Electron donor-acceptor dyads based on ruthenium(II) bipyridine and terpyridine complexes bound to naphthalenediimide

Two series of photosensitizer-electron acceptor complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized: ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) ([Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(bpy-X-NDI)], where X = -CH(2)-, tolylene, or phenylene, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, and NDI is naphthalenediimide) and ruthenium(II) bis(terpyridine) ([Ru(II)(Y-tpy)(tpy-X-NDI)], where Y = H or tolyl and X = tolylene or phenylene, and tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). The complexes have been studied by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry and by steady state and time-resolved absorption and emission techniques. Rates for forward and backward electron transfer have been investigated, following photoexcitation of the ruthenium(II) polypyridine moiety. The terpyridine complexes were only marginally affected by the linked diimide unit, and no electron transfer was observed. In the bipyridine complexes we achieved efficient charge separation. For the complexes containing a phenyl link between the ruthenium(II) and diimide moieties, our results suggest a biphasic forward electron-transfer reaction, in which 20% of the charge-separated state was formed via population of the naphthalenediimide triplet state.     

Evidence for side-chain π-delocalization in a planar substituted benzene: an experimental and theoretical charge density study on 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

The charge density in 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (1) has been studied experimentally using Mo-K(α) X-ray diffraction at 100 K, and by theory using DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was used to investigate the extent of π-delocalization in the thioamide side-chain, which is virtually coplanar with the benzene ring. The experimental and theoretical ellipticity profiles along the bond paths were in excellent agreement, and showed that some of the formal single bonds in the side-chain have significant π-bond character. This view was supported by the magnitudes of the topological bond orders and by the delocalization indices δ(Ω(A), Ω(B)). An orbital decomposition of δ(Ω(A), Ω(B)) demonstrated that there was significant π-character in all the interchain non-H chemical bonds. On the other hand, the source function referenced at the interchain bond critical points could not provide any evidence for π-delocalization, showing instead only limited σ-delocalization between nearest neighbors. Overall, the topological evidence and the atomic graphs of the oxygen atoms did not provide convincing evidence for π-delocalization involving the methoxy substituents.     

Synthesis and photodynamics of fluorescent blue BODIPY-porphyrin tweezers linked by triazole rings

Novel zinc porphyrin tweezers in which two zinc porphyrins were connected with π-conjugated boron dipyrromethenes (BDP meso-Por(2) and BDP β-Por(2)) through triazole rings were synthesized to investigate the photoinduced energy transfer and electron transfer. The UV-vis spectrum of BDP β-Por(2) which has less bulky substituents than BDP meso-Por(2) exhibits splitting of the Soret band as a result of the interaction between porphyrins of BDP β-Por(2) in the excited state. Such interaction between porphyrins of both BDP β-Por(2) and BDP meso-Por(2) is dominant at room temperature, while the coordination of the nitrogen atoms of the triazole rings to the zinc ions of the porphyrins occurs at low temperature. The conformational change of the BDP-porphyrin composites was confirmed by the changes in UV-vis and fluorescence spectra depending on temperature. Photodynamics of BDP meso-Por(2) and BDP β-Por(2) has also been investigated by laser flash photolysis. Efficient singlet-singlet energy transfer from the ZnP to the π-conjugated BDP moiety of both BDP meso-Por(2) and BDP β-Por(2) occurred in opposite direction as compared to energy transfer from conventional BDP to ZnP due to the π-conjugation in nonpolar toluene. In polar benzonitrile, however, additional electron transfer occurred along with energy transfer.     

Towards catenanes using π-stacking interactions and their influence on the spin-state of a bis(2,2':6',2"terpyridine)iron(II) domain

The ligand 6,6"bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2"terpyridine (2) has been prepared and characterized; deprotection using pyridinium chloride leads to the formation of 6,6"bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2"terpyridinium chloride ([H3]Cl). Treatment of the latter with 3-(2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-ene under basic conditions yields ligand 4 containing pendant, alkene-terminated chains. Whereas direct complexation of 4 with ruthenium(II) proved problematical, the homoleptic complexes [Fe(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) and [Ru(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) were prepared in good to moderate yields. In the solid state, both complexes exhibit multiple face-to-face π-stacking of arene and pyridine rings which influences the coordination geometry about the metal ion. Consequential weakening of the ligand field results in [Fe(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) being high-spin. Variable temperature solution (1)H NMR spectroscopic studies confirm the iron(ii) centre remains high-spin between 200 and 295 K. The paramagnetically shifted (1)H NMR spectrum exhibits signals in the range δ 109.7 to -66.5 ppm and has been fully assigned. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) has been used to correlate the observed proton line-widths to the distances of the protons from the metal centre and these are in good agreement with the Fe···H separations observed in the solid state. The [Fe(2)(2)](2+) ion undergoes two dynamic processes (i) rotation of the pendant phenyl rings which is fast on the NMR timescale at 200 K, and (ii) twisting and sliding of the aromatic rings of the tpy and anisyl units which interconverts the two enantiomers of [Fe(2)(2)](2+) at 295 K.     

Spin delocalization on curved surface π-system: Corannulene with iminonitroxide

In order to stabilize neutral radicals with curved surface π-system and to evaluate their π-spin structures, we recently reported design and synthesis of an oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene as the first stable bowl-shaped neutral radical. Spectroscopic and theoretical studies revealed that appreciable amount of π-spin density is delocalized onto the corannulene moiety with most of the π-spin density localized on the oxoverdazyl moiety. In this study, we have designed and synthesized an iminonitroxide derivative with corannulene as a novel bowl-shaped neutral radical with a higher stability than the oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene. ESR/ENDOR/TRIPLE spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations have shown that the π-spin delocalization onto the corannulene moiety is lower than that of the oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene in the ground state. A degree of π-conjugation between the corannulene moiety and the iminonitroxide moiety has also been evaluated by UV–Vis measurements.     

Steric effects on controlling of photoinduced electron transfer action of anthracene modified benzo-15-crown-5 by complexation with Mg and Ca

Benzo-crown ether based chemosensors linked by an amide bond at the 1-, 2- or 9-positions of anthracene rings were synthesized. Their complexation behavior with alkaline earth metal ions in acetonitrile was investigated using fluorescence, UV, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. In the absence of a metal ion, all compounds showed only very slight fluorescence emissions (fluorescence ‘off’ state) because of intramolecular charge/electron transfer process. After the complex formation with Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, however, only the 2-position analogue gave a fluorescence ‘on’ response by inhibiting the photoinduced electron transfer. Because 2-positioned anthracene was free from steric hindrance of the crown ether ring, a strongly bent complex structure was formed with Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, which induced a breakdown of π-conjugation between the amide moiety and the benzene ring.     

Tuning the gas phase redox properties of copper(II) ternary complexes of terpyridines to control the formation of nucleobase radical cations

Electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of ternary copper(II) complexes of [Cu(terpyX)(M)]2+ (where terpyX = is a substituted 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligand; M = the nucleobases: adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine) was examined as a means of forming radical cations of nucleobases in the gas phase. The following substituents were examined: 4'-NMe2-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-OH-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-F-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-Cl-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-Br-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-CO2H-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine; 4'-NO2-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine and 6,6'-dibromo-2',2:6',2'-terpyridine. Each of the ternary complexes [Cu(terpyX)(M)]2+ was mass selected and subjected to collision induced dissociation (CID) in a quadrupole ion trap. The types of fragmentation reactions observed for these complexes depend on the nature of the substituent on the terpyridine ligand, while the yields of the radical cations of the nucleobases follow the order of their ionization energies (IEs): G (lowest IE) > A > C > T (highest IE). In general, radical cation formation is favoured for electron withdrawing substituents (e.g. NO2) while loss of the neutral nucleobase is favoured for electron donating substituents (e.g. NMe2). Loss of the protonated nucleobase is a major fragmentation pathway for the OH substituted terpyridine system, consistent with its ability to bind to a metal centre as a deprotonated ligand. Crystal structure determinations of (6,6'-dibromo-2',2:6',2'-terpyridine)bis(nitrato)copper(II) and diaqua(4'-oxo-2,2':6',6'-terpyridine)copper(II) nitrate monohydrate were performed and correlated with the ESI results.     

Surface‐Junction Effects on Interfacial Electron Transfer between Bis(terpyridine)iron(II) and Hydrogen‐Terminated Silicon(111) Electrode

Interfacial electron transfer at bis(tpy)–iron(II) complexes (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) on Si(111) electrodes was investigated by using four types of surface‐anchor terpyridine ligands. Despite the greater distance, electron transfer between the bis(tpy)–iron(II) unit and the electrode is accelerated in surface‐anchor ligands with an additional phenylene group.     

DFT studies of biarylcarbenes and the carbene-biradical continuum

We use electronic structure modeling, mainly density functional methods, to characterize a variety of long-lived bisaryl triplet carbenes. The bisaryl systems have a triplet ground state, favored by a substantial delocalization of the spin into the aromatic rings. One can imagine two extreme cases of the bonding in these species, representable as valence isomers. In the first case, spin delocalization is minor and incidental; the spin is predominantly located on the central carbene carbon. In the second case, spins are separated by large distances and are found primarily on the aromatic rings; the rings are linked by an allenic bridge. The bisphenyl carbenes tend toward the first limit. They can be kinetically stabilized by ortho substituents which shield the reactive center and para substituents which protect that site which has substantial spin density. The bond angle at carbene is opened from about 142 degrees (the B3LYP/6-31G value for the parent bis(phenyl)carbene) to 160 degrees or more by these substituents. Bisanthryl carbenes illustrate the second extreme, favoring a D(2)(d)() structure and possessing a low-lying open shell singlet state. A hypothetical phenyl-9-anthrylcarbine lies between the carbine and diradical extemes. The same principle which guides the design of stabilized diphenylcarbene carbenes and substitution of reactive sites by bulky protective groups serves to stabilize the bis-9-anthrylcarbene biradical.     

Electron delocalization in various triply linked zinc(II) porphyrin arrays: role of antiaromatic junctions between aromatic porphyrins

A series of meso-meso, β-β, β-β triply linked linear, radial and square-type zinc(II) porphyrin arrays consist of the constituent porphyrin units and naphthalene junctions. To understand the unique nature of triply linked porphyrin arrays, numerous research activities have been focused on the electronic structures of the constituent porphyrin units. In this study, however, we have paid attention to the role of the naphthalene junction in the electronic delocalization of various triply linked porphyrin arrays. On the basis of our study, we have unveiled that unique π-conjugation behaviors in triply linked porphyrin arrays are induced by their intrinsic molecular orbital interactions and subsequently by antiaromatic junctions. Furthermore, the structural deformation by triple linkages gives rise to a deteriorative effect on the electronic delocalization between inner and outer porphyrin units. Finally, we propose a different type of electron delocalization in linear multichromophoric systems by alternating aromatic and antiaromatic units.     

Luminescent infinite coordination polymer materials from metal-terpyridine ligation

A new class of infinite coordination polymers (CP) was synthesized using a tetrahedral tetrakis[4-(4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine)phenyl]methane ligand as an organic node to direct the three-dimensional growth of the network and M(II) (M = Zn, Fe, Ni, and Ru) ions as inorganic linkers, an approach that is the opposite of the metal-as-a-node strategy used in the construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The unusual rod-like morphology of the resulting microporous materials can be tuned via solvents and reaction conditions. The covalent entrapment of a [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+) moiety in the skeleton of the 3D-network enables the Ru-CP to exhibit room-temperature luminescence.     

A strategy for improving the room-temperature luminescence properties of Ru(II) complexes with tridentate ligands

Several ruthenium(II) complexes with new tridentate polypyridine ligands have been prepared, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The new tridentate ligands are tpy-modified systems (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) in which aromatic substituents designed to be coplanar with the tpy moiety are introduced, with the aim of enhancing delocalization in the acceptor ligand of the potentially luminescent metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) state and increasing the MLCT-MC energy gap (MC = metal-centered excited state). Indeed, the Ru(II) complexes obtained with this new family of tridentate ligands exhibit long-lived luminescence at room temperature (up to 200 ns). The enhanced luminescence properties of these complexes support this design strategy and are superior to those of the model Ru(tpy)22+ compound and compare favorably with those of the best Ru(II) complexes with tridentate ligands reported so far.     

Synthesis of soluble bis-terpyridine ligands bearing ethynylene-phenylene spacers

Soluble and rigid terpyridine-based ditopic ligands bearing one to five phenylene/ethynylene modules have been synthesized by way of a stepwise procedure. Each module is attached to the terpyridine unit via an ethynylene fragment and functionalized at the 4-position with an additional ethynylene connector and in the 2,5-positions with two flexible dodecyloxy chains. The synthetic protocol is based on sequential Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions between a terpyridine subunit grafted with the necessary diethynyl/phenyl or ethynylphenyl/bromide appendage. For ditopic ligands displaying an even number of phenyl/ethynylene modules, the final step involves a single cross-coupling reaction between 4'-ethynylene-2,2':6',6' '-terpyridine and the appropriate bromo derivative. In the case of the ligands having an odd number of phenylene/ethynylene fragments, a double cross-coupling reaction between an extended dibromopolyphenylene intermediate and 4'-ethynylene-2,2':6',6' '-terpyridine or 1-(4'-ethynylene-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine)-4-ethynylene-2,5-didodecyloxy-benzene is required. For ligands I-V, optimal preparative conditions were found with [Pd(0)(PPh(3))(4)] (6 mol %) in n-propylamine at 70 degrees C. Oxidative dimerization of the 1-(4'-ethynylene-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine)-4-ethynylene-2,5-didodecyloxybenzene derivative in the presence of cupric salts and oxygen gives the corresponding homoditopic ligand II(2)() bearing a central diphenyldiacetylene spacer. Spectroscopic data for the new oligomers are discussed in terms of the extent of pi-electron conjugation. Upon increasing the number of phenylene/ethynylene modules, there is a progressive lowering in energy of absorption and fluorescence transitions.     

Saddle-Shaped Building Blocks: A New Concept for Designing Fully Conjugated 3D Organic Semiconducting Materials

Currently, most organic semiconducting materials (OSMs) are π-conjugated structures in one or two dimension (2D), where the lack of layer-layer π-conjugation connection greatly blocks their electron delocalization and transport. The 3D fully conjugated materials could solve this issue because they can provide efficient charge-transport pathways throughout the whole 3D skeleton, in which the suitable 3D building block is the key to the development of fully conjugated 3D OSMs. Cyclooctatetraene (COT) and its derivatives are good candidates due to their π-conjugation with 3D saddle-shaped architecture. In this Concept, we discuss the key features of saddle-shaped COT-based derivatives and their synthetic strategy, then we present the current development of using the COT derivatives as building blocks to construct the 3D fully conjugated organic small compound- and polymer-based OSMs. The properties and perspectives of these OSMs in photovoltaics, electro-catalysis and electrical conductivities are also discussed. These recent advances in the developing 3D fully conjugated materials could potentially open up a new frontier in the design of OSMs.     

1,2,3-Tri(9-anthryl)benzene: Photophysical Properties and Solid-State Intermolecular Interactions of Radially Arranged,Congested Aromatic π-Planes**

We report the Negishi coupling based synthesis of 1,2,3-tri(9-anthryl)benzene derivatives containing three radially arranged anthracenes in a π-cluster. In the crystalline state of the unsubstituted derivative, intermolecular π–π and CH–π interactions between the anthracene units drive the formation of the two-dimensional packing structure. Owing to though-space π-conjugation between anthracene units, the substances have unique electronic properties. The excited-state dynamic behavior occurring between the three anthracene moieties, such as exciton localization/delocalization, was elucidated by means of transient absorption measurements and quantum chemical calculations. Interestingly, even though the three anthracenes are closely oriented with approximately 3.0 Å between their C-9 positions, exciton localization on two anthracene units is energetically favorable because of the flexible nature of the radially arranged aromatic rings.     

Substituent effect in para substituted Cr(CO)5-pyridine complexes

Systematic studies on the substituent effect in para substituted Cr(CO)₅-pyridine complexes have been carried out on the basis of DFT quantum-chemical calculations. Ten simple and mostly common substituents were chosen in order to analyze possibly the largest spectrum of substituent effects. The following substituents were taken into consideration: NO, NO₂, CN, CHO, F, H, CH₃, OCH₃, OH and NH₂. Additionally, the Cr-N and Cr-C bonds were characterized on the basis of Atoms in Molecules topological analysis of electron density. It has been found that the substituents in position 4 of the pyridine ring influence the Cr-N bond of Cr(CO)₅-pyridine complex in a systematic manner, as a result of with, the pyridine moiety has a diversified ability of participating in the interaction with the Cr atom of Cr(CO)₅ moiety. It has also been found, that the electron withdrawing substituents additionally stabilize the Cr-N bond, whereas the electron donating ones weaken it. The substituent effect mainly affects the π-component of the Cr-N bond. This effect proceeds in the whole Cr-pyridine-R moiety, and it is additionally reflected in the corresponding changes in metal-carbonyl bonds, particularly the trans Cr-CO bond.     

Hydrogen Bond Effect in Nonlinear Optical Properties of Azobenzene Derivatives

Three kinds of 4-hydroxyl azobenzene compouds with different substituents varied as -NO₂, -H, -OCH₃ in the para-position were synthesized and characterized. Their nonlinear optical properties in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and chloroform (CHCl₃) solution were determined using Z-scan technique. The results revealed that the nonlinear absorption (β) and nonlinear refraction (γ) values of three azobenzene compounds in THF solution were larger than those in CHCl₃ solution. It was mainly due to the regular arrangement and effective π-conjugation of azobenzene molecules caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of azobenzene molecules and the oxygen atom of the THF molecules. Among three kinds of azobenzene compounds, the 4-nitro-4'-hydroxyazobenzene (NAzoOH) had the largest coefficients of βand γ values in both THF and CHCl₃ solution. It was mainly because that a push-pull (D-π-A) electron system was formed by the electron withdrawing nitro-substituent with electron donating hydroxyl-group in both extremities of azobenzene, resulting in a higher electron delocalization.     

Substituent Effects on 31P and 13C Chemical Shifts of Substituted Diphenyl 1-anilino-1-arylmethanephosphonates and Their Anions

Abstract

For a series of 31 novel diphenyl 1-anilino-1-arylmethanephosphonates, substituted in the meta and para position of the anilino and/or the aryl ring, ³¹P chemical shifts show good linear correlation with Taft's [sgrave]° parameters, the ³¹P nucleus appearing better shielded in the case of electron-withdrawing substituents. This inverse relationship is due to a field effect of the substituent dipole which polarizes π-electron clouds in the molecule, resulting in a higher P=O double bond order, and thence better ³¹P shielding. A corresponding shift of π-electron density is likewise observed for the ¹³C resonances of the two diastereotopic phenoxy and the anilino or aryl rings, respectively, where-M ands-I substituents cause a downfield shift of para and meta, and an upfield shift of ortho and ipso carbon resonances.     

Conductivity of polydiacetylene with π-conjugation between polymer backbone and substituents

Poly-1,4-bis(3-acetamidephenyl)-1,3-butadiyne, i.e., a topochemically obtained polydiacetylene for which one can expect π-conjugation between polymer backbone and substituents, has been examined as a candidate of conducting polymers. Upon iodine doping, the polymer film attained the conductivity of 4.8 × 10^?2 S/cm, i.e., about three orders of magnitude greater than those of other polydiacetylene films which have no such π-conjugation.     

Guanidinium-Type resonance stabilization and its biological implications. I. the guanidine and extended-guanidine series

An unusual type of π-electron delocalization in Y-shaped molecules related to guanidine and its protonated form, the guanidinium ion, has been studied by ab initio methods at the STO -3G and 3-21G levels. Results are reported for tautomeric, rotameric, and protonated forms of the oxygen-substituted guanidine series (urea, carbamic, and carbonic acids); “extended-guanidine” (aminomethylene guanidine) including pseudocyclic forms; and simple ring systems in which the extended-guanidine group is incorporated (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 2,4-diaminopyrimidine). Both the guanidine and guanidinium type stabilizations have been characterized in terms of a number of structural and energetic parameters: degree of single/double bond character from bond lengths and π-bond orders, electron distributions, and protonation energies. The major finding is that the structural and energetic properties of the isolated extended-guanidinium group resemble those of the group when incorporated within 6-membered heterocyclic or heterobicyclic rings, although the details vary with the nature of the ring and possibility of reinforcement or interference with the substructure resonance from overall ring delocalization. The implications for stabilization of the protonated forms of some biologically important pteridines is discussed.