High Yield of M-Side Electron Transfer in Mutants ofRhodobacter capsulatusReaction Centers Lacking the L-Side Bacteriopheophytin†

We present studies on a series of photosynthetic reaction center (RC) mutants created in the background of the Rhodobacter capsulatus D(LL) mutant, in which the D helix of the M subunit has been substituted with that from the L subunit. Previous work on the D(LL) mutant in chromatophore preparations showed that RCs assembled without the bacteriopheophytin H(L) electron acceptor and performed no charge separation following light absorption. We have successfully isolated poly-His-tagged D(LL) RCs by using the detergent Deriphat 160-C and shown that the RCs are devoid of H(L). The excited state of the primary electron donor, P*, is found to have a lifetime of 180 +/- 20 ps and to decay exclusively (>95%) via internal conversion to the ground state, with no evidence for formation of any charge-separated intermediates. By additional mutation in the D(LL) background of two residues that affect the P/P+ oxidation potential and one that facilitates M-side electron transfer, we achieve an unprecedented 70% yield of P+ H(M)-, more than doubling the highest yield of this state achieved previously. This result underscores the importance of the relative free energies of P* and the charge-separated states in governing the rates and yields of electron transfer in bacterial RCs and provides a basis for systematically investigating M-side electron transfer without any competition from the native L-side pathway.

Probing the Contribution of Electronic Coupling to the Directionality of Electron Transfer in Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

Subpicosecond transient absorption studies are reported for a set of Rhodobacter (R.) capsulatus bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) designed to probe the origins of the unidirectionality of charge separation via one of two electron transport chains in the native pigment-protein complex. All of the RCs have been engineered to contain a heterodimeric primary electron donor (D) consisting of a bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) and a bacteriopheophytin (BPh). The BPh component of the M heterodimer (Mhd) or L heterodimer (Lhd) is introduced by substituting a Leu for His M200 or His L173, respectively. Previous work on primary charge separation in heterodimer mutants has not included the Lhd RC from R. capsulatus, which we report for the first time. The Lhd and Mhd RCs are used as controls against which we assess RCs that combine the heterodimer mutations with a second mutation (His substituted for Leu at M212) that results in replacement of the native L-side BPh acceptor with a BChl (beta). The transient absorption spectra reveal clear evidence for charge separation to the normally inactive M-side BPh acceptor (H(M)) in Lhd-beta RCs to form D+H(M)- with a yield of approximately 6%. This state also forms in Mhd-beta RCs but with about one-quarter the yield. In both RCs, deactivation to the ground state is the predominant pathway of D decay, as it is in the Mhd and Lhd single mutants. Analysis of the results indicates an upper limit ofV2L/V2m < or = 4 for the contribution of the electronic coupling elements to the relative rates of electron transfer to the L versus M sides of the wild-type RC. In comparison to the L/M rate ratio (kL/kM) approximately 30 for wild-type RCs, our findings indicate that electronic factors contribute approximately 35% at most to directionality with the other 65% deriving from energetic considerations, which includes differences in free energies, reorganization energies, and contributions of one- and two-step mechanisms on the two sides of the RC.

Structural control of the photodynamics of boron-dipyrrin complexes

Boron-dipyrrin chromophores containing a 5-aryl group with or without internal steric hindrance toward aryl rotation have been synthesized and then characterized via X-ray diffraction, static and time-resolved optical spectroscopy, and theory. Compounds with a 5-phenyl or 5-(4-tert-butylphenyl) group show low fluorescence yields (approximately 0.06) and short excited-singlet-state lifetimes (approximately 500 ps), and decay primarily (>90%) by nonradiative internal conversion to the ground state. In contrast, sterically hindered analogues having an o-tolyl or mesityl group at the 5-position exhibit high fluorescence yields (approximately 0.9) and long excited-state lifetimes (approximately 6 ns). The X-ray structures indicate that the phenyl or 4-tert-butylphenyl ring lies at an angle of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the dipyrrin framework whereas the angle is approximately 80 degrees for mesityl or o-tolyl groups. The calculated potential energy surface for the phenyl-substituted complex indicates that the excited state has a second, lower energy minimum in which the nonhindered aryl ring rotates closer to the mean plane of the dipyrrin, which itself undergoes some distortion. This relaxed, distorted excited-state conformation has low radiative probability as well as a reduced energy gap from the ground state supporting a favorable vibrational overlap factor for nonradiative deactivation. Such a distorted conformation is energetically inaccessible in a complex bearing the sterically hindered o-tolyl or mesityl group at the 5-position, leading to a high radiative probability involving conformations at or near the initial Franck-Condon form of the excited state. These combined results demonstrate the critical role of aryl-ring rotation in governing the excited-state dynamics of this class of widely used dyes.

Resonance Raman characterization of Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers with lysine mutations near the accessory bacteriochlorophylls

Lysine residues have been introduced into Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers at M-polypeptide position 201 and at L-polypeptide position 178. These positions are in the proximity of ring V of the accessory bacterochlorophylls BA and BB, respectively. Resonance Raman studies indicate that the introduction of a Lys residue at either position M201 or L178 results in structural perturbations to the BChl cofactors. Lys at L178 directly interacts with BB, most likely via a hydrogen bond. The hydrogen bonding interaction is consistent with enhanced B branch electron transfer that is observed in RCs from the S(L178)K/G(M201)D/L(M212)H triple mutant versus the G(M201)D/L(M212)H double mutant. In contrast, the introduction of a Lys at M201 does not result in hydrogen bonding to the BA cofactor, in contrast to the introduction of a His at M201. Accordingly, the alkyl ammonium head group of the side chain of the Lys at M201 residue appears to be distant from BA.

Swallowtail Porphyrins: Synthesis, Characterization and Incorporation into Porphyrin Dyads

The incorporation of symmetrically branched tridecyl ("swallowtail") substituents at the meso positions of porphyrins results in highly soluble building blocks. Synthetic routes have been investigated to obtain porphyrin building blocks bearing 1-4 swallowtail groups. Porphyrin dyads have been synthesized in which the zinc or free base (Fb) porphyrins are joined by a 4,4'-diphenylethyne linker and bear swallowtail (or n-pentyl) groups at the nonlinking meso positions. The swallowtail-substituted Zn(2)- and ZnFb-dyads are readily soluble in common organic solvents. Static absorption and fluorescence spectra and electrochemical data show that the presence of the swallowtail groups slightly raises the energy level of the filled a(2u)(pi) HOMO. EPR studies of the pi-cation radicals of the swallowtail porphyrins indicate that the torsional angle between the proton on the alkyl carbon and p-orbital on the meso carbon of the porphyrin is different from that of a porphyrin bearing linear pentyl groups. Regardless, the swallowtail substituents do not significantly affect the photophysical properties of the porphyrins or the electronic interactions between the porphyrins in the dyads. In particular, time-resolved spectroscopic studies indicate that facile excited-state energy transfer occurs in the ZnFb dyad, and EPR studies of the monocation radical of the Zn(2)-dyad show that interporphyrin ground-state hole transfer is rapid.

Excited-state energy-transfer dynamics of self-assembled imine-linked porphyrin dyads

Toward the development of new strategies for the synthesis of multiporphyrin arrays, we have prepared and characterized (electrochemistry and static/time-resolved optical spectroscopy) a series of dyads composed of a zinc porphyrin and a free base porphyrin joined via imine-based linkers. One dyad contains two zinc porphyrins. Imine formation occurs under gentle conditions without alteration of the porphyrin metalation state. Five imine linkers were investigated by combination of formyl, benzaldehyde, and salicylaldehyde groups with aniline and benzoic hydrazide groups. The imine-linked dyads are quite stable to routine handling. The excited-state energy-transfer rate from zinc to free base porphyrin ranges from (70 ps)(-)(1) to (13 ps)(-)(1) in toluene at room temperature depending on the linker employed. The energy-transfer yield is generally very high (>97%), with low yields of deleterious hole/electron transfer. Collectively, this work provides the foundation for the design of multiporphyrin arrays that self-assemble via stable imine linkages, have predictable electronic properties, and have comparable or even enhanced energy-transfer characteristics relative to those of other types of covalently linked systems.

Structural Control of the Excited-State Dynamics of Bis(dipyrrinato)zinc Complexes: Self-Assembling Chromophores for Light-Harvesting Architectures

The replacement of the phenyl rings at the 5,5'-positions of a bis(dipyrrinato)zinc complex with mesityl groups transforms the molecule from a very weak emitter that deactivates rapidly after photoexcitation (Phif = 0.006; tau approximately 90 ps) to a highly fluorescent chromophore with a long-lived singlet excited state (Phif = 0.36; tau approximately 3 ns). The results demonstrate that steric constraints on aryl-ring internal rotation dramatically alter the excited-state properties of 5,5'-substituted bis(dipyrrinato)metal complexes. The insights establish the foundation for tuning the photophysical properties of these chromophores for use in diverse photochemical applications.

Comparison of excited-state energy transfer in arrays of hydroporphyrins (chlorins, oxochlorins) versus porphyrins: rates, mechanisms, and design criteria

A set of chlorin-chlorin and oxochlorin-oxochlorin dyads has been prepared with components in the same or different metalation states. In each case a 4,4'-diphenylethyne linker spans the respective 10-position of each macrocycle. The dyads have been studied using static and time-resolved absorption and emission spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Excited-state energy transfer from a zinc chlorin to a free-base (Fb) chlorin occurs with a rate constant of (110 ps)(-1) and an efficiency of 93%; similar values of (140 ps)(-1) and 83% are found for the corresponding oxochlorin dyad. Energy transfer in both dyads is slower and less efficient than found previously for the analogous porphyrin dyad, which displays a rate of (24 ps)(-1) and a yield of 99%. The slower rates and diminished efficiencies in the ZnFb chlorin and oxochlorin dyads versus the ZnFb porphyrin dyad are attributed to substantially weaker linker-mediated through-bond (TB) electron-exchange coupling (as indicated by resonance Raman data). Although the through-space (TS, i.e., dipole-dipole) coupling in the ZnFb-chlorin and -oxochlorin dyads is enhanced relative to the ZnFb porphyrin dyad (as indicated by Förster calculations), this enhancement is insufficient to compensate for the greatly diminished TB coupling. Taken together, the chlorin and oxochlorin dyads examined herein serve as benchmarks for elucidating the energy-transfer, electrochemical, and other properties of light-harvesting arrays containing multiple chlorins or oxochlorins.

Excited-State Energy-Transfer Dynamics in Self-Assembled Triads Composed of Two Porphyrins and an Intervening Bis(dipyrrinato)metal Complex

The synthesis and characterization of various triads composed of a linear array of two zinc porphyrins joined via an intervening bis(dipyrrinato)metal(II) complex are reported. The preparation exploits the facile complexation of dipyrrins with divalent metal ions to give bis(dipyrrinato)metal(II) complexes [abbreviated (dp)(2)M]. Copper(II) and palladium(II) chelates of dipyrrins (available by oxidation of dipyrromethanes) were prepared in 50-80% yield. A one-flask synthesis of bis(dipyrrinato)zinc(II) complexes was developed by oxidation of a dipyrromethane with DDQ or p-chloranil in the presence of Zn(OAc)(2).2H(2)O in THF ( approximately 80% yield). Three routes were developed for preparing porphyrin-dipyrrins: (1). Suzuki coupling of a boronate-substituted zinc porphyrin (ZnP) and bis[5-(4-iodophenyl)dipyrrinato]Pd(II) to give the (ZnP-dp)(2)Pd triad (50% yield), followed by selective demetalation of the (dp)(2)Pd unit by treatment with 1,4-dithiothreitol under neutral conditions (71% yield); (2). oxidation of a porphyrin-dipyrromethane with p-chloranil in the presence of Zn(OAc)(2).2H(2)O followed by chromatography on silica gel (71% yield); and (3). condensation of a dipyrrin-dipyrromethane and a dipyrromethane-dicarbinol under InCl(3) catalysis followed by oxidation with DDQ (10-16% yield). Four triads of form (ZnP-dp)(2)Zn were prepared in 83-97% yield by treatment of a porphyrin-dipyrrin with Zn(OAc)(2).2H(2)O at room temperature. Free base dipyrrins typically absorb at 430-440 nm, while the bis(dipyrrinato)metal complexes absorb at 460-490 nm. The fluorescence spectra/yields and excited-state lifetimes of the (ZnP-dp)(2)Zn triad in toluene show (1). efficient energy transfer from the bis(dipyrrinato)zinc(II) chromophore to the zinc porphyrins (98.5% yield), and (2). little or no quenching of the resulting excited zinc porphyrin relative to the isolated chromophore. Taken together, these results indicate that bis(dipyrrinato)zinc(II) complexes can serve as self-assembling linkers that further function as secondary light-collection elements in porphyrin-based light-harvesting arrays.

Photoinduced axial ligation and deligation dynamics of nonplanar nickel dodecaarylporphyrins

The ground- and excited-state metal-ligand dynamics of nonplanar nickel(II) 2,3,5,7,8,10,12,13,15,17,18,20-dodecaphenylporphyrin (NiDPP) and two fluorinated analogues (NiF(20)DPP and NiF(28)DPP) have been investigated using static and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in toluene and in ligating media that differ in basicity, aromaticity, and steric encumbrance. Because of the electronic and steric consequences of nonplanarity, NiDPP does not bind axial ligands in the ground state, but metal coordination does occur after photoexcitation with multistep dynamics that depend on the properties of the ligand. Following the structural relaxations that occur in all nickel porphyrins within approximately 10 ps, ligand binding to photoexcited NiDPP is progressively longer in pyridine, piperidine, and 3,5-lutidine (25-100 ps) but does not occur at all in 2,6-lutidine in which the ligating nitrogen is sterically encumbered. The transient intermediate that is formed, which nominally could be either a five- or six-coordinate species, also has a ligand-dependent lifetime (200-550 ps). Decay of this intermediate occurs partially via ligand release to re-form the uncoordinated species, in competition with binding of the second axial ligand and/or conformational/electronic relaxations (of a six-coordinate intermediate) to give the ground state of the bis-ligated photoproduct. The finding that the photoproduct channel principally depends on ligand characteristics along with the time-evolving spectra suggests that the transient intermediate may involve a five-coordinate species. In contrast to NiDPP, the fluorinated analogues NiF(20)DPP and NiF(28)DPP do coordinate axial ligands in the ground state but eject them after photoexcitation. Collectively, these results demonstrate the sensitivity with which the electronic and structural characteristics of the macrocycle, substituents, and solvent (ligands) can govern the photophysical and photochemical properties of nonplanar porphyrins and open new avenues for exploring photoinduced ligand association and dissociation behavior.

B-side charge separation in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers: nanosecond time scale electron transfer from HB- to QB

We report time-resolved optical measurements of the primary electron transfer reactions in Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers (RCs) having four mutations: Phe(L181) --> Tyr, Tyr(M208) --> Phe, Leu(M212) --> His, and Trp(M250) --> Val (denoted YFHV). Following direct excitation of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer (P) to its lowest excited singlet state P, electron transfer to the B-side bacteriopheophytin (H(B)) gives P(+)H(B)(-) in approximately 30% yield. When the secondary quinone (Q(B)) site is fully occupied, P(+)H(B)(-) decays with a time constant estimated to be in the range of 1.5-3 ns. In the presence of excess terbutryn, a competitive inhibitor of Q(B) binding, the observed lifetime of P(+)H(B)(-) is noticeably longer and is estimated to be in the range of 4-8 ns. On the basis of these values, the rate constant for P(+)H(B)(-) --> P(+)Q(B)(-) electron transfer is calculated to be between approximately (2 ns)(-)(1) and approximately (12 ns)(-)(1), making it at least an order of magnitude smaller than the rate constant of approximately (200 ps)(-)(1) for electron transfer between the corresponding A-side cofactors (P(+)H(A)(-) --> P(+)Q(A)(-)). Structural and energetic factors associated with electron transfer to Q(B) compared to Q(A) are discussed. Comparison of the P(+)H(B)(-) lifetimes in the presence and absence of terbutryn indicates that the ultimate (i.e., quantum) yield of P(+)Q(B)(-) formation relative to P is 10-25% in the YFHV RC.

Quinone reduction via secondary B-branch electron transfer in mutant bacterial reaction centers

Symmetry-related branches of electron-transfer cofactors-initiating with a primary electron donor (P) and terminating in quinone acceptors (Q)-are common features of photosynthetic reaction centers (RC). Experimental observations show activity of only one of them-the A branch-in wild-type bacterial RCs. In a mutant RC, we now demonstrate that electron transfer can occur along the entire, normally inactive B-branch pathway to reduce the terminal acceptor Q(B) on the time scale of nanoseconds. The transmembrane charge-separated state P(+)Q(B)(-) is created in this manner in a Rhodobacter capsulatus RC containing the F(L181)Y-Y(M208)F-L(M212)H-W(M250)V mutations (YFHV). The W(M250)V mutation quantitatively blocks binding of Q(A), thereby eliminating Q(B) reduction via the normal A-branch pathway. Full occupancy of the Q(B) site by the native UQ(10) is ensured (without the necessity of reconstitution by exogenous quinone) by purification of RCs with the mild detergent, Deriphat 160-C. The lifetime of P(+)Q(B)(-) in the YFHV mutant RC is >6 s (at pH 8.0, 298 K). This charge-separated state is not formed upon addition of competitive inhibitors of Q(B) binding (terbutryn or stigmatellin). Furthermore, this lifetime is much longer than the value of approximately 1-1.5 s found when P(+)Q(B)(-) is produced in the wild-type RC by A-side activity alone. Collectively, these results demonstrate that P(+)Q(B)(-) is formed solely by activity of the B-branch carriers in the YFHV RC. In comparison, P(+)Q(B)(-) can form by either the A or B branches in the YFH RC, as indicated by the biexponential lifetimes of approximately 1 and approximately 6-10 s. These findings suggest that P(+)Q(B)(-) states formed via the two branches are distinct and that P(+)Q(B)(-) formed by the B side does not decay via the normal (indirect) pathway that utilizes the A-side cofactors when present. These differences may report on structural and energetic factors that further distinguish the functional asymmetry of the two cofactor branches.

Synthesis and electronic properties of regioisomerically pure oxochlorins

We describe a two-step conversion of C-alkylated zinc chlorins to zinc oxochlorins wherein the keto group is located in the reduced ring (17-position) of the macrocycle. The transformation proceeds by hydroxylation upon exposure to alumina followed by dehydrogenation with DDQ. The reactions are compatible with ethyne, iodo, ester, trimethylsilyl, and pentafluorophenyl groups. A route to a spirohexyl-substituted chlorin/oxochlorin has also been developed. Representative chlorins and oxochlorins were characterized by static and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. The fluorescence quantum yields of the zinc oxochlorins (Phi(f) = 0.030-0.047) or free base (Fb) oxochlorins (Phi(f) = 0.13-0.16) are comparable to those of zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) or free base tetraphenylporphyrin (FbTPP), respectively. The excited-state lifetimes of the zinc oxochlorins (tau = 0.5-0.7 ns) are on average 4-fold lower than that of ZnTPP, and the lifetimes of the Fb oxochlorins (tau = 7.4-8.9 ns) are approximately 40% shorter than that of FbTPP. Time-resolved absorption spectroscopy of a zinc oxochlorin indicates the yield of intersystem crossing is >70%. Resonance Raman spectroscopy of copper oxochlorins show strong resonance enhancement of the keto group upon Soret excitation but not with Q(y)()-band excitation, which is attributed to the location of the keto group in the reduced ring (rather than in the isocyclic ring as occurs in chlorophylls). The one-electron oxidation potential of the zinc oxochlorins is shifted to more positive potentials by approximately 240 mV compared with that of the zinc chlorin. Collectively, the fluorescence yields, excited-state lifetimes, oxidation potentials, and various spectral characteristics of the chlorin and oxochlorin building blocks provide the foundation for studies of photochemical processes in larger architectures based on these chromophores.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of light-harvesting arrays comprised of a porphyrin bearing multiple perylene-monoimide accessory pigments

We present the synthesis and characterization of new light-harvesting arrays containing two, four, or eight perylene-monoimide accessory pigments attached to a zinc porphyrin. Each perylene is substituted with one or three 4-tert-butylphenoxy substituents. A 4,3'- or 4,2'-diarylethyne linker joins the perylene N-imide position and the porphyrin meso-position, affording divergent or convergent architectures, respectively. The architectures are designed to provide high solubility in organic media and facile perylene-to-porphyrin energy transfer, while avoiding charge-transfer quenching of the excited porphyrin product. For the array containing four perylenes per porphyrin in both nonpolar (toluene) and polar (benzonitrile) media and for the array containing eight perylenes per porphyrin in toluene, the photoexcited perylene-monoimide dye (PMI) decays rapidly ( approximately 3.5 ps) and predominantly (>or=90%) by energy transfer to the zinc porphyrin to form the excited zinc porphyrin (Zn), which has excited-state characteristics (lifetime, fluorescence yield) comparable (within approximately 10%) to those of the isolated chromophore. For the array containing eight perylenes in benzonitrile, PMI decays approximately 80% by energy transfer (forming Zn) and approximately 20% by hole transfer (forming PMI- Zn+); Zn subsequently decays approximately 20% by electron transfer (also forming PMI- Zn+) and approximately 80% by the normal routes open to the porphyrin monomer (intersystem crossing, internal conversion, fluorescence). In addition to rapid and efficient perylene-to-porphyrin energy transfer, the broad blue-green to yellow absorption of the perylene dyes complements the blue absorption of the porphyrin, resulting in excellent light harvesting across a significant spectral region. Collectively, the work described herein identifies multiperylene-porphyrin arrays that exhibit suitable photochemical properties for use as motifs in larger light-harvesting systems.

Weakly coupled molecular photonic wires: synthesis and excited-state energy-transfer dynamics

Molecular photonic wires, which absorb light and undergo excited-state energy transfer, are of interest as biomimetic models for photosynthetic light-harvesting systems and as molecular devices with potential applications in materials chemistry. We describe the stepwise synthesis of four molecular photonic wires. Each wire consists of an input unit, transmission element, and output unit. The input unit consists of a boron-dipyrrin dye or a perylene-monoimide dye (linked either at the N-imide or the C9 position); the transmission element consists of one or three zinc porphyrins affording short or long wires, respectively; and the output unit consists of a free base (Fb) porphyrin. The components in the arrays are joined in a linear architecture via diarylethyne linkers (an ethynylphenyl linker is attached to the C9-linked perylene). The wires have been examined by static absorption, static fluorescence, and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. Each wire (with the exception of the C9-linked perylene wire) exhibits a visible absorption spectrum that is the sum of the spectra of the component parts, indicating the relatively weak electronic coupling between the components. Excitation of each wire at the wavelength where the input unit absorbs preferentially (typically 480-520 nm) results in emission almost exclusively from the Fb porphyrin. The static emission and time-resolved data indicate that the overall rate constants and quantum efficiencies for end-to-end (i.e., input to output) energy transfer are as follows: perylene-(N-imide)-linked short wire, (33 ps)(-1) and >99%; perylene-(C9)-linked short wire, (26 ps)(-1) and >99%; boron-dipyrrin-based long wire, (190 ps)(-1) and 81%; perylene-(N-imide)-linked long wire, (175 ps)(-1) and 86%. Collectively, the studies provide valuable insight into the singlet-singlet excited-state energy-transfer properties in weakly coupled molecular photonic wires.