Synthesis, photophysical properties and TD-DFT calculation of four two-photon absorbing triphenylamine derivatives

In this study,linear absorption,single-photon excited fluorescence,fluorescence quantum yields,fluorescence lifetime and two-photon excited fluorescence of a series of triphenylamine derivatives (L1,L2,L3 and L4) have been measured.L1 and L3 are D--A type dyes,while L2 and L4 are D--D--A type dyes (D=donor,A=acceptor).The investigated compounds consist of triphenylamine-bearing donor-substituted and/or systematically extended-conjugated length,which are designed to gain insight into the effect of the ethoxyl unit and-linkage length on the linear and nonlinear optical properties.The influence of solvent polarity on the photophysical properties was investigated.Employing time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations,the structure-property relationships are discussed.     

Enhanced two-photon absorption and ultrafast dynamics of a new multibranched chromophore with a dibenzothiophene core

A series of novel compounds with dibenzothiophene core branched structures have been synthesized, and their two-photon absorption (TPA) properties were investigated. Two-photon fluorescence (TPF) and z-scan techniques were carried out, and a significant enhancement in the TPA cross section was observed for ST-G2, which possesses the largest generation number among the studied samples. By using different solvents, the largest nonlinear optical (NLO) response was observed in the most polar solvent. Ultrafast pump-probe experiments were performed to probe the excited state dynamics in the branched molecules, and the obtained results further confirmed the TPA enhancement mechanism. Time-resolved fluorescence (TRFL) and TRFL anisotropy measurements reveal that there is an ultrafast charge localization to the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state followed by relaxation with a lifetime longer than 1 ns.     

Ultrafast dynamics in multibranched structures with enhanced two-photon absorption

The understanding of the mechanism of the enhanced two-photon absorption (TPA) in multibranched chromophore systems is of importance to the design of materials with the large TPA cross-sections and for future applications. In this communication, the mechanism of enhanced TPA properties is investigated. For a dendritic model system, the excited-state dynamics for both population (T1-process) and phase relaxation (T2-process) processes involved are investigated by a combination of time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. The results of time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy are compared with previous results obtained from other branched chromophore systems. It is found that the PRL-701 trimer system, which possesses the large enhancement of two-photon absorption cross-section, gives a faster anisotropy decay (fluorescence upconversion and transient absorption), a longer population relaxation time (fluorescence lifetime), and a weaker coupling to the solvent (a larger photon echo peak shift initial value). New strategies for rational design of large TPA materials can be achieved based on a better understanding of the mechanism of the enhancement.     

Two novel terpyridine-based chromophores with donor-acceptor structural model containing modified triphenylamine moiety: Synthesis, crystal structures and two-photon absorption properties

Two novel terpyridine-based chromophores with D-A (D = donor, A = acceptor) structural model containing modified triphenylamine moiety (L1 and L2 ) have been conveniently synthesized via formylation and reduction in satisfactory yields, and fully characterized. The single crystals of them were obtained and determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The relationships between structure and photophysical properties of the two chromophores were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The measured maximum TPA cross-sections per molecular weight (δmax /MW) of the chromophores are 0.63 GM/(g mol) (L1) and 0.72 GM/(g mol) (L2), respectively, in DMF as a high polar solvent. The results indicate that the value of δmax/MW could be well tuned by the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), which could be realized by introducing additional elecron-donor/acceptor groups.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of tetraphenylethylene-based conjugated dendrimers with triphenylamine core

Two new conjugated dendrimers bearing a tetraphenylethylene moiety as dendrons and triphenylamine as a core have been synthesized through a convergent synthetic strategy using threefold Heck/threefold Sonogashira coupling reaction. These dendrimers showed excellent solubility in common organic solvents and emit light in the blue and violet regions.     

Multi-carbazole derivatives for two-photon absorption data storage:Synthesis,optical properties and theoretical calculation

Two novel quadrupolar organic compounds, 3-(4-((E)-2-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl) vinyl)styryl)-9-propyl-9H-carbazole (BCSPC) and 3-(3-(3-((1E)-2-(4-((E)-2-(3-(3,5-bis(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)phenyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)vinyl)phenyl) vinyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)-5-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)phenyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazole (BCPBC), with different conjugated arms, have been designed and synthesized. Their one-and two-photon absorption (TPA) and excited fluorescence properties have been experimentally inve...     

Multi-carbazole derivatives for two-photon absorption data storage: Synthesis, optical properties and theoretical calculation

Two novel quadrupolar organic compounds, 3-(4-((E)-2-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl) vinyl)styryl)-9-propyl-9H-carbazole (BCSPC) and 3-(3-(3-((1E)-2-(4-((E)-2-(3-(3,5-bis(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)phenyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)vinyl)phenyl) vinyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)-5-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-6-yl)phenyl)-9-butyl-9H-carbazole (BCPBC), with different conjugated arms, have been designed and synthesized. Their one- and two-photon absorption (TPA) and excited fluorescence properties have been experimentally investigated. The two-photon absorption cross-sections of two compounds were estimated by two-photon excited fluorescence technique using 200 fs, 76 MHz, Ti:sapphire laser, which are 22 and 154 GM for BCSPC and BCPBC, respectively. The optimal excitation wavelengths are 780 nm for both BCSPC and BCPBC. A data recording experiment proved the potential application of the materials.     

Synthesis and optical properties of multibranched and C3 symmetrical oligomers with benzene or triphenylamine core and diazines as peripheral groups

We report therein the synthesis and photophysical properties of a new series of two- and tribranched compounds built up from benzene or triphenylamine as central core and electron-withdrawing diazine rings as peripheral group. The arms allowing connection between these two parts are constituted by an ethynylene linker. All these compounds are fluorescent and are of particular interest with generally good quantum yields and good Stokes shifts. Some of them have been tested for two-photon absorption (TPA) properties and had revealed interesting performances.     

Enhanced two-photon absorption with novel octupolar propeller-shaped fluorophores derived from triphenylamine

[structure: see text] Novel octupolar fluorophores derived from the symmetrical functionalization of a triphenylamine core with strong acceptor peripheral groups via phenylene-ethynylene linkers have been synthesized and shown to exhibit high fluorescence quantum yields, very large TPA cross-sections in the red-NIR region, and suitable photostability.     

Synthesis and two-photon absorption of highly soluble three-branched fluorenylene-vinylene derivatives

Two new three-branched fluorenylene-vinylene derivatives were synthesized by triple Heck-type or Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions. Their one-photon absorption and fluorescence as well as their two-photon absorption properties are reported. These compounds, which combine very high solubility in organic solvents, high fluorescence quantum yield and giant two-photon absorption cross-sections in the red-NIR region (up to 3660 GM, in the femtosecond regime) are promising candidates for both optical power limiting applications and two-photon laser scanning microscopy.     

Theoretical study of one- and two-photon absorption properties of pyrene derivatives

The geometrical structure, electronic structure, one-photon absorption (OPA) properties of pyrene and its derivatives have been theoretically studied by using density functional theory (DFT) method and Zerner’s intermediate neglect of differential overlap (ZINDO) methods, and their two-photon absorption (TPA) properties are calculated by the ZINDO/sum-over-states method. The results show that introducing donor groups to pyrene molecule, increasing the number of donor groups, extending the conjugated length, or forming circular conjugated dimer can increase the oscillator strength (f) in the TPA process and ultimately result in extremely large TPA cross-sections and strong OPA around 400 nm of pyrene derivatives. All these results give us some basic principles to design pyrene derivatives with large TPA cross-sections. This shed light into the significance of the pyrene derivatives as promising fluorescent probes in biochemistry when they were linked to some special recognizing groups.     

Coumarin-based two-photon AIE fluorophores: Photophysical properties and biological application

Based on the coumarin skeleton, we deliberately designed two groups of fluorophores, termed as Coum-R and Naph-Coum-R, using the diphenylamino group as the electron donor, which displayed long-wavelength emissions (red spectral region), large Stokes shift (up to 204 nm), superior AIE performance, and large two-photon absorbance cross-sections (as high as 365 GM). The electron-withdrawing substituents at the 3-position of these dyes could induce a significant red-shift in their emission spectra. Preliminary imaging experiments demonstrated the capability of these dyes as two-photon fluorophores for specifically staining lipid droplets in living cells.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel pyrimidine-based two-photon absorption chromophores

Three new two-photon absorption chromophores based on a pyrimidine core were synthesized by Aldol condensation in the absence of any organic solvents. Their single-photon spectroscopic characterization as well as their two-photon absorption properties is reported. In addition, strong modulation of single-photon and two-photon fluorescent spectra of these molecules by (de)protonation is also discussed.     

Novel aromatic polymers from benzaldehyde and triphenylamine derivatives: Synthesis,electrochromic, and photochemical properties

A series of novel triphenylamine‐based polymers were synthesized from benzaldehyde and triphenylamine derivatives. All the polymers having high molecular weight are readily soluble in many organic solvents and could be solution‐cast into amorphous films. They had glass transition temperatures (T_gs) in the range of 193–217 °C, and 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 475 °C. Cyclic voltammograms of all polymers showed reversible oxidation redox peaks and E_onset around 0.42–0.90 V, indicating that the polymers are electrochemically active and stable. In addition, all these polymers revealed photochemical characteristics in conformity with their electrochromic characteristics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2118–2131, 2009     

Synthesis,structure and nonlinear optical properties of two novel two-photon absorption chromophores

Two triphenylamine-based derivatives that can be used as two-photon absorption chromophore,tris{4-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-3-oxopanoyl)]phenyl}amine (1) and tris{4-[4-(3-phenyl-3-oxopanoyl)] phenyl} amine (2) were successfully synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis,IR,1H NMR and MS. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the molecules possess D-(π-A)3 structures. One-and two-photon absorption and fluorescence in various solvents were experimentally investigated. A data rec...     

Theoretical study of one-photon and two-photon absorption properties of perylene tetracarboxylic derivatives

The geometrical structure, electronic structure, one-photon absorption (OPA) and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of the perylene tetracarboxylic derivatives (PTCDs) were studied theoretically by using density functional theory (DFT) and Zerner's intermediate neglect of differential overlap (ZINDO) methods. The results revealed that increasing the number of naphthalene nucleus, extending the conjugated length on long axis, increasing the strength of donor group on lateral side, decreasing the DeltaE(H-L) (energy gap between the highest occupied orbital and the lowest unoccupied orbital) and keeping the conjugation effect and inductive effect along the same molecular axis are the efficient ways to enlarge TPA cross section of PTCDs compounds. The results that PTCDs compounds exhibited extremely large TPA cross section of around 800-1100 nm (near infrared region) shed light into the significance of the PTCDs compounds for applications in TPA labeling materials in vivo.     

Copolyfluorenes containing bridged triphenylamine or triphenylamine: Synthesis,characterization, and optoelectronic properties

A novel aryl‐bridged triphenylamine derivative, 7‐t‐butyl‐5,5,9,9‐tetraaryl‐13b‐aza‐naphtho[3,2,1‐de]anthracene (ABTPA) was designed and synthesized. The alternating copolymers of ABTPA/dihexylfluorene ( P1 ) and triphenylamine (TPA)/dihexylfluorene ( P2 ) were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. P1 shows excellent thermal stability with a decomposition temperature of 440 °C and a glass‐transition temperature of 326 °C. The HOMO energy levels of the two polymers are very close (?5.15 eV for P1 and ?5.13 eV for P2 ). The maximum absorption peak of P1 is red shifted by 23 nm with respect to P2 , because the incorporation of ABTPA units into the PF backbone enhances the electronic conjugation degree compared with the case of TPA units. The rigidity and the steric hindrance of the ABTPA in P1 result in a small Stokes shift and almost the same emission spectra of P1 between its film and solution. A PLED with simple configurations of ITO/ P1 /TNS (tetranaphthalen‐2‐yl‐silane)/Alq₃ (tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinolato)aluminum)/Al emits a blue light with emission peak at 436 nm, and exhibits a maximum current efficiency of 1.89 cd/A and a maximum luminance of 4183 cd/m², which is superior to the device with P2 as emissive layer under the identical conditions. These results indicate that ABTPA unit could be a very promising candidate to replace TPA unit and find widely application in organic/polymeric optoelectronic materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3651–3661, 2009     

Synthesis and properties of polythiophene derivatives containing triphenylamine moiety and their photovoltaic applications

A series of novel soluble polythiophene derivatives containing triphenylamine moiety were synthesized by Grignard metathesis (GRIM) method. The structures of the polymers were characterized and their physical properties were investigated. High molecular weight (M_n up to 25,800 g/mol) and thermostable polymers were obtained. The absorption spectra demonstrated that the absorption wavelength of the polymers could be tuned dramatically by introducing thiophene units in the main chain of the polymers. Photoluminescence spectra indicated that there was intramolecular energy transfer from the side chain to the main chain, and the maximum emission was red‐shifted gradually with the increase of thiophene units in the main chain. Cyclic voltammetry displayed that the polymers possessed relatively high oxidation potential, which promised good air stability and high open circuit voltage for photovoltaic cells application. Finally, bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices were fabricated by using the polymers as donors and (6,6)‐phenyl C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor. The maximal open circuit voltage of the photovoltaic cells reached 0.71–0.87 V and the power conversion efficiencies of the devices were measured between 0.014% and 0.45% under white light at 100 mW/cm². © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3970–3984, 2008     

Synthesis,absorption spectra,and luminescence properties of dihydrobenzoacridinone derivatives

9,9-Dimethyl-12-[(5-aryl-2-furyl) (or 5-aryl-2-thienyl, or 5-aryl-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolyl)]-7,8,9,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a]acridin-11-ones were synthesized, and their absorption and luminescence spectrum characteristics in ethanol at room temperature and at 77 K were studied. The spectra suggest the existence of these compounds in a liquid solution as mixtures of conformers, each of which is characterized by its own absorption and fluorescence spectra.     

Synthesis and two‐photon absorption properties of hyperbranched diketo‐pyrrolo‐pyrrole polymer with triphenylamine as the core

A novel hyperbranched polyyne (hb‐ DPP ) with triphenylamine as the core, 2,5‐dioctylpyrrolo [3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4 (2H,5H)‐dione ( DPP ) as the connecting unit has been designed and synthesized by Glaser‐Hay oxidative coupling reaction, which was characterized by IR, NMR, UV‐vis, FL, and GPC. The polymer exhibits high molecular weight (M_w up to ～6.55 × 10⁴ Da) and is readily soluble in common organic solvents such as toluene, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, N,N‐dimethyl formamide and so on. The one‐ and two‐photon absorption (TPA) properties have been investigated. The TPA cross section of the polymer was measured by open‐aperture Z‐scan experiment using 140 femtosecond (fs) pulse, and the TPA cross section for hb‐ DPP was determined to be 579 GM per repeating unit at wavelength of 800 nm. In tetrahydrofuran, hb‐ DPP exhibits intense frequency up‐converted fluorescence with the peak located at 584 nm under the excitation of 800 nm fs pulses. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4400–4408, 2009