Indicator displacement assay using an in situ generated polymeric system in water: exploiting donor–acceptor interactions

Indicator displacement assays (IDAs) using an electron-rich polymer as the receptor for electron-deficient guests are described in this study. The electron-rich water-soluble polymeric system possesses hydrophobic pockets, which were generated by the reaction of 1 (a Michael donor) and 1,3,5-triacryloylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine, 5 (TAT, a Michael acceptor), in water at pH 8.2 in 2 min at 85^oC. When electron-deficient fluorescent indicators are added to the polymeric systems, large changes in fluorescent intensity of the indicators occur. This donor–acceptor architecture between polymer and indicator was in turn explored for displacement of the indicator with electron-deficient analytes such as TNT.     

Electronic, optical, and charge transfer properties of donor–bridge–acceptor hydrazone sensitizers

The ground state geometries have been computed by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G*, B3LYP/6-31G**, and PCM-B3LYP/6-31G* level of theories. The highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) are delocalized on whole of the molecule and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) are localized on the tricarbonitrile. The lowest HOMO and LUMO energies have been observed for Dye1 while highest for Dye4. The LUMO energies of Dye1–Dye4 are above the conduction band of TiO₂ and HOMOs are below the redox couple. The absorption spectra have been computed in solvent (methanol) and without solvent by using time-dependant DFT at TD-B3LYP/6-31G*, TD-B3LYP/6-31G**, and PCM-TD-B3LYP/6-31G* level of theories. The calculated maximum absorption wavelengths of the spectra in methanol are in good agreement with experimental evidences. The maximum absorption wavelengths of new designed sensitizers are red shifted compared to parent molecule. The electronic coupling constant and electron injection have been computed by first principle investigations. The improved electronic coupling constant and electron injection revealed that new modeled systems would be efficient sensitizers.     

Long-range electron and excitation energy transfer in donor–bridge–acceptor systems

Donor–bridge–acceptor (D-B-A) systems, either as supermolecules or on surfaces, have been extensively studied with respect to long-range electron (ET) and excitation energy (EET) transfer. In more recent years, the main research objective has been to develop knowledge on how to construct molecular-based devices, with predetermined electron transfer properties, intended for application in electronics and photovoltaics. At present, such construction is in general hampered for several reasons. Most importantly, the property of a D-B-A system is not a simple linear combination of properties of the individual components, but depends on the specific building blocks and how they are assembled. An important example is the ability of the bridge to support the intended transfer process. The mediation of the transfer is characterized by an attenuation factor, β, often viewed as a bridge specific constant but which also depends on the donor and the acceptor, i.e. the same bridge can either be poorly or strongly conducting depending on the donor and acceptor. This review gives an account of the experimental exploration of the attenuation factor β in a series of bis(porphyrin) systems covalently linked by bridges of the oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) type. Attenuation factors for ET as well as for both singlet and triplet EET are discussed. A report is also given on the dependence of the transfer efficiency on the energy-gap between the donor and bridge states relevant for the specific transfer process. The experimental variation of β with varying donor and acceptor components is shown for a range of conjugated bridges by representative examples from the literature. The theoretical rationalization for the observed variation is briefly discussed. Based on the Gamow tunneling model, the observed variations in β-values with varying donors and acceptors for the same bridges is simulated successfully simultaneously as the observed energy-gap dependence is modelled.     

Solvent interactions in the excited state of non-planar donor—acceptor molecules

In order to probe solute—solvent interactions in the intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state of 2,6,N,N-tetramethylcyanoaniline (TMCA) fluorescence spectra, quantum yields and lifetimes of this compound were measured in binary mixtures of n-hexane with chlorinated hydrocarbons. An isoemissive point in the fluorescence spectra was observed as the composition of the solvent was varied. Evidence for both clustering of polar solvent molecules around the excited solute and for non-specific long-range interactions with the polar bulk of the solution was found. The properties of the solvent affect primarily the efficiency of non-radiative deactivation. Fluorescence quenching by saturated amines gives good evidence that TMCA emission arises from a highly polar state in both polar and non-polar solutions.     

New donor–acceptor copolymers with ultra-narrow band gap for photovoltaic application

Two novel donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers P1 and P2 with the thiazoloquinoxaline repeating acceptor moiety and different donor moieties of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene and isomeric benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene have been prepared. The polymers show light absorption at 300–1200 nm and a band gap width of 0.98 and 1.14 eV, respectively. The energies of the HOMO (–5.42 and–5.29 eV) and LUMO (–3.90 and–3.83 eV) levels of polymers P1 and P2 have been determined. The absorption maximum for polymer P1 in the long-wavelength region is red-shifted by 161 nm, which is caused by stronger charge transfer in P1 as compared with P2. This fact indicates that the benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene structural moiety has a higher electron-donating ability than the benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene moiety. The red shift of the absorption spectrum of polymer P1 in comparison with that of P2 indicates that interchain π–π stacking interactions are more efficient in P1 than in P2.     

2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole-containing donor–acceptor–acceptor dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells

A series of organic dyes with a donor–acceptor–acceptor (D–A–A) configuration, in which various diarylthienylamine donors and a cyanoacrylic acid acceptor are bridged by a low-band-gap 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole acceptor, have been synthesized, characterized, and employed as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The adoption of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole as the bridging acceptor endowed these tailor-made dyes with superior light-harvesting capabilities in comparison to their previously reported pyrimidine-based analogs. After fine-tuning the fabrication conditions, DSSCs based on these dyes showed solar spectral responses extending to the near-IR region and achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 3.16% (OHexDPTB) under simulated AM 1.5G irradiation (100 mW cm^?2).     

Controlling optical properties and electronic energy structure of I–III–VI semiconductor quantum dots for improving their photofunctions

I–III–VI multinary semiconductors, which have low toxicity, are attracting much attention as quantum dot (QD) materials for replacing conventional binary semiconductors that contain highly toxic heavy metals, Cd and Pb. Recently, the inherent design flexibility of multinary QDs has also been attracting attention, and optoelectronic property control has been demonstrated in many ways. Besides size control, the electronic and optical properties of multinary QDs can be changed by tuning the chemical composition with various methods including alloying with other semiconductors and deviation from stoichiometry. Due to significant progress in synthetic methods, the quality of such multinary QDs has been improved to a level similar to that of Cd-based binary QDs. Specifically, increased photoluminescence quantum yield and recently narrowed linewidth have led to new application fields for multinary QDs. In this review, a historical overview of the solution-phase synthesis of I–III–VI QDs is provided and the development of strategies for better control of optoelectronic properties, i.e., electronic structures, energy gap, optical absorption profiles, and photoluminescence feature, is discussed. In addition, applications of these QDs to luminescent devices and light energy conversion systems are described. The performance of prepared devices can be improved by controlling the optical properties and electronic structures of QDs by changing their size and composition. Clarification of the unique features of I–III–VI QDs in detail will be the base for further development of novel applications by utilizing the complexity of multinary QDs.     

Donor–acceptor interactions between resonance-excited silver nanoparticles and halide ions in water solutions

Donor–acceptor interactions between silver nanoparticles (NPs), resonance-excited by optical quanta of light, and halide ions are studied in aqueous solutions. It is shown that deactivation of the plasmon excitation of Ag NP proceeds according to the exchange mechanism of electron transfer. Plasmon excitation quenching constants are determined and a correlation between quenching and the donor properties of halide ions is found. The efficiency of electrostatic interaction between resonantly-excited Ag NPs and halide ions is studied, and their dipole moment is determined.

     

Temperature dependence of photoinduced electron transfer in hydrogen-bonded donor–acceptor systems

We have studied the temperature dependence of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reactions in three hydrogen-bonded donor–acceptor systems in the range 220–298 K. For the hydrogen-bonded system in the normal region, the PET rate constant was found to increase with increase in temperature. For the two systems in the inverted region, the rate constants were nearly independent of temperature. We have analyzed the results using electron transfer theories.     

Reorganization energy of supramolecular donor–acceptor dyad of octaethylporphyrin isomers and axial-coordinated acceptor: Experimental and computational study

The internal reorganization energy (λ_V) of photoinduced electron transfer (ET) in the supramolecular donor–acceptor dyads of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphinatozinc(II) (ZnOEP) and electron acceptor ligands was compared with those of structural isomers, 2,3,7,8,11,12,17,18-octaethylhemiporphycenatozinc(II) (ZnHPc) and 2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17-octaethylporphycenatozinc(II) (ZnPcn). First, ET process of the supramolecular donor–acceptor dyads of ZnOEP was investigated by means of the transient absorption spectroscopy mainly. The formation of supramolecular dyads was confirmed by absorption spectral change, from which the association constant was estimated. The ET process was confirmed by the observation of radical cation of ZnOEP during the laser flash photolysis. The ET rates of these dyads are in the order of ZnOEP > ZnHPc > ZnPcn, when the driving forces for ET are similar to each other. From the free energy dependence of ET rates, the λ_V values of OEP and its isomers were estimated. The estimated λ_V value was in the order of ZnOEP < ZnHPc < ZnPcn. This tendency was reproduced by calculation at B3LYP/6-31G(d) and BHandHLYP/6-31G(d) levels. The origin of this tendency was discussed on the basis of the structural change during the ET process.     

An improved method for ratiometric fluorescence detection of pH and Cd using fluorescein isothiocyanate–quantum dots conjugates

In this study, thioglycolic acid capped-CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were modified by polyethylenimine (PEI), and then combined with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to fabricate FITC–CdTe conjugates. The self-assembly of FITC, CdTe and PEI was ascribed to electrostatic interactions in aqueous solution. The resulting conjugates were developed toward two routes. In route one, ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) intensity of conjugates (I_FITC/I_QDs) was almost linear toward pH from 5.3 to 8.7, and a ratiometric PL sensor of pH was favorable obtained. In route two, firstly added S²⁻ induced remarkable quenching of QDs PL peak (at the “OFF” state), which was restored due to following addition of Cd²⁺ (at the “ON” state). In the conjugates, successive introduction of S²⁻ and Cd²⁺ hardly influenced on FITC PL peaks. According to this PL “OFF-ON” mode, a ratiometric PL method for the detection of Cd²⁺ was achieved. Experimental results confirmed that the I_FITC/I_QDs exhibited near linear proportion toward Cd²⁺ concentration in the range from 0.1 to 15 μM, and the limit of detection was 12 nM. Interferential experiments adequately testified that the proposed sensors of pH and Cd²⁺ were practicable in real samples and complex systems. In comparison with conventional analytical techniques, the ratiometric PL method was simple, rapid, economic and highly selective.     

Fluorescence enhancement effect and the interaction between donor and acceptor

A new theoretical equation for fluorescence enhancement effect between donor and acceptor has been introduced.By using it we determined the binding constants and numbers of binding sites of five medicines,including chlorogenic acid,forsythiaside norfloxacin,Ciprofloxacin and fluorenone,to γ-globulin.     

NIR-absorbing donor–acceptor molecules based on fused thienopyrroloindole

Two novel aromatic compounds containing thieno[2',3':4,5]-thieno[3,2-b]thieno[2' ' , 3' ':4' ,5']thieno[2',3':4,5]-pyrrolo[3,2-g]indole as the electron-donating center and terminal 3-(dicyanomethylene)indan-1-one (or 5,6-difluoro analogue) electron-accepting groups exhibit efficient light absorption in the red and near-infrared spectral regions, have low levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (up to –5.65 eV) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (–3.91 eV) and a relatively low band gap value (up to 1.74 eV). The optical, thermal and structural properties are explored and compared with those of their closest and well known analogues, Y5 and Y6.     

Modelling the molecular weight distribution in terpolymerization systems with donor–acceptor complexes

In this work we present, for the first time, a mathematical development of the moments of the molecular weight distribution in terpolymerization systems where donor–acceptor complexes are formed and the propagating reactions are carried out according to the complex participation model. The resulting set of equations is applied to the system formed by vinyl chloride (VC), vinyl acetate (VAc) and maleic anhydride (MA), in order to show the use of the equations and the type of information that might be obtained from them.     

Tuning the electronic structures and optical properties of fluorene-based donor–acceptor copolymers by changing the acceptors: a theoretical study

Five fluorene-based conjugated copolymers were studied to explore the effect of acceptor on the electronic and optical properties. Their ground-state, excited-state electronic structures and the tunable optical properties were theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The acceptors including quinoxaline (Q), 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BT), thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine (TP), 2,1,3-benzooxadiazole (BO), and pyridopyrazine (PP) can significantly influence the copolymers’ electronic structures, molecular orbitals, geometric conformations, and optical properties. Calculations were made on systems containing one, two, three, and four oligomers in the neutral, cationic, and anionic structures, which can be extrapolated to infinite chain length polymers. The result indicated that the sequence of the band gap was on the reverse trend of emission wavelength. The strong electron-withdrawing strength of TP unit and coplanar backbone in poly[2,7-(9,9′-dihexylfluorene)-alt-2,3-dimethyl-5,7-dithien-2-yl-thieno[3,4-b] pyrazine] resulted in the enhanced degree of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and lowest band gap. The contribution of acceptors to IP was also found to follow the sequence of TP < Q < PP < BT < BO. The absorption and emission spectra exhibited red-shift with increasing the conjugation lengths. The present study suggested that the electronic and optical properties of donor–acceptor conjugated copolymers were affected by the acceptor structure.     

Stereospecific [2 + 2]-cross-photocycloaddition in a supramolecular donor–acceptor complex

A bis(propylammonium) derivative of (E)-4-(4-mercaptostyryl)pyridine, which was synthesized for the first time, forms a highly stable bimolecular complex with a bis(18-crown-6 ether) derivative of (E)-stilbene in solution owing to ditopic coordination via hydrogen bonds. The complex formation results in much faster deactivation of the excited states of both compounds, which is explained by photoinduced electron transfer from the stilbene derivative to the styrylpyridinium dye. Despite this, the complexed olefins undergo [2?+?2]-cross-photocycloaddition upon selective excitation of the dye to afford solely the syn-cycloadduct. The retro-photocycloaddition occurs readily upon UV irradiation of the cycloadduct and leads to the initial bimolecular complex.     

Pleated polymeric foldamers driven by donor–acceptor interaction and conjugated radical cation dimerization

Two naphthalene(NP) and bipyridinium(BIPY~(2+)) alternately incorporated polymers P1 and P2 have been prepared through the formation of dynamic hydrazone bonds. The polymers formed NP–BIPY~(2+)donor–acceptor interaction-induced pleated secondary structure. Upon reducing the BIPY~(2+)units to radical cation BIPY+, intramolecular dimerization of the BIPY+units induced the backbones to afford another pleated secondary structure. Adding electron-rich macrocyclic polyether bis-1,5-dinaphtho[38]crown-10 or electron-deficient cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) cyclophane did not break the first foldamer by complexing the BIPY2+or NP units of the polymers, whereas the di(radical cationic)ring of the second cyclophane could break the second foldamer by forming threading complexes with the BIPY+units of the polymers.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of donor–acceptor system based bipyridylporphyrins for dye-sensitized solar cells

Bipyridylporphyrin derivatives possessing a porphyrin moiety as the electron donor and bipyridyl moiety as the electron–acceptor were designed and synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs). The photophysical and electrochemical properties were investigated by absorption spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry. Density functional theory(DFT) was employed to study electron distribution. From the photovoltaic performance measurements, a maximum conversion efficiency(η) of 0.38% was achieved based on the bipyridylporphyrin ruthenium dye A7(J_(SC)= 1.33 mA/cm~2, V_(OC)= 0.45 V, FF = 0.64) under 1.5 irradiation(100 mW/cm~2).     

Gallium trichloride-mediated reactions of ‘double’ donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with alkenes and dienes

The reactions of ‘double’ donor–acceptor cyclopropanes containing a p- or m-phenylene moiety with alkenes or dienes in the presence of GaCl₃ comprise formation of gallium 1,2-zwitterionic intermediates, the structure of final products being substrate dependent. In contrast to the para-or meta-isomers, reaction of 2,2'-(1,2-phenylene)bis(cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate) does not involve alkene and affords isomeric tricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodeca-2,4,6-triene-9,9,11,11-tetra-carboxylate, a product of intramolecular rearrangement.