltetrasila-2-yne 1 with secondary or primary amines produced amino-substituted disilenes R(R₂′N)SiSiHR 2a-d (R = SiⁱPr[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂, R₂′NEt₂N (2a), (CH₂CH₂)₂N (2b), ^tBu(H)N (2c), and Ph₂N (2d)). Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses of 2 showed that 2a-c have a nearly coplanar arrangement of the SiSi double bond and the amino group, giving π-conjugation between the SiSi double bond and the lone pair on the nitrogen atom, whereas 2d has a nearly perpendicular arrangement precluding such conjugation. Theoretical calculations indicate that π-conjugation between the π-orbital of the SiSi double bond and the lone pair on the nitrogen atom is markedly influenced by the torsional angle between the SiSi double-bond plane and the amino-group plane.     

Photochemische Reaktionen. 52. Mitteilung [1]. Zur Photochemie von α,β-ungesättigten cyclischen Ketonen: Spezifische Reaktionen der n,π*- und π,π*-Triplettzustände von O-Acetyl-testosteron und 10-Methyl-Δ1,9-octalon-(2)

The photochemistry of the conjugated cyclohexenones O-acetyl testosterone ( 1 ) and 10-methyl-Δ^1,9-octalone-(2) ( 24 ) has been investigated in detail. The choice of reaction paths of both ketones depends strongly on the solvent used. In t-butanol, a photostationary equilibrium 1 ? 3 is reached which is depleted solely by the parallel rearrangement 1 → 5 (Chart 1; for earlier results on these reactions see [2a] [6] [7]). In benzene, double bond shift 1 → 16 (Chart 3) occurs instead, which is due to hydrogen abstraction from a ground-state ketone by the oxygen of an excited ketone as the primary photochemical process. In toluene, the major reaction is solvent incorporation ( 1 → 17 , Chart 4) through hydrogen addition to the β-carbon of the enone, accompanied by double bond shift and formation of saturated dihydroketone as the minor reactions. Contrary in part to an earlier report [19], the photochemical transformation of the bicyclic enoné 24 exhibit a similar solvent dependence. The corresponding products 25 – 29 are summarized in Chart 5 and Table 1. Sensitization and quenching experiments established the triplet nature of the above reactions of 1 and 24 . Based on STERN -VOLMER analyses of the quenching data (cf. Figures 2, 4–8, and Table 3), rearrangement, double bond reduction and toluene addition are attributed to one triplet state of the enones which is assigned tentatively as ³(π, π*) state, and the double bond shift is attributed to another triplet assigned as ³(n, π*) state (cf. Figure 9). The stereospecific rearrangement of the 1α-deuterated ketone 2 to the 4β-deuterio isomer 4 shows the reaction to proceed with retention at C-1 and inversion at C-10. The 4-substituted testosterone derivatives 33 – 36 (Chart 8) were found to be much less reactive in general than 1 . In particular, 4-methyl ketone 33 remains essentially unchanged on irradiation in t-butanol, benzene and toluene.     

Two Fe3(μ3‐S)2(CO)8 clusters with terminal N‐heterocyclic carbenes

The title compounds with terminal N‐heterocyclic carbenes, namely octacarbonyl(imidazolidinylidene‐κC²)di‐μ₃‐sulfido‐triiron(II)(2 Fe—Fe), [Fe₃(C₃H₆N₂)(μ₃‐S)₂(CO)₈], (I), and octacarbonyl(1‐methylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐ylidene‐κC³)di‐μ₃‐sulfido‐triiron(II)(2 Fe—Fe), [Fe₃(C₈H₈N₂)(μ₃‐S)₂(CO)₈], (II), have been synthesized. Each compound contains two Fe—Fe bonds and two S atoms above and below a triiron triangle. One of the eight carbonyl ligands deviates significantly from linearity. In (I), dimers generated by an N—H...S hydrogen bond are linked into [001] double chains by a second N—H...S hydrogen bond. These chains are packed by a C—H...O hydrogen bond to yield [101] sheets. In (II), dimers generated by an N—H...S hydrogen bond are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form [111] double chains.     

Chemical Bonding in Silicon Carbonyl Complexes

Although silylene-carbonyl complexes are known for decades, only recently isolable examples have been accomplished. In this work, the bonding situation is re-evaluated to explain the origins of their remarkable stability within the Kohn-Sham molecular orbital theory framework. It is shown that the chemical bond can be understood as CO interaction with the silylene via a donor-acceptor interaction: a σ-donation from the σ_CO into the empty p-orbital of silicon, and a π-back donation from the sp² lone pair of silicon into the π*_CO antibonding orbitals. Notably, it was established that the driving force behind the surprisingly stable Si−CO compounds, however, is another π-back donation from a perpendicular bonding R−Si σ-orbital into the π*_CO antibonding orbitals. Consequently, the pyramidalization of the central silicon atom cannot be associated with the strength of the π-back donation, in sharp contrast to the established chemical bonding model. Considering this additional bonding interaction not only shed light on the bonding situation, but is also an indispensable key for broadening the scope of silylene-carbonyl chemistry.     

Phanes with Three- and Four-Membered Rings as Building Elements

The systematic integration of the small 2π- and 4π-electron systems cyclopropenylium ion, cyclopropenone, oxo-cyclobutenylium ion, and cyclobutadiene into phane chemistry was initiated only a few years ago. [n₂]Cyclopropenylophanes, [n₂]cyclopropenonophanes, metal-capped [n₄]cyclobutadienosuperphanes, and other new families of double-decker phane species became available from cycloalkydiynes through special methods of double [2+1]cycloaddition with carbenes and metal complex induced dimerization by double [2+2]cycloaddition. Phane-specific structural features were elucidated by X-ray structural analyses. Cyclic voltammetry and PE spectroscopy as well as MO calculations reealed considerable interactions between closely spaced π-electron systems. Decapping cyclobutadienosuperphanes formally extended the synthetic principle to threefold [2+2]cycloadditions resulting in [n₄]-bridged tricyclo-[4.2.0.0^{3, 5}]octa-3,7-dienes, which represent a new type of cage compounds. Moreover, completion to fourfold [2+2]addition was achieved with the photoinduced transformation of [3₄]bridged tricyclo[4.2.0.0^{3, 5}]octa-3,7-diene into propella[3₄]cubane.     

Photochemische Reaktionen 49. Mitteilung [1] Spezifisch π → π*-induzierte Keton-Photoreaktionen: Die Doppelbindungsverschiebung von O-Acetyl-10α-testosteron Protonisierung der Doppelbindung seines δ5-Isomeren

The α,β-unsatured ketone 10α-testosterone has been reported previously [6] to photoisomerize in t-butanol solution to the β,γ-unsaturated ketone. The irradiation had been carried out using a high-pressure mercury lamp in a quartz vessel. For structural reasons this double bond shift cannot proceed through a photoenolization mechanism involving an intramolecular hydrogen transfer from the γ-position to the enone oxygen as has been suggested to operate in several formally analogous cases of aliphatic enone isomerizations. In the present reinvestigation, O-acetyl 10α-testosterone ( 1 ) was used, employing selectively either excitation of its n → π* (with wavelengths > 300 nm) or its π → π* absorption band (with 253,7 nm). In t-butanol solution the doublebond shift 1 → 2 could be effected with π→* excitation only. Experiments in deuterated solvent (t-BuOD) resulted in deuterium in corporation in both the δ5-ketone in the C(4)-position, cf.( 3 ) and in the conjugated ketone. These results indicate that the reactions is initiated either in the, S_π,π* state or in a high vibrational mode of the S₀ or t_ππ*state. n→ π* Excitation of 1 in t-butanol gave essentially no over-all chemical change, while in benzene solution it resulted again in a double bond isomerization ( 1 → 2 ). In analogy to results with similar enones [28] under identical conditions the deconjugation in benzene may be the consequence of an intermolecular hydrogen abstraction of the T_n,π* excited state of the enone. Another specifically π →π* induced photoreaction was observed on irradiation of the β, γ-unsaturated ketone 2 in t-BuOD with 253,7 nm. The olefinic hydrogen at C-6 of 2 was exchanged with deuterium and, to a small extent, isomerization to the conjugated ketone 1 with concomitant deuterium incorporation occurred. It is concluded that from the higher excited state of the β, γ-unsaturated ketone, but not from its S_n,π* state, an activation mode of the double bond is accessible to effect D+ addition at C-6 followed by deprotonation to 4 and to deuterated 1 , respectively.     

2D and 3D supramolecular assemblies of double cyclopalladated azobenzenes realized by C-H?Cl-Pd, π?π and C-H?π interactions

The double cyclopalladated complex with azobenzene, μ-[(E)-1,2-diphenyldiazene-C^2,8, N^1,2]-di-[chloro(dimethylsulfoxide)palladium(II)]; (DMSO)PdCl(μ-C₆H₄NNC₆H₄)(DMSO)PdCl (1) and its analogous complex with DMF as ancillary ligand, (DMF)PdCl(μ-C₆H₄NNC₆H₄)(DMF)PdCl; μ-[(E)-1,2-diphenyldiazene-C^2,8,N^1,2]-di-[chloro(dimethylformamide)palladium(II)] (2a) were synthesized and the function of cyclopalladated moiety in molecular assembling in the solid state is illustrated by their crystal packings. The polymorphism of 2a and 2b is discussed. The crystal structures reveal assemblies with molecular components self-organized by C-H?Cl-Pd hydrogen bonds, π?π, and C-H?π interactions. The double cyclopalladated complexes of azobenzene, with two Pd-Cl moieties participating in the hydrogen bond formation and π-conjugated system involved in the π?π or C-H?π interactions, represent a new class of building blocks for construction of solid state supramolecular assemblies.     

The Photorearrangements of a Naphthobarrelene-like System. Dependence on excited-state spin multiplicity and electronic configuration,and evidence for biradical intermediates. Preliminary communication

8-Benzoyl-9-deuterio-naphtho [de-2.3.4]bicyclo [3.2.2]nona-2,6,8-triene ( 1 ) rearranged quantitatively in a photochemical di-π-methane-type process to 2-, 6-, and 9-deuteriated 1-benzoyl-naphtho [de-2.3.4]tricyclo [4.3.0.0^2,9]nona-2, 6-diene ( 8a–c ). The phenylhydroxymethyl analogue 2 underwent a similar regioselective rearrangement to 9a–c . The rearrangement 1 → 8a–c is proposed to proceed along three reaction paths evolving from two primary photochemical processes of naphthylvinyl and vinyl-vinyl bonding ( 1 → 3 + 6 ). Evidence for a competition between several paths and involvement of biradical intermediates derives from changes in the isotopomeric composition with temperature, and from laser flash detection (λ_exc 353 nm) of a transient. The dependence of the quantum yield for product formation from 1 on excitation wavelength and sensitizer triplet energy leads to the conclusion that reaction to the primary biradicals occurs directly from the S₁ (n, π*) and T₂ (n, π* ) states, and that reaction from T₁ (π, π*) and from S₂ (π, π*) proceed either directly or via T₂.     

STEREOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC AND RELATED SYSTEMS—VI. AB INITIO CONFIGURATION INTERACTION CALCULATIONS ON THE GROUND AND LOWER EXCITED SINGLET AND TRIPLET STATES OF ETHYL BACTERIOCHLOROPHYLLIDE-a AND ETHYL BACTERIOPHEOPHORBIDE-a‡

Abstract— Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations on ethyl bacteriochlorophyllide-a (Et-BChl-a) and ethyl bacteriopheophorbide-a (Et-BPheo-a) are presented, including self-consistent-field (SCF) molecular orbital studies on the ground states using the molecular fragment procedure, and configuration interaction (CI) calculations on the low-lying singlet and triplet states and absorption spectra. A characterization and comparison of many of the higher-lying molecular orbitals obtained from the SCF studies is presented. The estimated first ionization potentials are 5.66 and 5.97 eV for Et-BChl-a and Et-BPheo-a, respectively. Excited state calculations show that the visible spectrum of both molecules consists of an intense, y-polarized S₁← S₀ transition and a weakly-allowed, x-polarized S₂← S₀ transition. Both S₁ and S₂ states are ¹(π, π*) in character, and are described by a four-orbital model. Transitions to the remaining calculated states, S₃-S₁₂, appear in the Soret region of the spectrum of both molecules. However, only transitions to S₉(‘x’), S₁₀(‘x’) and S₁₁(‘y’) of Et-BChl-a, and S₇(‘x’) and S₁₀(‘y’) of Et-BPheo-a are of high intensity. The composition of the high intensity Soret states is ¹(π, π*) and strongly “four-orbital” in nature. The lowest triplet state, T₁, is predicted to lie 9752 cm^-1 and 7880 cm^-1 above S₀ for Et-BPheo-a and Et-BChl-a, respectively. In each molecule T₂ and S₁ are nearly degenerate, suggesting a favorable pathway for intersystem crossing. Calculated T_n← T₁ transitions indicate that the y-polarized T₁₂← T₁ transition in Et-BChl-a corresponds to the observed intense 24,400 cm^-1 absorption in the triplet-triplet spectrum of BChl-a. A similar type spectrum is also predicted for BPheo-a.