Synthesis and two-photon absorption properties of multi-branched styryl derivatives containing π-bond and σ-electron pair as bridge based on 1,3,5-triazine

A series of new one, two, and three-branched two-photon absorption triazine derivatives with a π-bond and a σ-electron pair as a bridge have been synthesized and their photophysical properties have been systematically investigated. These chromophores showed obvious solvatochromic effects, i.e., significant bathochromic shifting of the emission spectra and larger Stokes shifts were observed in more polar solvents mainly due to intra-molecular charge transfer (ICT). The two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-section values were determined by the two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) measurements in DMF. This result further proved that a σ-electron pair as a bridge is an efficient way to transfer charge as well as a π bridge, and that their 2PA cross-section values (δ) increase with increasing branch number.     

Novel 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-based red-fluorescent dyes with enhanced two-photon absorption cross-sections

This paper reports the two-photon absorbing and orange-red fluorescence emitting properties of a series of new 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD)-based D-pi-A-pi-D-type and star-burst-type fluorescent dyes. In the D-pi-A-pi-D-type dyes 1-6, a central BTD core was connected with two terminal N,N-disubstituted amino groups via various pi-conjugated spacers. The star-burst-type dyes 8 and 10 have a three-branched structure composed of a central core (benzene core in 8 and triphenylamine core in 10) and three triphenylamine-containing BTD branches. All the BTD-based dyes displayed intense orange-red color fluorescence in a region of 550-689 nm, which was obtained by single-photon excitation with good fluorescent quantum yield up to 0.98 as well as by two-photon excitation. Large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections (110-800 GM) of these BTD dyes were evaluated by open aperture Z-scan technique with a femtosecond Ti/sapphire laser. The TPA cross-sections of D-pi-A-pi-D-type dyes 2-6 with a benzene, thiophene, ethene, ethyne, and styrene moiety, respectively, as an additional pi-conjugated spacer are about 1.5-2.5 times larger than that of 1c with only a benzene spacer. The TPA cross-sections significantly increased in three-branched star-burst-type BTDs 8 (780 GM) with a benzene core and 10 (800 GM) with a triphenylamine core, which are about 3-5 times larger than those of the corresponding one-dimensional sub-units 9 (170 GM) and 11 (230 GM), respectively. The ratios of sigma/e(pi) between three-branched and one-dimensional dyes were 6.5:3.8 (for 8 and 9) and 6.0:4.0 (for 10 and 11), which are larger than those predicted simply on the basis of the chromophore number density (1:1), according to a cooperative enhancement of the two-photon absorbing nature in the three-branched system.     

Protonation Effect on One- and Two-photon Absorption Property of a Newly Synthesized Octupolar Chromophore

The protonation effects on one- and two-photon absorption properties of an octupolar molecule TA with 1,3,5-triazine core and pyrrole electron-donating end-groups have been studied at hybrid density functional theory level. A computational scheme is developed tosimulate a proton attached to an atom. The numerical results show that large changes in both one- and two-photon absorption properties are observed when the compound is transformed from neutral to threefold protonated states. When the compound is protonated, more charge transfer states appear and the absorption band has a red-shift. Furthermore, the two-photon absorption cross-section is largely enhanced. The theoretical calculations demonstrate the protonation effect on promoting the intramolecular charge transfer strength. The results present qualitative agreement with the experimental observations. A two-photon absorption switch with the compound TA based on the protonation effect is proposed.     

多支结构的均三嗪衍生物的合成及双光子吸收性质

合成了3个系列各含有单支、双支和三支结构的9个均三嗪衍生物, 测定了它们的线性吸收和发射性质以及双光子吸收和发射性质. 随着三嗪环上侧链数目的增加, 线性吸收谱(吸收峰位于390～440 nm)、荧光谱(发射峰位于460～580 nm)和双光子荧光谱(激发波长800 nm)都发生红移; 各种光谱的强度逐渐增强; 基态与激发态的偶极矩之差Δμ_eg也逐渐增大. 另外, 从单支到三支结构, 双光子吸收截面σ随侧链数目呈非线性增加. 这表明多支结构的双光子吸收存在显著的增强效应.     

新型香豆素酮类不对称双光子染料的合成及其光物理性质

本文以二苯乙烯和香豆素为共轭桥,二乙氨基为电子给体,羰基为电子受体,合成了一个具有D-π₁-A-π₂-D结构的香豆素酮类双光子染料C3.用紫外-可见光谱、荧光光谱研究了该化合物的光物理性质.发现在光作用下C3很容易发生分子内电荷转移,进而转变为扭曲的分子内电荷转移,产生很大的偶极矩变化.以飞秒脉冲激光为激发光源,用上转换荧光法测定了其双光子吸收截面.在激发波长为850 nm时,新化合物的双光子吸收截面值达1292 GM,比同系列香豆素酮衍生物C1、C2的双光子吸收截面值高一到两个数量级.     

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.     

Localized emitting state and energy transfer properties of quadrupolar chromophores and (multi)branched derivatives

In order to better understand the nature of intramolecular charge and energy transfer in multibranched molecules, we have synthesized and studied the photophysical properties of a monomer quadrupolar chromophore with donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) electronic push-pull structure, together with its V-shaped dimer and star-shaped trimers. The comparison of steady-state absorption spectra and fluorescence excitation anisotropy spectra of these chromophores show evidence of weak interaction (such as charge and energy transfer) among the branches. Moreover, similar fluorescence and solvation behavior of monomer and branched chromophores (dimer and trimer) implies that the interaction among the branches is not strong enough to make a significant distinction between these molecules, due to the weak interaction and intrinsic structural disorder in branched molecules. Furthermore, the interaction between the branches can be enhanced by inserting π bridge spacers (-C═C- or -C≡C-) between the core donor and the acceptor. This improvement leads to a remarkable enhancement of two-photon cross-sections, indicating that the interbranch interaction results in the amplification of transition dipole moments between ground states and excited states. The interpretations of the observed photophysical properties are further supported by theoretical investigation, which reveal that the changes of the transition dipole moments of the branched quadrupolar chromophores play a critical role in observed the two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-section for an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state interaction in the multibranched quadrupolar chromophores.     

Synthesis, optical characterization, and electrochemical properties of isomeric tetraphenylbenzodifurans containing electron acceptor groups

Isomeric tetraphenylbenzodifuran systems, benzo[1,2-b:5,4]difuran and benzo[1,2-b:4,5]difuran, containing electron acceptor groups (CF(3), CN, and NO(2)) have been synthesized and studied. Their electronic absorption, fluorescence, two-photon absorption cross sections, and electrochemical properties were investigated. The absorption and emission maxima are red-shifted for the linear-conjugated systems in comparison with the corresponding isomer. Dual fluorescence was observed and the existence of a twisted intramolecular charge transfer state was confirmed by low-temperature emission experiments. Wide HOMO-LUMO energy gaps were obtained ranging from 2.53 to 3.28 eV. HOMO levels were found in the energy range of -6.03 to -6.63 eV while LUMO are within -2.55 to -3.52 eV.     

Metal ion sensing novel calix[4]crown fluoroionophore with a two-photon absorption property

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene-based fluorescent chemosensors bearing two-photon absorbing chromophores have been synthesized, and their sensing behaviors toward metal ions were investigated via absorption band shifts as well as one- and two-photon fluorescence changes. Free ligands absorb the light at 461 nm and weakly emit their fluorescence at 600 nm when excited by UV-vis radiation at 461 nm, but no two-photon excited fluorescence is emitted by excitation at 780 nm. Addition of an Al(3+) or Pb(2+) ion to a solution of the ligand causes a blue-shifted absorption and enhanced fluorescence due to a declined resonance energy transfer (RET) upon excitation by one- and two-photon processes. Addition of a Pb(2+) ion to a solution of 1.K(+) results in a higher fluorescence intensity than the original 1.Pb(2+) complex regardless of one- or two-photon excitation, due to the allosteric effect induced by the complexation of K(+) with a crown loop.     

Synthesis of Bis(arylethynyl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles and Effect of Intramolecular Charge Transfer on Their Photophysical Behavior

3,6-Bis(arylethynyl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles were synthesized through a two-step procedure involving double direct alkynylation of the electron-rich core followed by Sonogashira coupling. In comparison with the parent tetraarylo-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles and benzo-fused pyrrolopyrroles, these new dyes showed moderately redshifted absorption. Almost all derivatives showed positive fluorescence solvatochromism and, for the first time, red-emitting pyrrolopyrroles were obtained. Computational studies revealed that, in most cases, there is negligible change in the geometry between ground and excited states. Interestingly, there was a fundamental difference between pyrrolopyrroles possessing electron-withdrawing substituents at positions 2 and 5 and their analogs lacking these substituents. The former dyes behaved like dipolar chromophores with the lowest excited state both one-photon and two-photon allowed, which corresponds to intramolecular charge transfer occurring along the branches perpendicular to the pyrrolopyrrole long axis. In compounds lacking electron-withdrawing substituents at positions 2 and 5, intramolecular charge transfer took place along the long axis of pyrrolopyrrole and consequently the one-photon transitions are not two-photon allowed. Despite displaying quadrupolar core-to-peripheral intramolecular charge transfer, these derivatives showed two-photon absorption cross sections in the NIR1 region comparable to tetraaryl-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles lacking π-expansion (up to about 500 GM).     

多支结构的吡嗪衍生物的合成及其双光子吸收性质

合成了一系列含有双支、三支和四支的吡嗪衍生物, 测定了它们的线性吸收和发射性质以及双光子吸收和发射性质. 随着吡嗪环上侧链数目的增加(支链数目从2到4), 吸收光谱(吸收峰位于290～390 nm)、荧光谱(发射峰位于400～510 nm)和双光子荧光谱(激发波长720 nm)都发生红移, 荧光量子产率也逐渐增强(从0.13增大到0.25). 另外, 从双支到四支结构, 双光子吸收截面σ按照1∶2.8∶3.7的比例增加, 接近于支链数目的平方之比(1∶2.25∶4), 表明多支结构的双光子吸收存在显著的增强效应, 其中四支结构的σ值为1007 GM. 实验中还发现, 对于具有相同支链数目的化合物, 邻、对位的取代模式比间位取代模式具有更强的单光子和双光子荧光性质.     

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.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of hyperbranched polyfluorenes containing 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine as the core

A series of new hyperbranched polymers containing a 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core unit and polyfluorene chain arms have been synthesized via Suzuki coupling, and characterized by NMR, IR and GPC. All the polymers exhibit good thermal stability with a high decomposition temperature. By changing the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine/fluorene ratio the UV-vis absorption and emission spectra can be partially tuned. It has been found that the polymers containing a low ratio of 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine units (P1-P3) have an absorption maximum around 385 nm, localized in the polyfluorene chain, and a shoulder around 425 nm ascribable to a charge transfer state involving the fluorene and the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core. Increasing the molar ratio of the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine unit enhances the charge transfer band which becomes dominant for P4. The LUMO level of these polymers is relatively low due to the electron affinity of the triazine group. The polymers show dual emission, with a structured band in the blue (410-440 nm), attributed to the polyfluorene, and a broad band in the red (470-500 nm) associated with the charge transfer state. All the polymers exhibit two-photon absorption activity in the range of 660 to 900 nm with the maximum two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section red-shifted from the corresponding linear absorption. The values of the TPA cross-sections vary from 1000 to 5000 GM, following the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine/fluorene ratio.     

Unusual spectral shifts on fast violet-B and benzanilide: Effect of solvents, pH and β-cyclodextin

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of fast violet-B (FVB) and benzanilide (BA) have been analysed in different solvents, pH and β-cyclodextrin. The inclusion complex of FVB with β-CD is investigated by UV–visible, fluorimetry, AM 1, FTIR and SEM. The absorption maximum of FVB (anilino substitution) is red shifted than that of BA, but the benzoyl substitution hardly changed the ground state structure of BA. Compared to BA, the emission maxima of FVB largely blue shifted in cyclohexane and aprotic solvents, but red shifted in protic solvents and the longer wavelength maxima in FVB is due to the intramolecular charge transfer (TICT). In BA, the normal emission originates from a locally excited state and the longer wavelength band due to intramolecular proton transfer in non-polar/aprotic solvents and in protic solvents it is due to TICT state. β-CD studies reveal that, FVB forms 1:2 complex from 1:1 complex and BA forms 1:2 complex with β-CD.     

Dependence of the two-photon absorption cross section on the conjugation of the phenylacetylene linker in dipolar donor-bridge-acceptor chromophores

The nonlinear optical properties of four isomeric dipolar two-photon chromophores are compared. The chromophores consist of a carbazole electron donor coupled to a naphthalimide electron acceptor by a phenylacetylene bridge. By variation of the connectivity of the bridge at the phenyl groups, four compounds with 0, 1, and 2 meta linkages are synthesized. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of these compounds are measured. Despite similar linear absorption cross sections, the two-photon absorption cross section delta of the all-meta compound is almost a factor of 10 lower than the all-para compound. By taking the detailed molecular conformations into account in order to calculate accurate dipole moment changes, we find that the decrease in delta results largely from the decreased charge transfer ability with increasing number of meta linkages. We find that a two-state model can be used to predict semiquantitatively the observed trend in delta on the basis of the linear optical properties of the molecules. This work illustrates the dramatic effect the ground-state polarizability can have on the nonlinear optical response of organic compounds and also provides a way to quantify the ability of meta linkages to inhibit charge transfer in their ground-state configuration.     

Two-photon transitions in quadrupolar and branched chromophores: experiment and theory

A combined experimental and theoretical study is conducted on a series of model compounds in order to assess the combined role of branching and charge symmetry on absorption, photoluminescence, and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties. The main issue of this study is to examine how branching of quadrupolar chomophores can lead to different consequences as compared to branching of dipolar chromophores. Hence, three structurally related pi-conjugated quadrupolar chromophores symmetrically substituted with donor end groups and one branched structure built from the assembly of three quadrupolar branches via a common donor moiety are used as model compounds. Their photophysical properties are studied using UV-vis spectroscopy, and the TPA spectra are determined through two-photon excited fluorescence experiments using femtosecond pulses in the 500-1000 nm range. Experimental studies are complemented by theoretical calculations. The applied theoretical methodology is based on time-dependent density functional theory, the Frenkel exciton model, and analysis in terms of the natural transition orbitals of relevant electronic states. Theory reveals that a symmetrical intramolecular charge transfer from the terminal donating groups to the middle of the molecule takes place in all quadrupolar chromophores upon photoexcitation. In contrast, branching via a central electron-donating triphenylamine moiety breaks the quadrupolar symmetry of the branches. Consequently, all Frank-Condon excited states have significant asymmetric multidimensional charge-transfer character upon excitation. Subsequent vibrational relaxation of the branched chromophore in the excited state leads to a localization of the excitation and fluorescence stemming from a single branch. As opposed to what was earlier observed when dipolar chromophores are branched via the same common electron-donating moiety, we find only a slight enhancement of the maximum TPA response of the branched compound with respect to an additive contribution of its quadrupolar branches. In contrast, substantial modifications of the spectral shape are observed. This is attributed to the subtle interplay of interbranch electronic coupling and asymmetry caused by branching.     

A New Series of Proton/Charge Transfer Molecules: Synthesis and Spectral Studies of 2-(5-Aryl-1-carbomethoxy-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenols

Abstract. The carbomethoxyhydrazone of 2'-hydroxyacetophenone was trilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide and C-acylated with a variety of benzoate esters followed by acid cyclization of the intermediates to 2-(5-aryl-l-car-bomethoxy-lHpyrazol-3-yl)phenols [3-(2-hydroxyphen-yl)-lH-pyrazoles]. The products were characterized by Fourier transform-IR, ^lH NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV-visible absorption and fluorescence. All the derivatives in n -heptane have an absorption maximum at ˜304 nm and an extremely weak (φ_r= 10 ⁴) fluorescence with maxima in the range of 335–460 nm. The broad range of fluorescence maxima and fluorescence quantum yields is attributed to varying contributions of charge transfer that are dependent on both the identity of the substituent and solvent polarity. A phenomenally large Stokes-shifted fluorescence maximum at 620 nm was observed for 2-(l-car-bomethoxy-5-[4-dimethylaminophenyl]-lff-pyrazol-3-y1)phenol in n-heptane and attributed to excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. As a result, competitive excited-state proton/charge transfer properties have been observed in the pyrazoles studied, of which the spectral properties can be fine tuned by substituent as well as solvent effects.     

具有扭曲的分子内电荷转移的芳香酮衍生物的结构与光谱性能研究

设计合成了一系列基于芳香酮的具有分子内扭曲态电荷转移(TICT)特性的化合物,通过线性光物理性质与双光子吸收性质的表征,研究了分子结构中不同共轭基团和不同取代基位置对化合物光谱性能的影响,同时通过溶剂效应研究了化合物的分子内电荷转移性质。结合理论计算结果表明分子的共轭骨架和取代基的位置都能显著影响分子内电荷转移特征。其中芴酮系列的化合物表现出了较强的双光子吸收与聚集诱导荧光增强效应,在生物荧光成像领域有着潜在的应用价值。     

两类以芴为中心的有机分子双光子吸收特性

在密度泛函理论水平上, 利用响应函数方法研究了实验新合成的两类以芴为π中心的分子(SK-G1和NT-G1)的双光子吸收特性. 计算结果表明, 这两类有机分子都具有较大的单光子和双光子光吸收强度. 在低能量范围内, NT-G1分子的最大单光子吸收峰相对于SK-G1分子来说发生了红移, 且其最大单光子吸收强度是SK-G1分子的两倍. SK-G1和NT-G1分子的最大双光子吸收均发生在第二激发态. NT-G1分子的最大双光子吸收截面约是SK-G1分子的五倍, 并且NT-G1分子存在一个较宽的双光子吸收带. NT-G1分子的较强光学性质与分子内较大的电荷转移过程有关. 采用Onsager模型计算了溶剂分子对溶质分子单光子吸收性质的影响, 理论计算结果和实验测量结果符合得较好.     

香豆素343敏化TiO2纳米粒子光致电子转移的荧光和拉曼光谱

通过对香豆素343(C343)染料敏化TiO₂纳米粒子光致电子转移的荧光和拉曼光谱特性的研究表明,C343染料敏化TiO₂纳米粒子稳态吸收光谱和稳态荧光光谱的红移归因于从被吸附的C343染料分子激发态和C343/TiO₂复合物到TiO₂纳米粒子导带的光致电子转移. 由时间分辨荧光光谱确定了C343染料敏化TiO₂纳米粒子的逆向电子转移速率常数为τ₁=31 ps. C343 染料敏化TiO₂纳米粒子体系拉曼光谱的研究表明, 被吸附在界面处的染料分子主链碳键的伸缩振动和碳环的呼吸运动的振动模式对超快界面光致电子转移有着重要的促进作用.