Theoretical insights into excited-state process for the novel 2,3-bis[(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]but-2-enedinitrile system

In this present work, we clarify the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism for 2,3-bis[(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]but-2-enedinitrile (BDABE) system. We present the fact that excited-state single proton transfer can occur along with one hydrogen bond, even though BDABE form consists of two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Based on the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory methods, we theoretically investigate and elaborate the excited-state intramolecular dual hydrogen-bonding interactions. By simulating the electrostatic potential surface, we verify the formation of dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds for BDABE molecule in the S₀ state. Furthermore, comparing the primary bond lengths and bond angles as well as the infrared vibrational spectra, we find that the double hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S₁ state. When it comes to photoexcitation process, we discover the charge redistribution around hydrogen bonding moieties. The increased electronic density around proton acceptor plays the important roles in strengthening hydrogen bonds and in facilitating ESIPT reaction. In view of the possible ESIPT reaction paths (i.e., stepwise and synchronization double proton transfer) for BDABE molecule, we explored the S₀-state and S₁-state potential energy curves. This work explains experimental results and further clarifies the excited-state behaviors for BDABE system.     

A theoretical investigation on the excited state intramolecular single or double proton transfer mechanism of a salicyladazine system

Given the tremendous potential applications of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) systems, ESIPT molecules have received widespread attention. In this work, based on density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods, we theoretically study the excited state dynamical behaviors of salicyladazine (SA) molecules. Our simulated results show that the double intramolecular hydrogen bonds of SA are strengthened in the S₁ state via exploring bond distances, bond angles, and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra. Exploring the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs), we confirm that charge redistributions indeed have effects on excited state dynamical behaviors. The increased electronic densities on N atoms and the decreased electronic densities on O atoms imply that charge redistribution may trigger the ESPT process. Analyzing the constructed S₀‐state and S₁‐state potential energy surfaces (PESs), we confirm that only the excited state single proton transfer reaction can occur although SA possesses two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. In this work, we clarify the specific ESIPT mechanism, which may facilitate developing novel applications based on the SA system in future.     

Unraveling solvent-dependent hydrogen bonding interaction and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer behavior for 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenol: A theoretical study

Organic chemosensors with excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) behavior have attracted much attention because it has great potential in a wide range of applications. Considering the paramount behavior of excited-state relaxation, in this work, we mainly focus on deciphering photo-induced hydrogen bonding effects and ESIPT mechanism for the novel 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenol (mCzOH) dye. Considering the effects of different solvents on excited-state dynamics of mCzOH flurophore, we adopt four solvents with different polarities. Analyses of fundamental structural changes, infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, and core valence partition index between S₀ and S₁ state, we confirm hydrogen bond O H···N of mCzOH should be enhanced via photoexcitation. Especially, the increase of solvent polarity could promote hydrogen bonding strengthening degree. Intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) resulting from photoexcitation qualitatively facilitates the ESIPT occurrence to a large extent. For further checking and probing into ESIPT mechanism, via constructing potential energy curves (PECs) in four solvents, we clarify the ESIPT behavior for mCzOH. Most worthy of mention is that polar solvent plays critical roles in lowering potential barrier of ESIPT reaction and in facilitating ESIPT process. We not only clarify the detailed excited-state process, but also present the solvent-polarity-dependent ESIPT mechanism for mCzOH fluorophore.     

Theoretical insights into the excited‐state process of 4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(5‐(5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐phenol

In this paper, we theoretically explore the motivation and behaviors of the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction for a novel white organic light‐emitting diode (WOLED) material 4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(5‐(5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐phenol (t‐MTTH). The “atoms in molecules” (AIM) method is adopted to verify the formation and existence of the hydrogen bond O? H···N. By analyzing the excited‐state hydrogen bonding behaviors via changes in the chemical bonding and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, we confirm that the intramolecular hydrogen bond O? H···N should be getting strengthened in the first excited state in four kinds of solvents, thus revealing the tendency of ESIPT reaction. Further, the role of charge‐transfer interaction is addressed under the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs), which depicts the nature of the electronic excited state and supports the ESIPT reaction. Also, the electron distribution confirms the ESIPT tendency once again. The scanned and optimized potential energy curves according to variational O? H coordinate in the solvents demonstrate that the proton transfer reaction should occur in the S₁ state, and the potential energy barriers along with ESIPT direction support this reaction. Based on the excited‐state behaviors reported in this work, the experimental spectral phenomenon has been reasonably explained.     

A theoretical study on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of 4′‐dimethylaminoflavonol chemosensor

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods are used to explore the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism of a novel system 4′‐dimethylaminoflavonol (DAF). By analyzing the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface, we verify that the intramolecular hydrogen bond in DAF exists in both the S₀ and S₁ states. We calculate the absorption and emission spectra of DAF in two solvents, which reproduce the experimental results. By comparing the bond lengths, bond angles, and relative infrared (IR) vibrational spectra involved in the hydrogen bonding of DAF, we confirm the hydrogen‐bond strengthening in the S₁ state. For further exploring the photoexcitation, we use frontier molecular orbitals to analyze the charge redistribution properties, which indicate that the charge transfer in the hydrogen‐bond moiety may be facilitating the ESIPT process. The constructed potential energy curves in acetonitrile and methylcyclohexane solvents with shortened hydrogen bond distances demonstrate that proton transfer is more likely to occur in the S₁ state due to the lower potential barrier. Comparing the results in the two solvents, we find that aprotic polar and nonpolar solvents seem to play similar roles. This work not only clarifies the excited‐state behaviors of the DAF system but also successfully explains its spectral characteristics.     

Theoretical exploration about excited state proton transfer mechanism for a series of phenol–quinoline compounds

In the present work, three novel phenols (10a,11‐dihydro‐4bH‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinolin‐4‐ol ( 1 ), 5,6‐dihydro‐benzo[c]acridin‐1‐ol ( 2 ), and 5,5,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐4aH‐13‐aza‐benzo[3,4]cyclohepta[1,2‐b]naphthalene‐1‐ol ( 3 )) have been explored theoretically in detail. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods, we inquire into the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Exploring the steady‐state absorption and emission spectra under TDDFT/B3LYP/TZVP theoretical level in acetonitrile solvent, our calculated results demonstrate an experimental phenomenon. Based on analysis of the variations of geometrical parameters and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, we confirm that O–H?N should be strengthened in the S₁ state. Investigating the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) and the charge density difference (CDD) maps, it can be confirmed that the charge redistribution facilitates the tendency of the ESIPT process for 1 , 2, and 3 systems. By constructing potential energy curves, we confirm that the proton transfer should occur in the S₁ state. In particular, the ESIPT for 2 and 3 systems are nonbarrier processes in the S₁ state, which confirms that ESIPT should be exothermal spontaneously. This work explains previous experimental results and makes a reasonable assumption about the ESIPT mechanism for 1 , 2 and 3 systems. We sincerely hope our work can facilitate understanding and promoting applications about them in future.     

Insights into the excited state intramolecular proton transfer process and mechanism of the novel 3‐hydroxythioflavone system: A theoretical study

It is well known that the molecular excited state dynamical process plays important roles in designing and developing novel applications. In this work, based on density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we theoretically explored a novel 3‐hydroxythioflavone (3HTF). Through calculating the electrostatic potential surface of the 3HTF structure, we confirm the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding O2‐H3···O4. Our theoretically obtained dominating bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bonds demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S₁ state. Coupling with the simulated infrared vibrational spectra, we further verify the enhanced hydrogen bonding O2‐H3···O4 in the S₁ state. Upon photoexcitation, we found that the charge transfer characteristics around hydrogen bonding moieties play important roles in facilitating the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Via constructing potential energy curves in both S₀ and S₁ states, we confirm the almost nonbarrier ESIPT reaction should be an ultrafast process that further explains the previous experimental phenomenon. At last, we search the S₁‐state transition state (TS) structure along with ESIPT path, based on which we simulate the intrinsic reaction coordinate path that further confirms the ESIPT mechanism. We hope that our theoretical work could guide novel applications based on the 3HTF system in future.     

A CASSCF-CASPT2 study of the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer reaction in 1-amino-3-propenal using different active spaces

In this work we analyze how the choice of the active space in the CASSCF (the complete-active-space multiconfiguration self-consistent-field method) and CASPT2 (the second-order perturbation theory based on the CASSCF reference wave function) calculations affects the computed potential energy curves (PECs) for the intramolecular proton transfer reaction in the ground state and the two lowest lying singlet excited states of 1-amino-3-propenal. As anticipated, the results revealed that, qualitatively, the proton transfer in the different states can be correctly described even by minimal active spaces, which include the orbitals involved in the electronic excitation of the considered state and the antibonding sigma orbital corresponding to the bond formed by the molecule with the migrating hydrogen atom. However, quantitatively, the relative energies of the two tautomers and the energy barriers computed at the CASSCF level change when the active space is increased, indicating importance of the dynamic electron correlation. Introducing the dynamic correlation effects via CASPT2 makes the calculated energy parameters more uniform among the different active spaces. The analysis suggested certain optimal active spaces for studying proton transfer reactions in systems similar to 1-amino-3-propenal. The PEC calculations for excited states showed that the results are sensitive to the molecular geometries used in the calculations, particularly near the transition point. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 20: 1422–1431 (1999)     

2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-hydroxychromone derivatives: spectroscopic properties and a possibile alternative intramolecular proton phototransfer

Three 2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-hydroxychromone derivatives were synthesized. Their spectroscopic and fluorescent properties, due to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) from OH to carbonyl, were studied. Theoretical possibility of an alternative intramolecular H-bonding and experimental evidence for such behavior are discussed.      

Barrier for excited-state intramolecular proton transfer and proton tunneling in bis-2,5-(2-benzoxazolyl)-hydroquinone

The excitation spectra of dual fluorescence for isolated bis-2,5-(2-benzoxazolyl)-hydroquinone at low temperatures in a supersonic jet is reported. The vibronic structure near the electronic origin for the 410 nm band is attributed to proton transfer. Proton transfer was observed for the vibrationally cold excited state. From the relative fluorescence quantum yields in organic glasses below 100 K, a barrier for the excited-state proton transfer or 121 ± 17 cm^?1 is obtained. It is concluded that proton tunneling occurs. The relative yield of the usual Stokes fluorescence in an organic glass, as a function of temperature. is compared with the relative yield in the supersonic jet as a function of excitation energy. This leads to estimates of the temperature of the isolated molecule in the excited state.     

Rotamerism, tautomerism, and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer in 2-(4'-N,N-diethylamino-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazoles: novel benzimidazoles undergoing excited-state intramolecular coupled proton and charge transfer

The solvent and temperature dependence of the phototautomerization of 1-methyl-2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (4) and the novel compounds 2-(4'-amino-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (1), 2-(4'-N,N-diethylamino-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (2), and 1-methyl-2-(4'-N,N-diethylamino-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (3), together with the ground-state rotamerism and tautomerism of these new compounds, have been studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. A solvent-modulated rotameric and tautomeric equilibrium is observed in the ground state for 1, 2, and 3. In cyclohexane, these compounds mainly exist as a planar syn normal form, with the hydroxyl group hydrogen-bonded to the benzimidazole N3. In ethanol, the syn form is in equilibrium with its planar anti rotamer (for 1 and 2), with the phenyl ring rotated 180 degrees about the C2-C1' bond and with a nonplanar rotamer for compound 3. In aqueous solution, a tautomeric equilibrium is established between the anti normal form (or the nonplanar rotamer for 3) and the tautomer (with the hydroxyl proton transferred to the benzimidazole N3). The syn normal form of these compounds undergoes in all the solvents an excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer process from the hydroxyl group to the benzimidazole N3 to yield the excited tautomer. The tautomer fluorescence quantum yield of 2, 3, and 4 shows a temperature-, polarity-, and viscosity-dependent radiationless deactivation, connected with a large-amplitude conformational motion. We conclude that this excited-state conformational change experienced by the tautomer is associated with an intramolecular charge transfer from the deprotonated dialkylaminophenol or phenol (donor) to the protonated benzimidazole (acceptor), affording a nonfluorescent charge-transfer tautomer. Therefore, these compounds undergo an excited-state intramolecular coupled proton- and charge-transfer process.     

Photo-excited intramolecular charge transfer and excited state intramolecular proton transfer behaviors for HPIBT system: A theoretical investigation

Given facile synthetic route and excellent photo stability, excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-active luminous materials have gained more and more attention. Here, we focus on photo-induced excitation process and the ESIPT reaction process for the novel 5-benzothiazol-2-yl-6-hydroxy-2-methyl-isoindole-1,3-dione (HPIBT) molecule. On the level of chemical geometries and infrared spectra, we verify that O─H⋯N of HPIBT should be enhanced. We find that a proton is likely to be attracted by enhanced electronic densities around N, that is, charge transfer impetus ESIPT trend. Combing potential energy curves and searching for transition state, we clarify the ultrafast ESIPT mechanism of HPIBT due to a low barrier, which legitimately explains previous experimental characteristics.     

Femtosecond dynamics on 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'-diethylaminophenyl)benzothiazole: solvent polarity in the excited-state proton transfer.

Detailed insights into the excited-state enol(N*)-keto(T*) intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction in 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'-diethylaminophenyl)benzothiazole (HABT) have been investigated via steady-state and femtosecond fluorescence upconversion approaches. In cyclohexane, in contrast to the ultrafast rate of ESIPT for the parent 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (>2.9+/-0.3 x 10(13) s(-1)), HABT undergoes a relatively slow rate (approximately 5.4+/-0.5 x 10(11) s(-1)) of ESIPT. In polar aprotic solvents competitive rate of proton transfer and rate of solvent relaxation were resolved in the early dynamics. After reaching the solvation equilibrium in the normal excited state (N(eq)*), ESIPT takes place with an appreciable barrier. The results also show N(eq)*(enol)<-->T(eq)*(keto) equilibrium, which shifts toward N(eq)* as the solvent polarity increases. Temperature-dependent relaxation dynamics further resolved a solvent-induced barrier of 2.12 kcal mol(-1) for the forward reaction in CH(2)Cl(2). The observed spectroscopy and dynamics are rationalized by a significant difference in dipole moment between N(eq)* and T(eq)*, while the dipolar vector for the enol form in the ground state (N) is in between that of N(eq)* and T(eq)*. Upon N-->N* Franck-Condon excitation, ESIPT is energetically favorable, and its rate is competitive with the solvation relaxation process. Upon reaching equilibrium configurations N(eq)* and T(eq)*, forward and/or backward ESIPT takes place with an appreciable solvent polarity induced barrier due to differences in polarization equilibrium between N(eq)* and T(eq)*.     

Fluorescence properties of amido-substituted 2,3-naphthalimides: Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence and responses to Ca2+ ions

2,3-Naphthalimide derivatives incorporating trifluoroacetamido (3a) and methansulfonamido (3b) functionalities at the 1-position were prepared and their intramolecular excited state proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence and responses to metal ions were investigated. Compound 3a displayed normal fluorescence in the amide form in toluene and MeCN and no response to metal cations in the corresponding amidate ion form. In contrast, compound 3b gave off dual emission assignable to normal and ESIPT fluorescence. Additionally, the amidate form of compound 3b displayed off-on fluorescence response to Ca²⁺.     

A density functional theory-time-dependent density functional theory investigation of photo-induced hydrogen bond and proton transfer for 2-(3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-phenyl)-benzoxazole-6-carboxylicacid

Given the paramount importance of excited-state relaxation in the photochemical process, excited-state hydrogen bonding interactions and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) are always hot topics. In this work, we theoretically explore the excited-state dynamical behaviors for a novel 2-(3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-phenyl)-benzoxazole-6-carboxylicacid (DDPBC) system. As two intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1 H2⋯N3 and O4 H5⋯O6) exist in the DDPBC structure, we first check if the double proton transfer form cannot be formed in the S1 state. Then, we explore the changes of geometrical parameters involved in hydrogen bonds, based on which we confirm that the dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds are strengthened on photo-excitation. The O1 H2⋯N3 hydrogen bond particularly plays a more important role in excited state. When it comes to the photo-induced excitation, we find charge transfer and electronic density redistribution around O1 H2 and N3 atom moieties. We verify the ESIPT tendency arising from the O1 H2⋯N3 hydrogen bond. In the analysis of the potential energy curves, along with O1 H2⋯N3 and O4 H5⋯O6, we demonstrate that the ESIPT reaction should occur along with O1 H2⋯N3 rather than O4 H5⋯O6. This work not only clarifies the specific ESIPT mechanism for DDPBC system but also paves the way for further novel applications based on DDPBC structure in the future.     

Darstellung und spektroskopische Eigenschaften von Di(phthalocyaninato(1−))-lanthanidpolybromid; Kristallstruktur von α-Di(phthalocyaninato)samariumpolybromid, α-[Sm(Pc)2]Br1,45 und α-Di(phthalocyaninato)samariumperchlorat, α-[Sm(Pc)2](ClO4)0,63

Synthesis and Spectroscopical Properties of Di(phthalocyaninato(1?))lanthanidepolybromide; Crystal Structure of α-Di(phthalocyaninato)samariumpolybromide, α-[Sm(Pc)₂]Br_1.45 and α-Di(phthalocyaninato)samariumperchlorate, α-[Sm(Pc)₂](ClO₄)_0.63 Bronze-coloured di(phthalocyaninato)lanthanidepolybromide, [Ln(Pc^?)₂]Br_y (Ln = La…(? Ce, Pm)…Lu; y > 1.5) is prepared by oxidation of (ⁿBu₄N)[Ln(Pc^2?)₂] with bromine in excess. The UV-VIS-NIR spectra show the typical B and Q₁ bands of the Pc^? ligand at ～ 14 kK and ～ 20 kK. For the [Ln(Pc^?)₂]⁺ cation a NIR(D) band between 9,14 kK (La) and 11,50 kK (Lu) is characteristic for dimeric cofacial Pc^? radicals. Within the row La…Lu, there is a linear relationship of the hypsochromic shift of the strong bands and the Ln^III radius. In the case of La? Nd the D band shifts successively with longer time of bromination to ～ 3 kK as a result of increasing electron delocalisation. Characteristic vibrational bands are at ～ 1350/1450 cm^?1 (IR) and ～ 560/1120/1170/1600 cm^?1 (RR). In the FT-Raman spectra the totally symmetric Ln? N stretching vibration between 141 cm^?1 (La) and 172 cm^?1 (Lu) is selectively enhanced. As shown by α-[Sm(Pc)₂]Br_1,45 and α-[Sm(Pc)₂](ClO₄)_0,63 only partially ringoxidized complexes are obtained by the anodic oxidation. Both crystallize in the tetragonal space group P4/nnc. The [Sm(Pc)₂] molecular building block contains two nearly planar staggered (～41°) Pc rings packed in columns parallel along [001] leading to the quasi-one-dimensional structure. There is a statistical disorder of the Sm^III and the ClO₄^? resp. Br^?/Br₃^? ions over two incompletely filled crystallographic positions for the cation resp. anion. This results in a partial oxidation of the Pc ligand, which in the picture of localized valence states for α-[Sm(Pc)₂](ClO₄)_0,63 corresponds to [SmPc^?Pc^2?] · 2[Sm(Pc^?)₂](ClO₄). Accepting the same valence state for [Sm(Pc)₂]Br_1,45 five positive charges are compensated by two Br^? and three Br₃^?. The spectroscopic differences of the partially and fully oxidized complexes are discussed.     

Spectral properties of intramolecular charge transfer fluorescence probe 1-keto-2-(p-dimethylaminobenzal)-tetrahydronaphthalene

The photophysical properties of a new compound 1-keto-2-(p-dimethylaminobenzal)-tetrahydronaphthalene in various solvents at room temperature were characterized by the absorption and steady-state fluorescence technique. The bathochromic shift on the emission spectra, the broad halfwidth of the fluorescence band and the increase in the excited state dipole moment occurred. These results gave the evidence about the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character in the emitting singlet state of the compound.     

Stability,Infrared Spectra and Electronic Structures of (ZrO2)n(n=3-6)Clusters:DFT Study

The stability, infrared spectra and electronic structures of (ZrO₂)_n (n=3–6) clusters have been investigated by using density‐functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6‐31G* level. The lowest‐energy structures have been recognized by considering a number of structural isomers for each cluster size. It is found that the lowest‐energy (ZrO₂)₅ cluster is the most stable among the (ZrO₂)_n (n=3–6) clusters. The vibration spectra of Zr? O stretching motion from terminal oxygen atom locate between 900 and 1000 cm^?1, and the vibrational band of Zr? O? Zr? O four member ring is obtained at 600–700 cm^?1, which are in good agreement with the experimental results. Mulliken populations and NBO charges of (ZrO₂)_n clusters indicate that the charge transfers occur between 4d orbital of Zr atoms and 2p orbital of O atoms. HOMO‐LUMO gaps illustrate that chemical stabilities of the lowest‐energy (ZrO₂)_n (n=3–6) clusters display an even‐odd alternating pattern with increasing cluster size.