Photophysics properties of 4-formacyl-triphenylamine and 4,4''''-bisformacyl-triphenylamine

The photophysical processes of 4-formacyl-triphenylamine (FTA) and 4,4'-bisformacyl-triphenyl-amine (BTA) have been studied. The fluorescences of FTA and BTA with donor (triamine) and acceptor (formacyl) moieties show the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) emission in polar solvents and photoinduced charge transfer (ICT) emission in nonpolar solvents. These could be supported by the solvent effect, temperature effect and the quenching process by strong electron-deficient compounds.     

4-[2-(9,10-二氰基蒽)乙烯基] -N,N-二甲基苯胺的三荧光发射

从分子水平进行电子转移,电荷分离的研究是十分重要的,它不仅是自然界光合作用的基本过程,也是现代高新技术中的一个关键问题。近年来分子内含电子给体与电子受体的D-A化合物一直引起人们的极大兴趣。这些化合物能发生光致分子内电子转移,使其激发态分子的偶极矩远大于基态,它们的发射光谱对介质的粘度及极性十分敏感,随分子结构的变化而变化,展现出特有的光电性质,可利用作为非线性光学材料、光电转换材料以及荧光探针等。     

Unusual Solvatofluorochromism of the Asymmetrically Substituted Aromatic Acetylene Derivative CNAacDMA**

The photophysical properties of the newly synthesized unsymmetrically substituted aromatic acetylene derivative 9-(2-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)ethynyl)anthracene-10-carbonitrile (CNAacDMA) were investigated with the steady-state and time-resolved fluorometry. In saturated hydrocarbon solvents, only fluorescence from a locally-excited state (LE) is recorded. In more polar solvents however, excitation of this dye leads to a charge transfer state (CT). In moderate polar solvents (ϵ=4–8) dual emission is observed as a result of competition between structural change and intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state. In polar solvents only one emission band, at shorter wavelength than CT emission, is observed, indicating a bidirectional solvatofluorochromism.     

胆甾醇修饰羟基喹啉锌的聚集诱导荧光蓝移

用稳态光谱以及皮秒瞬态荧光光谱研究了新型有机电致发光分子胆甾醇修饰羟基喹啉锌(Zn(ChQ)2)的聚集诱导荧光蓝移性质. 在Zn(ChQ)2的极性溶剂溶液中, 分子激发后会发生从胆甾醇基团向喹啉环的光致电子转移, 转移后形成了“扭转的分子内电荷转移态”作为新的荧光发射态. 而在薄膜态中, 分子由于聚集产生空间位阻, 不能形成新的荧光发射态, 相对于极性溶剂中, 产生聚集荧光增强效应, 荧光发射峰会蓝移, 发射强度会增强. 在薄膜态中, 全波长上的超快荧光衰减说明存在分子间光致能量转移过程.     

Photoinduced intramolecular charge-transfer reactions in 4-amino-3-methyl benzoic acid methyl ester: A fluorescence study in condensed-phase and jet-cooled molecular beams

Photoinduced intramolecular charge-transfer reactions in 4-amino-3-methyl benzoic acid methyl ester (AMBME) have been investigated spectroscopically. AMBME, with its weak charge donor primary amino group, shows dual emission in polar solvents. Absorption and emission measurements in the condensed phase support the premise that the short wavelength emission band corresponds to local emission and the long wavelength emission band to the charge transfer emission. Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra show the presence of two low-energy conformers in jet-cooled molecular beams. Theoretical calculations using density functional theory help to determine structure, vibrational modes, potential energy surface, transition energy and oscillator strength for correlating experimental findings with theoretical results.     

Excited-state intramolecular charge transfer in 9-aminoacridine derivative

A new fluorochromic dye was obtained from the reaction of 9-aminoacridine with ethyl-2-cyano-3-ethoxyacrylate. It displays complex fluorescence that is ascribed to normal emission from the acridine chromophore in addition to excited-state intramolecular charge transfer (ESICT) formed upon light excitation. The analysis of the fluorescence decays in different solvents reveals two short-lived components in the range of 80-450 ps and 0.7-3.2 ns, ascribed to the formation and decay of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state, in addition to a third component of about 9.0 ns, which is related to the normal emission from the acridine singlet excited state, probably in an enol-imine tautomeric form. The ICT emission is readily quenched by water addition to polar solvents, and this effect is ascribed to changes in the keto-amine/enol-imine equilibrium of this fluorochromic dye.     

Photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer phenomena in 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-penta-2,4-dienoic acid

A donor acceptor substituted aromatic system 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-penta-2,4-dienoic acid (DMAPPDA) has been synthesized and its spectral properties have been explored on the basis of steady state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Spectral features point largely towards a possible occurrence of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer process from the donor NMe2 group to the acceptor acid group. Solvent dependency of the large Stokes' shifted emission band and the calculated large excited state dipole moment support the polar character of the charge transfer excited state. Quantum yield calculations and effect of addition of acid and base on the steady state spectra were also performed to further scrutinize the excited state CT character.     

Photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) reaction in trans-methyl p-(dimethylamino) cinnamate: A combined fluorescence measurement and quantum chemical calculations

The photophysical behaviour of trans-methyl p-(dimethylamino) cinnamate (t-MDMAC) donor–acceptor system has been investigated by steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The molecule t-MDMAC shows an emission from the locally excited state in non-polar solvents. In addition to weak local emission, a strong solvent dependent red shifted fluorescence in polar aprotic solvents is attributed to highly polar intramolecular charge transfer state. However, the formation of hydrogen-bonded clusters with polar protic solvents has been suggested from a linear correlation between the observed red shifted fluorescence band maxima with hydrogen bonding parameters (). Calculations by ab initio and density functional theory show that the lone pair electron at nitrogen center is out of plane of the benzene ring in the global minimum ground state structure. In the gas phase, a potential energy surface along the twist coordinate at the donor (–NMe₂) and acceptor (–CH = CHCOOMe) sites shows stabilization of S₁ state and destabilization S₂ and S₀ states. A similar potential energy calculation along the twist coordinate in acetonitrile solvent using non-equilibrium polarized continuum model also shows more stabilization of S₁ state relative to other states and supports solvent dependent red shifted emission properties. In all types of calculations it is found that the nitrogen lone pair is delocalized over the benzene ring in the global minimum ground state and is localized on the nitrogen centre at the 90° twisted configuration. The S₁ energy state stabilization along the twist coordinate at the donor site and localized nitrogen lone pair at the perpendicular configuration support well the observed dual fluorescence in terms of proposed twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) model.     

室温下非极性溶剂中氧鎓盐的定域激发

The spectral properties of 8-(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene-2-phenyl-4-(4-methoxy) phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrylium salt in polar solvents (acetonitrile or 1,2-dichloroethane) and in non-polar solvents (toluene or benzene) have been compared. It has been shown that there are dual fluorescence emissions in non-polar solvent at room temperature, one of which corresponds to CT (charge transfer) emission, the other to LE (local excitation) emission, whereas there is only CT fluorescence emission in polar solvent at room temperature.     

Photophysical Properties of 4′-(p-aminophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine

Spectral and photophysical investigations of 4′-(p-aminophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (APT) have been performed in various solvents with different polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability.The emission spectra of APT are found to exhibit dual fluorescence in polar solvents, which attributes to the local excited and intramolecular charge transfer states, respectively. The two-state model is proven out for APT in polar solvent by the time-correlated single photon counting emission decay measurement. Interestingly, the linear relationships of different emission maxima and solvent polarity parameter are found for APT in protic and aprotic solvents, because of the hydrogen bond formation between APT and alcohols at the amino nitrogen N25. Furthermore, the effects of the complexation of the metal ion with tpy group of APT and the hydrogen bond formation between APT with methanol at the terpyridinenitrogen N4—N8—N14 are also presented. The appearance of new long-wave absorption and fluorescence bands indicates that a new ground state of the complexes is formed.     

Effects of solvent, pH and beta-cyclodextrin on the photophysical properties of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde: intramolecular charge transfer associated with hydrogen bonding effect

The photophysical properties of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (HDMB) in various solvents, pH and in aqueous beta-cyclodextrin (CD) have been investigated. In non-polar solvents, HDMB gives only one emission maxima; whereas, in polar solvents it shows a dual luminescence. The increase in Stokes shift with increase in polarity is much more for longer wavelength (LW) than for a shorter wavelength (SW) band. This behaviour indicates the formation of an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state through relaxation from the normal excited state. Especially in water, the ICT emission is further red shifted to 430 nm with the normal emission band at 330 nm and the relative fluorescence intensities between 330 nm and 430 nm emission bands are affected by the excitation wavelength. However, this excitation wavelength dependence is not large in aqueous beta-CD solutions. These results suggest that the ICT state in polar solvents/water is stabilized through exciplex formation by the hydrogen-bonding interaction between the carbonyl group and polar solvents/water. The ground and excited state pK(a) values for the neutral-monoanion equilibrium have been measured and discussed. HDMB forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with beta-CD. A mechanism is proposed to explain the inclusion process.     

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole in AOT/n-heptane/water reverse micelles.

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole (DMAPPI) have been studied in AOT/n-heptane/water reverse micelles at w0 > or = 0. Absorption, fluorescence excitation and fluorescence spectra have revealed that the monocation (MC) of DMAPPI, protonated at the imidazole nitrogen (MC2) (Scheme 2) is present in the S0 state at w0 = 0, along with the MC, protonated at pyridine nitrogen (MC3) and only normal emission is observed from both MC2 and MC3. With increase in w0 (water amount), the equilibrium is shifted towards the MC, protonated at -NMe2 group (MC1) and MC3 in the S0 state. Biprotonic phototautomerism is observed in MC1 to generate MC2 in the S1 state. The twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) emission replaces the normal emission in MC3. All the MCs are present near the anionic polar head group of AOT in the bound water region.     

Coexistence of Two Triplets for the Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer (TICT) Probe 4‐(Dimethylamino)benzonitrile in Polar Solvents: An Experimental Evidence

Room‐temperature nanosecond/microsecond laser‐flash photolysis and low‐temperature phosphorescence studies reveal that two different triplets coexist during the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) of 4‐(dimethylamino)benzonitrile in polar solvents.     

Perylene Bisimide and Naphthyl-Based Molecular Dyads: Hydrogen Bonds Driving Co-planarization and Anomalous Temperature-Response Fluorescence

The origin of the positive temperature effect in fluorescence emission of a newly designed perylene bisimide (PBI) derivative with two naphthyl units containing ortho-methoxy group (NM) at its bay positions (PBI-2NM) was elucidated. A key point is the finding of a weak hydrogen bond (<5.0 kcal mol⁻¹) between the methoxy group of the NM unit and a nearby hydrogen atom of the PBI core. It is the bonding that drives co-planarization of the different aromatic units, resulting in delocalization of the π-electrons of the compound as synthesized, inducing fluorescence quenching via intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). With increasing temperature, the co-planar structure could be distorted in part, resulting in a decreased degree of ICT, and hence leading to enhanced fluorescence emission. The unique positive temperature effect in emission induced by H-bond-driven co-planarization may pave a new avenue in designing functional molecular systems complementary to conventional methods.     

Spectral Properties and Solubilization Location of 2'-Ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)benzoate in Micelles

Dual fluorescence and UV absorption of 2'-ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate (EHDMAB) were investigated in cationic, non-ionic and anionic micelles. When EHDMAB was solubilized in different micelles, the UV absorption of EHDMAB was enhanced. Twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) emission with longer wavelength was observed in ionic micelles, whereas TICT emission with shorter wavelength was obtained in non-ionic micelles. In particular, dual fluorescence of EHDMAB was significantly quenched by the positively charged pyridinium ions arranged in the Stern layer of cationic micelles. UV radiation absorbed mainly decays via TICT emission and radiationless deactivation. The dimethylamino group of EHDMAB experiences different polar environments in ionic and non-ionic micelles according to the polarity dependence of TICT emission of EHDMAB in organic solvents. In terms of the molecular structures and sizes of EHDMAB and surfactants, each individual EHDMAB molecule should be buried in micelles with its dimethylamino group toward the polar head groups of different micelles and with its 2'-ethylhexyl chain toward the hydrophobic micellar core. Dynamic fluorescence quenching measurements of EHDMAB provide further support for the location of EHDMAB in different micelles.     

Dipolar stabilization of emissive singlet charge transfer excited states in polyfluorene copolymers

The singlet excited-state dynamics in poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene)-(dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide)] (PFSx ) random copolymers with different contents of dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (S) units have been studied by steady-state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopies. Emission from PFSx copolymers shows a pronounced solvatochromism in polar chloroform, relative to the less polar toluene. An excited intramolecular charge transfer state (ICT) is stabilized by dipole-dipole interactions with the polar solvent cage, and possibly accompanied by conformational rearrangement of the molecular structure, in complete analogy with their small oligomer counterparts. The spectral dynamics clearly show that the ICT stabilization is strongly affected by the surrounding medium. In the solid state, emission from PFSx copolymers depends on the content of S units, showing an increase of inhomogeneous broadening and a red shift of the optical transitions. This observation is consistent with stabilization of the emissive ICT state, by the local reorientation of the surrounding molecules at the location of the excited chromophore, which results in favorable dipole-dipole interactions driven by the increase in the dielectric constant of the bulk polymer matrix with increasing S content, in analogy to what happens in polar solvent studies. Furthermore, in clear agreement with the interpretation described above, a strong increase in the emission quantum efficiency is observed in the solid state by decreasing the temperature and freezing out the molecular torsions and dipole-dipole interactions necessary to stabilize the ICT state.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF A TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE SYSTEM CONTAINING A RIGIDIFIED HYDROXYNITROSTILBENE CHROMOPHORE: AN INHERENTLY FLUORESCENT LIGAND DESIGNED FOR THE ESTROGEN RECEPTOR

Abstract— A tetrahydrochrysene system that embodies a hydroxy- and nitro-substituted stilbene chromophore held rigidly near planarity by the tetracyclic nature of the compound was prepared as a fluorescent ligand for the estrogen receptor. It shows strong solvent-dependent fluorescence at long wavelengths. The solvent polarity dependence suggests that the fluorescence arises from an excited state with much nπ* character in cyclohexane; stronger emission comes from an intramolecular charge transfer state that has lower energy in more polar solvents, and finally progressive quenching of the charge transfer state occurs in solvents of higher polarity. The quenching effect is particularly evident in protic solvents. In water, however, the compound shows fluorescence of unusually high energy for an intramolecular charge transfer state, which suggests that photochemistry may be occurring. In solutions of gamma-cyclodextrin, emission from the nitrotetrahydrochrysene is red shifted and intensified relative to water. Photobleaching occurs in H₂O but not in ethanol or gamma-cyclodextrin solution. The change in dipole moment between the ground and excited states for the nitrochrysene is 12.9 D, similar to our previous measurements for related nitrostilbenes. The compound displays red-shifted emission in triethylamine, perhaps due to an excited state hydrogen-bonded complex, The absorption and emission properties of the corresponding nitrophenolate were also studied. The nitrophenolate exhibits reverse solvatochromism in its absorption spectra. In conclusion, the high sensitivity of the emission energy and quantum yield of the title compound make it of potential utility as a fluorescent probe.     

Spectroscopic properties of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and nanosecond solvation dynamics in aerosol-OT reverse micelles

Among fluoroquinolone antibiotics, ofloxacin (OFL) and norfloxacin (NOR) have piperazinyl groups but flumequine (FLU) does not have this substitutent. The emission spectra of OFL and NOR are strong, broad structureless bands with large Stokes' shifts in water but the emission intensities are very weak in organic solvents. Thus we find that these compounds exist as different chemical species in various solvents. A continuous red shift in the emission bands for OFL and NOR is observed as the water concentration within the aerosol-OT (AOT; sodium 1,4-bis[2-ethylhexyl]sulfosuccinate) micelle increases or temperature of this solution rises. From the fluorescence anisotropy measurements of OFL and NOR, we assume the intramolecular charge transfer after excitation from the nitrogen of the piperazinyl group to the keto oxygen. Theoretical calculations further support this observation. Multifrequency phase and modulation experiments and time-resolved emission spectra clearly show the occurrence of intramolecular charge transfer and the subsequent nanosecond water reorganization around OFL or NOR in the AOT micelle. Upon increasing the water concentration within the AOT micelle, the relaxation rate increases because of the large amount of free water. The emission spectra of FLU do not exhibit any significant response to the physical properties of their environment.     

芘衍生物发光行为的研究

本工作合成了新型的芘衍生物-芘基查尔酮(PD), 研究了其在溶液及胶束中的稳态光物理行为。结果表明: 即使在较低浓度条件下, PD分子间也容易生成基态电荷转移配合物(Inter-CT), 其荧光光谱表现为芘单体荧光、分子内电荷转移态(Intra-CT)荧光以及Inter-CT荧光, 并且具有较好的溶致变色效应、浓度效应以及温度效应, 是一良好的探针分子化合物。     

Fast intramolecular charge transfer with a planar rigidized electron donor/acceptor molecule

The planar rigidized molecule fluorazene (FPP) undergoes fast reversible intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in the excited state, with a reaction time of 12 ps in the polar solvent ethyl cyanide at -45 degrees C. The ICT state of FPP has a dipole moment mu(e)(ICT) of 13 D, much larger than that of the locally excited state LE (1 D). The ICT behavior of FPP is similar to that of its flexible counterpart N-phenylpyrrole (PP), for which mu(e)(ICT) = 12 D. These results show that intramolecular charge transfer to a planar ICT state can occur efficiently. In designing ICT systems capable of rapid switching, it is therefore important to realize that large amplitude motions such as those necessary for the formation of a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state are not required.