Spironaphthopyran photochromism: picosecond time-resolved spectroscopy

Photochemistry of Photochromic Benzopyrans Studied by Time-Resolved Absorption Spectroscopy

Photochromic reactions of 2H-benzopyrans have been extensively studied to design new materials for commercial applications such as optical memories. Photochromism of 2H-benzopyrans proceeds from a C–O bond cleavage of the colorless closed form to give the colored open forms, which can thermally revert back to the original closed form. From time-resolved absorption spectroscopy, the ring opening of 2H-benzopyrans, 2,4-diphenyl-and 2,2,4-triphenyl-2H-benzopyran, is found to occur via the excited singlet state within 2 ps to produce vibrationally excited open forms in the ground electronic state. In the subnanosecond to submillisecond time domain, several decay components are observed. These components are assigned to respective stereoisomers with respect to two double bonds and one single bond of the open enone forms. As revealed from pump-laser power dependencies of the yields of the open forms, the photocleavage of the benzopyran molecules gives at first only the open forms revertible to the closed form by a single-bond rotation, and the photoexcitation of the first generated open forms gives rise to other open forms that need a double-bond rotation for reversion to the original closed form. Such a two-step two-photon photochromism can be expected to have a wide range of application.

3D-printed mechanochromic materials

We describe the preparation and characterization of photo- and mechanochromic 3D-printed structures using a commercial fused filament fabrication printer. Three spiropyran-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers were each filamentized and used to print single- and multicomponent tensile testing specimens that would be difficult, if not impossible, to prepare using traditional manufacturing techniques. It was determined that the filament production and printing process did not degrade the spiropyran units or polymer chains and that the mechanical properties of the specimens prepared with the custom filament were in good agreement with those from commercial PCL filament. In addition to printing photochromic and dual photo- and mechanochromic PCL materials, we also prepare PCL containing a spiropyran unit that is selectively activated by mechanical impetus. Multicomponent specimens containing two different responsive spiropyrans enabled selective activation of different regions within the specimen depending on the stimulus applied to the material. By taking advantage of the unique capabilities of 3D printing, we also demonstrate rapid modification of a prototype force sensor that enables the assessment of peak load by simple visual assessment of mechanochromism.

Multi-responsive photo- and chemo-electrical single-molecule switches

Incorporating molecular switches as the active components in nanoscale electrical devices represents a current challenge in molecular electronics. It demands key requirements that need to be simultaneously addressed including fast responses to external stimuli and stable attachment of the molecules to the electrodes while mimicking the operation of conventional electronic components. Here, we report a single-molecule switching device that responds electrically to optical and chemical stimuli. A light pointer or a chemical signal can rapidly and reversibly induce the isomerization of bifunctional spiropyran derivatives in the bulk reservoir and, consequently, switch the electrical conductivity of the single-molecule device between a low and a high level. The spiropyran derivatives employed are chemically functionalized such that they can respond in fast but practical time scales. The unique multistimuli response and the synthetic versatility to control the switching schemes of this single-molecule device suggest spiropyran derivatives as key candidates for molecular circuitry.

Reversibly light-modulated dirac point of graphene functionalized with spiropyran

Graphene has been functionalized with spiropyran (SP), a well-known photochromic molecule. It has been realized with pyrene-modified SP, which has been adsorbed on graphene by π-π interaction between pyrene and graphene. The field-effect transistor (FET) with SP-functionalized graphene exhibited n-doping effect and interesting optoelectronic behaviors. The Dirac point of graphene in the FET could be controlled by light modulation because spiropyran can be reversibly switched between two different conformations, a neutral form (colorless SP) and a charge-separated form (purple colored merocyanine, MC), on UV and visible light irradiation. The MC form is produced during UV light irradiation, inducing the shift of the Dirac point of graphene toward negative gate voltage. The reverse process back to the neutral SP form occurred under visible light irradiation or in darkness, inducing a shift of the Dirac point toward positive gate voltage. The change of the Dirac point by UV and visible light was reproducibly repeated. SP molecules also improved the conductance change in the FET device. Furthermore, dynamics on conversion from MC to SP on graphene was different from that in solution and solid samples with SP-grafted polymer or that on gold nanoparticles.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations and quantum chemical computational studies of (Z)-4-[(E)-p-tolyldiazenyl]-6-[(2-hydroxyphenylamino)methylene]-2-methoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienone

In this study, the molecular structure and spectroscopic properties of title compound were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopies. These properties of title compound were also investigated from calculative point of view. The X-ray diffraction and FT-IR analyses reveal the existence of keto form in the solid state. UV-vis spectra were recorded in different organic solvents. The results show that title compound exists in both keto and enol forms in DMSO, EtOH but it exists in enol form in benzene. In addition, the title compound in DMSO showed new absorption band at 436 nm due to the high ionizing effect of this solvent. The geometry optimization of title compound in gas phase was performed using DFT method with B3LYP applying 6-311G(d,p) basis set. TD-DFT calculations starting from optimized geometry were carried out in gas phase to calculate excitation energies of title compound. The non-linear optical properties were computed with the same level of theory and title compound showed a good second order nonlinear optical property. In addition, thermodynamic properties were obtained in the range of 100-500 K.

Switching properties of fluorescent photochromic poly(methyl methacrylate) with spironaphthoxazine and D-π-A type pyran-based fluorescent dye

Fluorescent photochromic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with spironaphthoxazine (SPO) and D-π-A type pyran-base fluorescent dye as a fluorophore was synthesized by typical free radical copolymerization. The poly(MMA-co-SPO-co-fluorophore) in both solution and solid film exhibited excellent photoregulated fluorescence switching behavior and reversible modulation of fluorescence intensity using alternating irradiation with UV and visible light. The poly(MMA-co-SPO-co-fluorophore) also showed viscosity and conductivity switching behaviors along with photoresponse.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations and quantum chemical computational studies of (Z)-4-[(E)-(4-fluorophenyl)diazenyl]-6-[(3-hydroxypropylamino)methylene]-2-methoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienone

In this study, the molecular structure and spectroscopic properties of the title compound were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopies. These properties were also investigated using DFT method. The most convenient conformation of title compound was firstly determined. The geometry optimizations in gas phase and solvent media were performed by DFT methods with B3LYP adding 6-31G(d) basis set. The differences between crystal and computational structures are due to crystal packing in which hydrogen bonds play an important role. UV-vis spectra were recorded in different organic solvents. The results show that title compound exists in both keto and enol forms in DMSO, EtOH but it tends to shift towards enol form in benzene. The polar solvents facilitate the proton transfer by decreasing the activation energy needed for Transition State. The formation of both keto and enol forms in DMSO and EtOH is due to decrease in the activation energy. TD-DFT calculations starting from optimized geometry were carried out in both gas and solution phases to calculate excitation energies of the title compound. The non-linear optical properties were computed at the theory level and the title compound showed a good second order non-linear optical property. In addition, thermodynamic properties were obtained in the range of 100-500K.

The reaction of spiro[indoline-naphthopyrans] with nitrogen oxides. Not a case of biradical double trapping

The reactions of six differently substituted photochromic spiro[indoline-naphtopyrans] with .NO or .NO(2) under normal daylight conditions have been investigated by means of EPR spectroscopy along with those of three structurally related spiro[indoline-benzopyrans]. The spectra due to cyclic oxynitroxides originating from double trapping of biradicals by .NO were observed with the three latter derivatives, this finding being in agreement with previous results. Similar signals were also observed with the six former compounds, but in this case they were responsible for just a minor component of the spectra, the main spectral signals being due to hitherto unreported paramagnetic species that on the basis of their spectral parameters are identified as iminoxy radicals. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level carried out on a variety of radicals support this assignment.

Conformationally gated photoinduced processes within photosensitizer-acceptor dyads based on osmium(II) complexes with triarylpyridinio-functionalized terpyridyl ligands: insights from experimental study

[(ttpy)Os(tpy-ph-TPH(3)(+))](3+) (2), [(ttpy)Os(tpy-xy-TPH(3)(+))](3+) (3), [(ttpy)Os(tpy-ph-TPH(2)(NO(2))(+))](3+) (4), and [(ttpy)Os(tpy-xy-TPH(2)(NO(2))(+))](3+) (5) are a series of dyads made of an Os(II) bis-tpy complex (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) as the photosensitizer (P) and 2,4,6-triarylpyridinium group (TP(+)) as the electron acceptor (A). These dyads were designed to form charge-separated states (CSS) upon light excitation. Together with analogous Ru(II) complexes (7-10), they have been synthesized and fully characterized. We describe herein how intramolecular photoinduced processes are affected when the electron-accepting strength of A (by nitro-derivatization of TP(+)) and/or the steric hindrance about intercomponent linkage (by replacing a phenyl spacer by a xylyl one) are changed. Electronic absorption and electrochemical behavior revealed that (i) chemical substitution of TP(+) (i.e., TP(+)-NO(2)) has no sizable influence on P-centered electronic features, (ii) reduction processes located on TP(+) depend on the intercomponent tilt angle. Concerning excited-state properties, photophysical investigation evidenced that phosphorescence of P is actually quenched in dyads 4 and 5 only. Ultrafast transient absorption (TA) experiments allowed attributing the quenching in conformationally locked dyad 5 to oxidative electron transfer (ET) from the (3)MLCT level to the TP(+)-NO(2) acceptor (k(el) = 1.1 x 10(9) s(-)(1)). For 4, geometrically unlocked, the (3)MLCT state was shown to first rapidly equilibrate (reversible energy transfer; k(eq) approximately 2 x 10(9) s(-)(1)) with a ligand centered triplet state before undergoing CSS formation. Thus, the pivotal role of conformation in driving excited-state decay pathways is demonstrated. Also, inner P structural planarization as a relaxation mode of the (3)MLCT states has been inferred from TA experiments.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Arylacridinium Conjugates in a Solid Glass Matrix

The photophysical properties of a series of 9-arylacridinium conjugates in solid glass matrices composed of sucrose octaacetate have been determined. The fluorescence of the charge-shift states is significantly enhanced because of the retardation of nonradiative pathways for back-electron transfer. Changes of more than 3 orders of magnitude in back-electron-transfer rates (sucrose octaacetate glass vs conventional solvents at room temperature) were observed. Transient spectra displayed long-lived charge-shift species in the microsecond time regime for thianthrene acridinium conjugates. The rate retardation is associated with slow solvation times for surrounding solvent layers in the solid matrix. The red-edge effect (excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence) for the arylacridinium ions in solid glass confirms the microheterogeneity of the sucrose octaacetate medium.

Charge Injection Across Self-Assembly Monolayers in Organic Field-Effect Transistors: Odd−Even Effects

We investigate the role of self-assembly monolayers in modulating the response of organic field-effect transistors. Alkanethiol monolayers of chain length n are self-assembled on the source and drain electrodes of pentacene field-effect transistors. The charge carrier mobility mu exhibits large fluctuations correlated with odd-even n. For n < 8, mu increases by 1 order of magnitude owing to the decrease of the hole injection barrier and the improved molecular order at the organic-metallic interface. For n > or = 8, mu decays exponentially with an inverse decay length beta = 0.6 A(-1). Our results show that (i) charge injection across the interface occurs by through-bond tunneling of holes mediated by the alkanethiol layer; (ii) in the long-chain regime, the charge injection across the alkanethiol monolayer completely governs the transistor response; (iii) the transistor is a sensitive gauge for probing charge transport across single monolayers. The odd-even effect is ascribed to the anisotropic coupling between the alkanethiol terminal sigma bond and the HOMO level of ordered pentacene molecules.

High energy and quantum efficiency in photoinduced charge separation

Supramolecular triad assemblies consisting of a central trisbipyridine ruthenium(II) chromophore (C2+) with one or more appended phenothiazine electron donors (D) and a diquat-type electron acceptor (A2+) have been shown to form long-lived photoinduced charge separated states (CSS) with unusually and consistently high quantum efficiency. Up to now, there has been no understanding for why these large efficiencies (often close to unity) are achieved across this entire class of triads when other, seemingly similar systems are often much less efficient. In the present study, using a bimolecular system consisting of a chromophore-acceptor diad (C2+-A2+) and an N-methylphenothiazine donor, we demonstrate that a ground-state association exists between the RuL3(2+) and the phenothiazine prior to photoexcitation. It is this association process that is responsible for the efficient CSS formation in the bimolecular system and, by inference, also must be an essential factor in the fully intramolecular process occurring with the D-C2+-A2+ triad analogues.

Gas-Phase Dynamics of Spiropyran and Spirooxazine Molecules

The gas-phase dynamics of two classes of photochromic molecules, three spiropyrans and one spirooxazine, have been investigated here using both time-resolved mass spectrometry and photoelectron spectroscopy approaches. It is, to our knowledge, the first gas-phase experiment done of these kinds of molecules. The molecules are excited at 266 nm and probed at 800 nm. The comparison of the dynamics of these four molecules has been used to propose a sequential photoisomerization mechanism involving four steps occurring in the first 100 ps. Each of these steps is discussed and related to the observed condensed-phase dynamics and to theoretical calculations.

Spectroscopic and Theoretical Evidence for the Elusive Intermediate of the Photoinitiated and Thermal Rearrangements of Photochromic Spiropyrans

Spectral properties and photochromic behavior of a series of novel 1',3',3'-trimethyl-1,2-tetramethylenespiro[7H-furo(3,2-f)-(2H-1)-benzopyran-7,2'-indolines] 1-4 have been studied. The mechanism of the photoinitiated ring-opening reaction involves the formation of an acoplanar cis-cisoid intermediate, the lifetime of which in the case of 6-(tert-butyl) derivative 4 is long enough to observe its absorption and fluorescence spectra under conditions of continuous irradiation. The occurrence of the intermediate on the reaction paths of the thermal and photochemical ring-opening processes has been also shown by the DFT and CIS calculations. The TD-B3LYP/6-31G//HF/6-31G calculated spectrum of the intermediate well matches that observed experimentally. For spiropyran 3 with a 6-NO(2) group, kinetic and activation parameters of the photoinitiated coloration and dark bleaching reactions have been determined.

Sequential Merocyanine Product Isomerization Following Femtosecond UV Excitation of a Spiropyran

The ring-opening dynamics of the photochromic switch 1',3'-dihydro-1',3',3'-trimethyl-6-nitrospiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-(2H)-indole] in tetrachloroethene is studied with both femtosecond time-resolved ultraviolet (UV)/visible and UV/mid-infrared (IR) pump-probe spectroscopy. During the first picosecond we identify two new transient features in the UV/vis experiments, the first of which we assign to spiropyran S1 --> S(n) absorption (lifetime < or = 0.2 ps). The second feature (lifetime 0.5 +/- 0.2 ps) we tentatively assign to the merocyanine T2 state. After 1 ps both probing methods show biexponential merocyanine formation kinetics, with average time constants of 17 +/- 3 and 350 +/- 20 ps. In the UV/IR experiments, the initial dynamics show more dispersion in formation times than in the UV/vis measurements, whereas the slower time constant is the same in both. A weak transient IR signal at approximately 1360 cm(-1) demonstrates that this biexponentiality is caused by a sequential isomerization between two merocyanine species. Lifetimes provide evidence that the merocyanine S1 state is not involved in the photochemical reaction.

ULTRAFAST CHEMISTRY: Using Time-Resolved Vibrational Spectroscopy for Interrogation of Structural Dynamics

Time-resolved infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy elucidates molecular structure evolution during ultrafast chemical reactions. Following vibrational marker modes in real time provides direct insight into the structural dynamics, as is evidenced in studies on intramolecular hydrogen transfer, bimolecular proton transfer, electron transfer, hydrogen bonding during solvation dynamics, bond fission in organometallic compounds and heme proteins, cis-trans isomerization in retinal proteins, and transformations in photochromic switch pairs. Femtosecond IR spectroscopy monitors the site-specific interactions in hydrogen bonds. Conversion between excited electronic states can be followed for intramolecular electron transfer by inspection of the fingerprint IR- or Raman-active vibrations in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations. Excess internal vibrational energy, generated either by optical excitation or by internal conversion from the electronic excited state to the ground state, is observable through transient frequency shifts of IR-active vibrations and through nonequilibrium populations as deduced by Raman resonances.

7-Trifluoromethylquinoline-Functionalized Luminescent Photochromic Spiropyran with the Stable Merocyanine Species Both in Solution and in the Solid State

A new spiropyran (SP2) with the stable merocyanine form (MC2) both in solution and in the solid state at room temperature was designed and synthesized. The stability of MC2 is believed to be due to the electron-withdrawing effect of both the quinoline and the trifluoromethyl groups. (1)H NMR spectra indicate that the ratio of the open form vs the closed form of SP2 is dependent on the polarity of solvents. Single crystals composed of only the open form (MC2) were successfully obtained. X-ray structural analysis indicates that except trifluoromethyl and two methyl groups MC2 is completely planar with an s-trans,s-cis conformation. It should be noted that this is the first report of the X-ray crystal structure of the pure open form of spiropyran. MC2 can be slowly transformed into SP2 at -30 degrees C or lower temperature, and the process is accelerated by visible light irradiation. This special photochromic behavior can be explained by the calculated thermodynamic data. The spectral properties of SP2/MC2 in the presence of different metal ions are also studied, and the results show the potential application of SP2/MC2 in sensing metal ions.

Ultrafast UV-mid-IR investigation of the ring opening reaction of a photochromic spiropyran

We present a femtosecond UV-mid-IR pump-probe study of the photochemical ring-opening reaction of the spiropyran 1',3',3',-trimethylspiro-[-2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-indoline] (also known as BIPS) in tetrachloroethene, using 70 fs UV excitation pulses and probing with 100 fs mid-IR pulses. The time evolution of the transient IR absorption spectrum was monitored over the first 100 ps after UV excitation. We conclude that the merocyanine product is formed with a 28 ps time constant, contrasting with a 0.9 ps time constant obtained in previous investigations where the rise of absorption bands at visible wavelengths were associated with product formation. We deduce from the observed strong recovery of the spiropyran IR absorption bleaches that, in tetrachloroethene, the main decay channel for the S(1) excited state of the spiropyran BIPS, is internal conversion to the spiropyran S(0) state with a quantum yield of > or = 0.9. This puts an upper limit of 0.1 to the quantum yield of the photochemical ring-opening reaction.

Modified mesoporous MCM-41 as hosts for photochromic spirobenzopyrans

The influence of the chemical composition and silylation of mesoporous MCM-41 materials on the photochromic behaviour of adsorbed spiropyran (BIPS) and 6-nitrospiropyran was studied. Upon incorporation, the spiropyrans underwent ring opening to form either zwitterionic merocyanine or its corresponding O-protonated form. In all silica MCM-41 or in the MCM-41 containing aluminium, the O-protonated merocyanine was predominantly formed. In the case of MCM-41 modified by silylation of the OH groups, a mixture of zwitterionic merocyanine and spiropyran was present. The photochromic response was studied by means of steady-state irradiation and by laser flash photolysis. Steady-state irradiation (lambda > 450 nm) of the solid samples gives rise in all cases to an intensity decrease of the absorption bands corresponding to either the protonated or the unprotonated merocyanine form (reverse photochromism). In contrast, laser flash photolysis at 308 nm of spiropyrans supported on silylated MCM-41 allows observation of the photochemical ring opening of residual spiropyran to the corresponding zwitterionic form (normal photochromism).

Crystal and solution structures of photochromic spirobenzothiopyran. First full characterization of the meta-stable colored species

Full elucidation for stable, colorless, and meta-stable colored structures of a new spirobenzothiopyran has been achieved both in the solid state and in a solution. 1',3',3'-Trimethyl-6-nitrospiro[(2H)-1-benzothiopyran-2,2'-indoline] with an ester group as a substituent at the 8-position of 1-sp shows photochromism. The blue-green colored species resulted from UV irradiation (365 nm) in one minute and spontaneously bleaches within one minute in acetone and methanol at 27 degrees C. UV exposure (365 nm) of 1-sp in methanol for 3 h at room temperature results in the growth of deep blue needlelike single crystals of the open form of spirobenzothiopyran, photomerocyanine 1-pmc, whose structures in the solid state and in solution were obtained unambiguously. The X-ray structural analysis of 1-pmc revealed the molecular structure of the zwitterionic photomerocyanine with s-trans,s-trans conformation. 1-pmc is soluble to polar solvents and thermally returns to 1-sp. In the DMSO solution, 1-pmc is found to return slowly to 1-sp (1-pmc gave only 18% of 1-sp for 30 min at 22 degrees C). The detailed NMR studies in DMSO-d(6) including COSY and NOE techniques as well as isotope labeling of the compound showed the structure with s-trans,s-cis conformation in a solution.