Geometries and properties of excited states in the gas phase and in solution: theory and application of a time-dependent density functional theory polarizable continuum model

Spectroscopic characterization of radicals formed by hydrogen-atom abstraction from γ-valerolactone and γ-butyrolactone

γ-valerolactone (GVL) and its unmethylated counterpart, γ-butyrolactone (GBL), are important compounds with a wide range of potential uses. For example, GVL is proposed as an ideal alternative renewable energy source, while GBL can be utilized as an electrolyte. Understanding the combustion mechanisms of these compounds is crucial for optimizing their use as energy sources and monitoring the products formed during combustion. During pyrolysis, reactions with hydrogen atoms play a key role. Although the reactions of lactones with hydrogen atoms have been studied at higher temperatures using theoretical and computational methods, the spectroscopic data for the radicals produced during these reactions remain incomplete. Such data could, however, be valuable for tracking radical mechanisms. This study investigated these reactions at 3.1 K using the para-H2 matrix-isolation technique. The conditions provided by this method are particularly well-suited for studying radicals, in contrast to the conditions used in pyrolysis studies. IR spectroscopy was employed to monitor the reactions, enabling us to observe the vibrational spectra of the resulting radicals. These spectroscopic data could offer valuable insights for further exploring the combustion processes of GVL and GBL.

Computational NMR Structural Revision of Marinoaziridines A and B

The putative structures of alkaloids marinoaziridine A and B, the last a recent target of total synthesis, are here revised, on the basis of NMR computer-assisted structural elucidation and DFT prediction of 1H and 13C chemical shifts, as pyrroloquinoline alkaloids structurally very similar to the marinoquinolines isolated from the same source.

In-depth theoretical study on the impact of transition metals incorporation into the cavities of porphyrins considered conjugated bridges in NLO-active push-pull molecules: analysis by DFT, NBO, and TD-DFT

CONTEXT

This research focuses on the theoretical study of six push-pull molecules composed of conjugated bridges based on porphyrin and metalloporphyrins where the metals used are Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II); these bridges are linked at their ends by acceptor groups (-NO2) and donors (-N(CH3)2) at the meso positions of the cycles mentioned before. The CAM-B3LYP, M08HX, and MN15 functionals tend to describe well the systems studied in non-linear optics NLO in addition to the use of the basis set 6-31 +  + G(d,p) which is considered to be the adequate and least expensive basis set. The highest values of the first static hyperpolarizabilities (βtot) are assigned to the two molecules 2A and 3A; the corresponding values are as follows: βtot (2A) = 46.43 * 10-30 esu and βtot (3A) = 46.30 * 10-30 esu. The highest value of the second static hyperpolarizability (γav) is assigned to the molecule 1A5 with a value of 9.49 * 10-35 esu. The highest values of the first dynamic hyperpolarizabilities (β | | λ ( - 2 ω ; ω , ω ) ) and second dynamics hyperpolarizabilities (γ | | λ ( - 2 ω ; ω , ω , 0 ) ) are attributed to the molecule 2A; the corresponding values are as follows:β | | λ ( - 2 ω ; ω , ω ) ) (2A) = 8229.88 * 10-30 esu andγ | | λ ( - 2 ω ; ω , ω , 0 ) (2A) =  - 10,943.10 * 10-35 esu. The molecules 1A2 and 1A5 based on the metals Co(II) and Zn(II), respectively, are the most profitable in second- and third-order dynamic NLOs. The specific solvents for the six molecules are acetone, acetonitrile, and dichloromethane. The maximum wavelengths recorded for all molecules in vacuum and in combination with all solvents are in the range 355.75 to 397.15 nm and absorb in the UV transparency.

METHOD

All calculations were performed with the Gaussian 16 program. The dispersion functional B3LYP-D3 is used for optimizations. Electronic parameters were calculated using the following functionals: CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, LC-BLYP, M11, wB97X, M08-HX, M06-2X, MN12SX, and MN15. The basis set studied for the whole manuscript is 6-31 +  + G(d,p) for non-metallic atoms and LanL2DZ for transition metals. Other basis sets studied include 6-31G(d,p), 6-31 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVDZ, AUG-cc-pVDZ, 6-311G(d,p), 6-311 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVTZ, and AUG-cc-pVTZ. The natural bond orbital (NBO) method was also considered. The implicit solvation models studied are solvation models based on density (SMD) and conductor polarizable continuum model (C-PCM). The time-dependent density functional (TD-DFT) approach was also studied.

Computational Approach to Phosphor-Sensitized Fluorescence Based on Monomer Transition Densities

We present here an extension of the monomer transition density approach to spin multiplicity-altering excitation energy transfer (EET) processes. It builds upon complex-valued wave functions of the density functional theory-based multireference spin-orbit coupling configuration interaction method for generating the one-particle transition density matrices of the donor and acceptor molecules, which are then contracted with two-electron Coulomb and exchange integrals of the dimer. Due to the extensive use of symmetry relations between tensor components, the computation of triplet-singlet coupling remains technically feasible. As a proof-of-principle application, we have chosen an EET system, consisting of the phosphorescent platinum complex AG97 as the donor and the fluorescein derivative FITC as the acceptor. Taking experimental conditions into account, we estimate a Förster radius of about 35 Å. For intermolecular donor-acceptor separations close to the Förster radius and beyond, the error introduced by the ideal dipole approximation is rather small.

Helically Chiral Mixed-Valence Systems Comprising N-Heterotriangulenes: Stabilization of the Cationic Species by π-Expansion

We report the efficient stabilization of nitrogen-centered radical cations in a dimeric N-heterotriangulene bridged by a rigid π-conjugated [5]helicene backbone (NTH). The rigid scaffold exhibits helical chirality, allowing the enantiomers to be separated and their chiroptical properties studied, including circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Successive oxidation towards the radical cation NTH⋅+ and dication NTH2+ reveals strong electronic communication between the two nitrogen-centers, as demonstrated by X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, UV/Vis/nIR spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. CD measurements of the enantiomerically pure cations reveal strong Cotton effects in the nIR region extending up to 2000 nm. Density functional theory confirms the observed enhanced electronic communication, classifying NTH⋅+ as a Robin-Day Class III mixed-valence charge-transfer (MV-CT) system. NTH2+ exhibits a quinoidal structure with partial diradical character and open-shell singlet ground state, as shown by variable temperature EPR measurements. Time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy shows the photo-induced generation of NTH⋅+ in the presence of a suitable electron acceptor.

Theoretical study by DFT and TD-DFT of NLO-active push-pull molecules composed of conjugated bridges based on cyclic rings: Titanol, Ferrol, Nickelol and Zinkol

CONTEXT

This research is based on the theoretical study of seven push-pull molecules composed of conjugated bridges based on two different organometallic rings, these bridges are linked at their ends by acceptor groups (-NO2) and donor groups (-N(CH3)2) on the α position of the rings mentioned above. The location of the donor and acceptor groups revealed that the addition of the acceptor groups near the rings (Titanol, Ferrol and Nickelol) improves the NLO response in comparison with the grafting of these groups on the Zinkol ring and also influences the positioning of the π electrons at the level of the chromophores studied. The molecule 2B gave the highest values ​​of static first hyperpolarisabilitiy (βtot) and static second hyperpolarisabilitiy (γav), knowing that: βtot (2B) = 135.79 * 10-30 esu and γav (2B) = 135.79 * 10-35 esu. The highest values ​​of dynamic firstβ ‖ λ - 2 ω ; ω , ω and secondγ ‖ λ - 2 ω ; ω , ω , 0 hyperpolarisabilities are assigned to the molecule 1C with the following values:γ ‖ λ - 2 ω ; ω , ω , 0 =1,218,310.00 * 10-30 esu andγ ‖ λ - 2 ω ; ω , ω , 0 =1,324,520,000 * 10-35 esu. The metal Zn is considered as an acceptor group and the remaining metals (Ti, Fe and Ni) are considered as donor groups. The specific solvents for the seven molecules are water, ethanol and acetonitrile. The maximum wavelengths recorded for all molecules in combination with all solvents are in the range of 421.39 to 765.28 nm. λ METHOD: The calculations were performed using Gaussian 16 software to perform DFT calculations with B3LYP functional. The LanL2DZ basis-set was used for transition metals, while the 6-31 +  + G(d,p) basis-set was used for nonmetal atoms. The functionals used are: CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, LC-BLYP, M11, wB97X, M08-HX, M06-2X, MN12SX, MN15, and M06HF. The basis-sets used are: 6-31G(d,p), 6-31 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVDZ, aug-cc-pVDZ, 6-311G(d,p), 6-311 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVTZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ. The Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) calculations are performed by the NBO program incorporated by default in the Gaussian 16 program. The solvation models studied are the CPCM model (conductor polarizable continuum model) and the SMD model (Solvation Model Density). Excited states calculations are calculated by the time-dependent DFT method (TD-DFT).

Iridium(III) Blue Phosphors with Heteroleptic Carbene Cyclometalates: Isomerization, Emission Tuning, and OLED Fabrications

Ir(III) complexes are particularly noted for their excellent photophysical properties in giving blue OLED phosphors. In this study, two distinctive carbene pro-chelates LAH2 + and LBH2 + (or LCH2 +) were employed in preparation of heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes, to which LAH2 + bears a cyano substituted benzoimidazolium along with N-mesityl appendage, while LBH2 + (or LCH2 +) carries the symmetrical benzoimidazolium entity. Notably, the reversible equilibration at high temperature was observed for m, f-ct14 and m, f-ct15 with a single LA chelate. In contrast, only the mer-substituted m-ct16 was obtained upon employing two LA chelates. All Ir(III) complexes exhibited blue photoluminescence (ΦPL ≥ ${\ge }$ 78 %) with short radiative lifetimes (τrad ≤ ${\le }$ 1.05 μs) in solution. The Ph OLED device with m-ct16 afforded an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.8 % at 5000 cd ⋅ m-2. Moreover, the hyper-OLED based on m-ct16 and v-DABNA exhibited EQE1000 of 32.1 % (EQE recorded at 1000 cd ⋅ m-2) and J90 of 15.0 mA cm-2 (current density at 90 % of max. EQE). Its suppressed efficiency roll-off (EQE of 32.1 % and 27.7 % at 1000 cd ⋅ m-2 and 10000 cd ⋅ m-2) demonstrated a milestone in fabrication of blue OLED devices.

A Cost-Effective Computational Strategy for the Electronic Layout Characterization of a Second Generation Light-Driven Molecular Rotary Motor in Solution

Light-driven molecular rotary motors are nanometric machines able to convert light into unidirectional motions. Several types of molecular motors have been developed to better respond to light stimuli, opening new avenues for developing smart materials ranging from nanomedicine to robotics. They have great importance in the scientific research across various disciplines, but a detailed comprehension of the underlying ultrafast photophysics immediately after photo-excitation, that is, Franck-Condon region characterization, is not fully achieved yet. For this aim, it is first required to rely on an accurate description at ab initio level of the system in this potential energy region before performing any further step, that is, dynamics. Thus, we present an extensive investigation aimed at accurately describing the electronic structure of low-lying electronic states (electronic layout) of a molecular rotor in the Franck-Condon region, belonging to the class of overcrowded alkenes: 9-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-ylidene)-9H-fluorene. This system was chosen since its photophysics is very interesting for a more general understanding of similar compounds used as molecular rotors, where low-lying electronic states can be found (whose energetic interplay is crucial in the dynamics) and where the presence of different substituents can tune the HOMO-LUMO gap. For this scope, we employed different theory levels within the time-dependent density functional theory framework, presenting also a careful comparison adopting very accurate post Hartree-Fock methods and characterizing also the different conformations involved in the photocycle. Effects on the electronic layout of different functionals, basis sets, environment descriptions, and the role of the dispersion correction were all analyzed in detail. In particular, a careful treatment of the solvent effects was here considered in depth, showing how the implicit solvent description can be accurate for excited states in the Franck-Condon region by testing both linear-response and state-specific formalisms. As main results, we chose two cost-effective (accurate but relatively cheap) theory levels for the ground and excited state descriptions, and we also verified how choosing these different levels of theory can influence the curvature of the potential via a frequency analysis of the normal modes of vibrations active in the Raman spectrum. This theoretical survey is a crucial step towards a feasible characterization of the early stage of excited states in solution during photoisomerization processes wherein multiple electronic states might be populated upon the light radiation, leading to a future molecular-level interpretation of time-resolved spectroscopies.

Ruthenium(II) Complex with 1-Hydroxy-9,10-Anthraquinone Inhibits Cell Cycle Progression at G0/G1 and Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal skin cancer that affects thousands of people worldwide. Ruthenium complexes have shown promising results as cancer chemotherapeutics, offering several advantages over platinum drugs, such as potent efficacy, low toxicity, and less drug resistance. Additionally, anthraquinone derivatives have broad therapeutic applications, including melanoma.

OBJECTIVES

Thus, two new ruthenium complexes with 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone were obtained: trans-[Ru(HQ)(PPh3)2(bipy)]PF6 (1) and cis-[RuCl2(HQ)(dppb)] (2), where HQ = 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone, PPh3 = triphenylphospine, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, PF6 = hexafluorophosphate, and dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane.

METHODS

The complexes were characterized by infrared (IR), UV-vis, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies, molar conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed.

RESULTS

Compound (2) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which confirms the bidentate coordination mode of HQ through the carbonyl and phenolate oxygens. Additionally, DNA-binding experiments yielded constants of 105 M-1 (Kb = 6.93 × 105 for (1) and 1.60 × 105 for (2)) and demonstrate that both complexes can interact with DNA through intercalation, electrostatic attraction, or hydrogen bonding.

CONCLUSIONS

The cytotoxicity profiles of the compounds were evaluated in human melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL-147, CHL-1, and WM1366), revealing greater cytotoxic activity for (1) on the CHL-1 cell line with an IC50 of 14.50 ± 1.09 µM. Subsequent studies showed that (1) inhibits the proliferation of CHL-1 cells and induces apoptosis, associated at least in part with the pro-oxidant effect and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition.

Revisiting Butafulvene Formation by Thermal Dimerization of Fluorene-Based Dialkynes - Effects of Aromatic Substituents

Butafulvenes, together with pentafulvenes and [3]radialenes, form a series of constitutional benzene isomers in which aromaticity changes significantly and can be strongly substituent dependent. Butafulvene, as a member of this series, is frequently proposed to be antiaromatic. Based on butafulvenes Hopf, Zimmerman and coworkers first time described, derivatives thereof were synthesized and the effects of substituents on both the stability of the intermediate isobenzenes and on their optoelectronic and (anti)aromatic properties are discussed.

A Structural Model of Truncated Gaussia princeps Luciferase Elucidating the Crucial Catalytic Function of No.76 Arginine towards Coelenterazine Oxidation

Gaussia Luciferase (GLuc) is a renowned reporter protein that can catalyze the oxidation of coelenterazine (CTZ) and emit a bright light signal. GLuc comprises two consecutive repeats that form the enzyme body and a central putative catalytic cavity. However, deleting the C-terminal repeat only limited reduces the activity (over 30% residual luminescence intensity detectable), despite being a key part of the cavity. How does the remaining GLuc (tGLuc) catalyze CTZ? To address this question, we built a structural model of tGLuc by removing the C-terminal repeat from the resolved structure of intact GLuc, and verified that the cavity-forming component in GLuc remains stable and provides an open-mouth cavity in tGLuc during 500 ns MD simulations in water. Docking simulation and a followed umbrella sampling analysis further revealed that the cavity on tGLuc has a high affinity for CTZ, with a binding energy of up to -114 kJ/mol. Moreover, R76, a validated activity-critical amino acid residue, resides in the cavity and forms a stable hydrogen bond with CTZ. Then, we constructed a cluster model to examine the CTZ oxidation pathway in the cavity using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The result showed that the pathway consists of four elementary reactions, with the highest Gibbs energy barrier being 65.4 kJ/mol. Both intramolecular electron transfer and the convergence of S1/S0 potential energy surfaces occurred in the last elementary reaction, which was regarded as the reported Chemically-Initiated-Electron-Exchange-Luminescence (CIEEL) reaction. Geometry and wavefunction analysis on the pathway indicated that R76 plays a vital role in CTZ oxidation, which first anchors the environmental oxygen molecule and induces it to form a singlet biradical state, facilitating its attack on CTZ. Subsequently, R76 and the adjacent Q88, positioned near R76 through the tGLuc refolding process, stabilize the transition states and facilitate the emergence of radical electrons on CTZ at the onset of the CIEEL reaction, which contributes to the subsequent intramolecular electron transfer and the production of excited amide product. This study provides a comprehensive explanation of tGLuc's catalytic mechanism. However, it is important to note that these findings are specific to tGLuc and may not extend to other CTZ-based luciferases, particularly those lacking arginine in their catalytic cavities, which likely operate via distinct mechanisms.

Dual-fluorescent starch biopolymer films containing 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine powder as a functional nanofiller

Physical and photophysical properties of starch-based biopolymer films containing 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (NTA) powder as a nanofiller were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), stationary UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as resonance light scattering (RLS) and time-resolved measurements, and where possible, analyzed with reference to pristine NTA solutions. AFM studies revealed that the addition of NTA into the starch biopolymer did not significantly affect surface roughness, with all examined films displaying similar Sq values ranging from 70.7 nm to 79.7 nm. Similarly, Young's modulus measurements showed no significant changes after incorporating the 1,3,4-thiadiazole. Adhesion force and water contact angle assessments demonstrated that the films maintained high hydrophilicity (water wetting) across all examined films. Color analysis corroborated the anticipated trend, showing that increasing additive content resulted in decreased lightness and increased yellowness. Interestingly, however, while in polar isopropanol solvent at low concentration, NTA shows a typical single-band emission, centered at 410 nm and a slight enhancement of the band on the long-wavelength side around 530 nm, its incorporation into the biopolymer matrices results in the appearance of dual fluorescence signal with maxima at 430 and 530 nm. Concentration-dependence emission experiments, demonstrating that with even a slight increase of the amount of NTA in solution, an additional, weak long-wavelength emission band emerged within the spectral range corresponding to the intensive band in the biopolymer film, along with results of the performed quantum-chemical studies, including both the monomeric and aggregated (dimer and trimer) models, conclusively unveil that the dual fluorescence observed in starch/NTA films is due to molecular aggregation effects resulting in aggregation-induced emission. This study underscores the potential of NTA as an additive in biobased polymer films, furnishing them with new photophysical features without substantially altering their surface properties and thus enabling their extended applications.

Multiple pathways for lanthanide sensitization in self-assembled aqueous complexes

Lanthanide photoluminescence (PL) emission has attracted much attention for technological and bioimaging applications because of its particularly interesting features, such as narrow emission bands and very long PL lifetimes. However, this emission process necessitates a preceding step of energy transfer from suitable antennas. While biocompatible applications require luminophores that are stable in aqueous media, most lanthanide-based emitters are quenched by water molecules. Previously, we described a small luminophore, 8-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2,4,5-tetrahydrocyclopenta[de]quinoline-3-phosphonic acid (PAnt), which is capable of dynamically coordinating with Tb(III) and Eu(III), and its exchangeable behavior improved their performance in PL lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM) compared with conventional lanthanide cryptate imaging agents. Herein, we report an in-depth photophysical and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) computational study that reveals different sensitization mechanisms for Eu(III) and Tb(III) in stable complexes formed in water. Understanding this unique behavior in aqueous media enables the exploration of different applications in bioimaging or novel emitting materials.

Sensing mechanism of the benzo-bodipy based fluorescent probe for Hypochlorous acid detection: Invalidity of photoinduced electron transfer

In vivo real-time detection of hypochlorous acid (HClO) in biological systems plays a crucial role in diagnosing immune-related diseases. Experimentally, a benzo-bodipy probe based on the photo-induced electron transfer (PeT) sensing mechanism has been developed for live fluorescence imaging. However, there have been no theoretical studies conducted to substantiate the precision of the sensing mechanism. This paper employs density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods to investigate the fluorescence detection mechanism of benzo-bodipy derivatives (BBy-T and BBy-TO), proposing a detection approach based on dark nπ* state quenching. The study reveals that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of BBy-T is primarily regulated by a thiomorpholine moiety, involving a dark nπ* state transition non-radiatively. Furthermore, this paper explains the fluorescence enhancement observed in BBy-TO. Theoretical investigations demonstrate, based on frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and hole-electron analysis, that the fluorescence enhancement for BBy-TO is not governed by the previously proposed intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism in experiments but rather follows a locally excited (LE) ππ* pattern. This work offers new insights for the design of novel fluorescence probes based on bodipy and benzo derivatives, expanding the understanding of their fluorescence properties.

Chemical feature-based machine learning model for predicting photophysical properties of BODIPY compounds: density functional theory and quantitative structure-property relationship modeling

CONTEXT

Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) compounds have unique photophysical properties and have been applied in fluorescence imaging, sensing, optoelectronics, and beyond. In order to design effective BODIPY compounds, it is crucial to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the structures of BODIPY and the corresponding photoproperties. Fifteen molecular descriptors were identified to be strongly correlated with the maximum absorption wavelength. The developed ML/QSPR model exhibited good predictive performance, with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.945 for the training set and 0.734 for the test set, demonstrating robustness and reliability. A posterior analysis of some of the selected descriptors in the model provided insights into the structural features that influence BODIPY compound properties; meanwhile, it also emphasizes the importance of molecular branching, size, and specific functional groups. This work shows that applied combined cheminformatics and machine learning approach is robust to screen the BODIPY compounds and design novel structures with enhanced performance.

METHODS

In the present study, all the BODIPY models studied were fully optimized, and the corresponding absorption spectrum was obtained at DFT/TDDFT//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. All the above calculations were executed by the Gaussian 16 program. Based upon the theoretical computational results, the machine learning-based quantitative structure-property relationship (ML/QSPR) model was employed for predicting the maximum absorption wavelength (λ) of BODIPY compounds by combining hand-crafted molecular descriptors (MD) and explainable machine learning (EML) techniques using Scikit-learn python library. A dataset of 131 BODIPY compounds with their experimental photophysical properties was used to generate a diverse set of molecular descriptors capturing information about the size, shape, connectivity, and other structural features of these compounds using Chemaxon and Alvadesc software. A genetic algorithm (GA) variable selection together with the multi-linear regression (MLR) method were applied to develop the best predictive model using the Genetic Selection python library.

Disclosing novel melanogenesis pathways: Formation of unexpected biphenyl-type dimers through radical-radical coupling by solid-state oxidation of the melanin biosynthetic precursor 5,6-dihydroxyindole

Investigation of the oxidation pathway of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), one of the main biosynthetic precursors of the brown-to-black skin and hair melanin pigments, represents a promising approach for the elucidation of the structure of these pigments in biological systems. We report herein the exploration of DHI oxidation chemistry under conditions so far poorly investigated, i.e. solid-state mechanochemical conditions, mimicking those that could be found in vivo in melanosomes, where melanin growth takes place in a confined space on a solid proteinaceous matrix, that allowed for the isolation and characterization of new dimers. Mechanistic experiments allowed to propose radical-radical coupling as the main dimerization pathway under solid-state conditions preventing ionic polymerization of the 5,6-dihydroxyindole system, indicating that the oxidation chemistry of this melanogenic precursor strongly depends on the reaction environment. The relevance for melanogenesis of the DHI oxidation pathway, disclosed herein, was also demonstrated by ad hoc experiments in which the solid-state reaction was carried out in the presence of proteins. Finally, the chromophores of the species generated by oxidation of the new dimers were investigated with a view to expanding the knowledge on the functional properties of melanin pigments, including mainly photoprotection.

DFT and Model Hamiltonian Study of Optoelectronic Properties of Some Low-Symmetry Graphene Quantum Dots

We have studied the electronic and optical properties of three low-symmetry graphene quantum dots (GQDs), with point-group symmetries C2v and C2h. For the calculations of linear optical absorption spectra, we employed both first-principles time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) and the electron-correlated Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) model coupled with the configuration-interaction (CI) approach. In the PPP-CI approach, calculations were performed using both screened and standard parameters, along with efficiently incorporating electron correlation effects using multireference singles-doubles CI for both ground and excited states. We assume that the GQDs are saturated by hydrogen atoms at the edges, making them effectively polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) dibenzo[bc,ef]coronene (also known as benzo(1,14)bisanthene, C30H14) and two isomeric compounds, dinaphtho[8,1,2abc;2',1',8'klm]coronene and dinaphtho[8,1,2abc;2',1',8'jkl]coronene with the chemical formula C36H16. The two isomers have different point group symmetries; therefore, this study will also help us understand the influence of symmetry on the optical properties. A common feature of the absorption spectra of the three GQDs is that the first peak representing the optical gap is of low to moderate intensity, while the intense peaks appear at higher energies. For each GQD, PPP model calculations performed with the screened parameters agree well with the experimental results of the corresponding PAH and also with the TDDFT calculations. To further quantify the influence of electron-correlation effects, we also computed the singlet-triplet gap (spin gap) of the three GQDs, and we found them to be significant.

Pseudo-Jahn-Teller Effect in Natural Compounds and Its Possible Role in Straintronics I: Hypericin and Its Analogs

The distortions and instability of high-symmetry configurations of polyatomic systems in nondegenerate states are usually ascribed to the pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect (PJTE). The geometries of hypericin, isohypericin, and fringelite D were optimized within various symmetry groups. Group-theoretical treatment and (TD-)DFT calculations were used to identify the corresponding electronic states during the symmetry descent. The symmetry descent paths (up to the stable structures without imaginary vibrations) were determined using the corresponding imaginary vibrations as their kernel subgroups starting from the highest possible symmetry group. The vibronic interaction between the ground and excited electronic states relates to an increasing energy difference of both states during the symmetry decrease. This criterion was used to identify possible PJTE. We have shown that the PJTE in these naturally occurring compounds could explain only the symmetry descent paths C2v → C2 and C2v → Cs in hypericin, and the D2h → C2v, D2h → C2v → C2, and D2h → C2h ones in fringelite D. The electric dipole moments of hypericin and its analogs were determined prevailingly by the mutual orientations of the hydroxyl groups. The same held for the energies of frontier orbitals in these systems, but their changes during the symmetry descent were less significant.

Intrinsic 77 K Phosphorescence Characteristics and Computational Modeling of Ru(II)-(Bidentate Cyclometalated-Aromatic Ligand) Chromophores: Their Relatively Low Nonradiative Rate Constants Originating from Low Spin-Orbit Coupling Driven Vibronic Coupling Amplitudes between Emitting and Ground States

We investigated the photoinduced relaxation of Kasha-type emitting ruthenium-(bidentate cyclometalated aromatic ligand), Ru-CM, chromophores of [Ru(pzpy)2(CM)]+ ions (CM = 1-phenylisoquinoline, 2,3-diphenylpyrazine, and 1,4-diazatriphenylene and pzpy = 2-pyrazol-1-yl-pyridine). This is the first report of the phosphorescence behavior of pure Ru-(bidentate CM) chromophores. The 77 K photoinduced relaxation characteristics of phosphorescence chromophores showed emission quantum yields higher than those of reference Ru-bpy (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) chromophores in the emission region of 670-900 nm. This phenomenon of the Ru-CM chromophores could be attributed to their unusually low magnitudes for 77 K nonradiative rate constants (kNRD), although their radiative rate-constants (kRAD) are not remarkable. In order to examine the 77 K photoinduced behavioral relaxation difference between Ru-CM and Ru-bpy chromophores, we used computational simulation, applying the fundamental formalism of kRAD and temperature-independent kNRD equations, which included calculated spin-orbit coupling values.

A density functional theory study of a series of symmetric dibenzylideneacetone analogues as potential chemical UV-filters

The aim of this research was to provide valuable insights on symmetrical α,β-unsaturated ketones as potential chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters from experimental data and theoretical aspects. Towards this end, density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) calculations on a series of symmetrical α,β-unsaturated ketones, (1E,4E)-1,5-bis[4-(R)phenyl]penta-1,4-diene-3-one (R = methylthio, 1; R = dimethylamino, 2; R = ethyl, 3), were performed to determine the effect of different electron-donating substituents on their stability when exposed to solar UV radiation. Their molecular structures, and UV-visible, infrared (IR) and NMR (1H and 13C) spectra were theoretically obtained from their optimized geometries with the B3LYP/6-311++ G (d, p) basis set and were compared with the experimental results. Conformational analysis was performed and the most stable conformer of each compound was identified as the trans-trans conformer, which was further supported by experimental NMR data. The UV spectra and effect of solvent polarity and proticity were studied by the time-dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) approach with the B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) level of theory. Furthermore, various molecular parameters like dipole moment, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energies, ΔEHOMO-LUMO gap, lifetime of the first excited state (τ), global chemical reactivity descriptors, and natural bond orbital analysis were predicted at the same level of theory and compared with the experimental data. Inspection of the active FMOs revealed the photoinstability trends of 1 and 3 under UV irradiation. However, introducing a -N(CH3)2 substituent to 2 at the para-position improves its photostability towards simulated solar UV radiation. Thus, compound 2 has the potential to provide efficient broad-spectrum protection against UV radiation. This work has shown that molecular modelling strategies can assist to rationalize experimental findings and also support the identification of photoproducts of 1 and 3.

Light-induced selectivity in an exemplary photodimerization reaction of varied azaanthracenes

Currently, there is intense interest in light-driven chemical reactions, including photocatalytic processes, photopolymerization and photodimerization. The need for regiocontrol in such reactions is obvious, especially in cases where many products can potentially be formed. Here, the photodimerization involving various azaanthracenes is presented for the first time. Specifically, 2-azaanthracene (A) and N-methyl-2-azaanthracene (M) are considered. Photoreactions of A, M and the A + M mixture under two irradiation wavelengths (365 and 420 nm) and in two solvents (methanol, dichloromethane) were carried out. In the case of A, four regiomers were obtained, in contrast to the available literature data, where only two products were reported. The relative ratio of these products is a function of the irradiation wavelength, the solvent used, and the irradiation time. In the case of M, we have identified two main products and a small amount of a third one, again contradicting the literature data. Irradiation of an equimolar A and M mixture at 365 nm led to a mixture of several products, where the yield of the AM dimers was about 40%. Importantly, the change of the irradiation wavelength to 420 nm significantly increased the AM yield (to about 80%). We demonstrated that only two AM dimers were formed (out of a possible four). The products were comprehensively characterized by NMR spectroscopy. We have determined the photophysical parameters of A and M and measured the quantum yield of photodimerization using UV-vis spectroscopy. The quantum-chemical calculations in the excited state allowed us to propose a plausible explanation for why only two AM dimers are formed upon irradiation. The presented results indicated that photodimerization among various molecules can have advantages and, in particular, does not need to give a complex mixture of multiple products. Importantly, it has been observed that the wavelength shift can significantly improve the photoreaction selectivity.

Solution and solid-state fluorescence emission from cyanostyrene molecules with multiple nitrogen atoms

A design strategy has been proposed to utilize structure-driven solution and solid-state fluorescence emission of polynitrogen atoms. The strategy uses benzimidazole as the electron donor and pyridine as the electron acceptor to construct D-A-type cyanopyridine ethylene molecules. Theoretical calculations reveal that compound 1 has energy-close isomers in dilute solutions, with planar conformation in S0 and S1 states, reducing molecular motion and thus enhancing radiation efficiency (quantum yield up to 42.7%). Conversely, the distorted cyanobenzene structure reduces the quenching effect of π-π stacking alignment, and hydrogen bonding between molecules limits molecular vibration and rotation, ultimately leading to strong emission in the solid state (quantum yield up to 27.4%). These dual-state luminescence systems have wide-ranging potential applications in information encryption and temperature sensors.

Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes Based on Xylenylamino Linked Dual Pyrazolate Chelates for Organic Light Emitting Diodes

In this work, we report the syntheses of three Pt(II) emitters, namely, Pt4N1, Pt4N2, and Pt4N3, to which their tetradentate chelates were assembled by linking two pyrazolate chelates with a single xylenylamino entity. Functionalization of Pt4N1 was achieved upon the addition of electronegative CF3 substituent on pyridinyl groups and switching to more electron-deficient pyrazinyl groups in giving Pt4N2 and Pt4N3, respectively. The vertically arranged xylenylamino entity has effectively suppressed the inter-molecular π-π stacking and Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interaction, as shown by the single crystal X-ray structural analyses. Upon fabrication of OLED devices, Pt4N2 and Pt4N3 based devices delivered efficient cyan and green emission, with an EQEmax of 15.2 % and 11.2 %, respectively, affirming the successfulness of the tetradentate chelating strategy.

Group 7 carbonyl complexes of a PNN-heteroscorpionate ligand

A series of rhenium and manganese carbonyl complexes of a heteroscorpionate ligand with an atypical N2P-donor set has been prepared to better understand their electronic and CO releasing properties. Thus, the ligand, pz2TTP, with an a,a-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)tolyl group decorated with an ortho-situated di(p-tolyl)phosphanyl reacts with carbonyl group 17 reagents to give [fac-(κ2NP-pz2TTP)Re(CO)3Br], 1, and [fac-(κ3N2P-pz2TTP)M(CO)3](OTf = O3SCF3), 2-M (M = Re, Mn), if care is taken during the preparation of the manganeses derivative. When heated in CH3CN, 2-Mn slowly transforms to [fac,cis-(κ3N2P-pz2TTP)Mn(CO)2(NCCH3)](OTf), 3-Mn. In contrast, the corresponding 3-Re can only be prepared from 2-Re using Me3NO; pure 3-Mn can also be prepared by this method. Experimental and density functional calculations at the M06L/Def2-TZVP/PCM(CH3CN) level show that the replacement of a carbonyl with an acetonitrile solvent decreases the oxidation potential by around 0.8 V per carbonyl released, making decarbonylated species potent reductants. At the same time, the electronic spectrum broadens and undergoes a red-shift, making dicarbonyl complexes more susceptible to photo-initiated decarbonylation reactions than tricarbonyls. When 2-Mn or 3-Mn are irradiated in with 390 nm LED light in aerated solutions, [trans-Mn(pz2TTP = O)2](OTf)2, 4, along with insoluble manganese oxides are rapidly formed.

Toward the improvement of vibronic spectra and non-radiative rate constants using the vertical Hessian method

For the computation of vibrationally resolved electronic spectra, various approaches can be employed. Adiabatic approaches simulate vibronic transitions using harmonic potentials of the initial and final states, while vertical approaches extrapolate the final state potential from the gradients and Hessian at the Franck-Condon point, avoiding a full exploration of the potential energy surface of the final state. Our implementation of the vertical Hessian (VH) method has been validated with a benchmark set of four small molecules, each presenting unique challenges, such as complex topologies, problematic low-frequency vibrations, or significant geometrical changes upon electronic excitation. We assess the quality of both adiabatic and vertical approaches for simulating vibronic transitions. For two types of donor-acceptor compounds with promising thermally activated delayed fluorescence properties, our computations confirm that the vertical approaches outperform the adiabatic ones. The VH method significantly reduces computational costs and yields meaningful emission spectra, where adiabatic models fail. More importantly, we pioneer the use of the VH method for the computation of rate constants for non-radiative processes, such as intersystem crossing and reverse intersystem crossing along a relaxed interpolated pathway of a donor-acceptor compound. This study highlights the potential of the VH method to advance computational vibronic spectroscopy by providing meaningful simulations of intricate decay pathway mechanisms in complex molecular systems.

No Switching Cooperativity between Coordinated Azo Ligands on Complexes Having {MII(phosphane-κ2P)}2+ (M = Pd, Pt) Scaffolds

A series of square-planar palladium and platinum compounds with cis-blocking phosphanes and terminal azobenzene ligands [M(dppp)(azo)2](OTf)2 (azo = CN(C6H4)-N═N-(C6H4)CN (iso-cyano), CN(C6H4)-N═N-(C6H5) (iso-Ph)) and [{M2(tpbz)}(azo)4](OTf)4 (azo = CN(C6H4)-N═N-(C6H5) (iso-Ph)) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Similarly to the uncoordinated ligands, the new coordination compounds have shown to be photochemically active with respect to their trans-to-cis isomerization process. Their cis-to-trans back spontaneous reaction have been studied as a function of solvent, temperature and pressure and the corresponding activation parameters determined in order to investigate the mechanism of these transformations. The results obtained are indicative of the operation of a rotational mechanism with no cooperativity between the azo ligands attached to the same metal. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out in order to estimate the relative energies of the different photoisomers for the theoretical interpretation of the experimental data.

The Immunosuppressive Properties of Cyclo-[D-Pro-Pro-β3-HoPhe-Phe-] Tetrapeptide Selected from Stereochemical Variants of Cyclo-[Pro-Pro-β3-HoPhe-Phe-] Peptide

The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties, as well as the mechanism of action of cyclo-[Pro-Pro-β3-HoPhe-Phe-] tetrapeptide (denoted as 4B8M), were recently described. The aim of this work was to synthesize and evaluate the immunosuppressive actions of the stereochemical variants of 4B8M by sequential substitution of L-amino acids by D-amino acids (a series of peptides denoted as P01-P07) using parent 4B8M as a reference compound. In addition, diverse available bioinformatics tools using machine learning and artificial intelligence were tested to find the bio-pharmacokinetic and polypharmacological attributes of analyzed stereomers. All peptides were non-toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and only cyclo-[D-Pro-Pro-β3-HoPhe-Phe-] peptide (P03) was capable of inhibiting mitogen-induced PBMC proliferation. The peptides inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to various degrees, with P04 (cyclo-[Pro-Pro-D-β3-HoPhe-Phe-]) and P03 being the most potent. For further in vivo studies, P03 was selected because it had the combined properties of inhibiting cell proliferation and TNF-α production. P03 demonstrated a comparable ability to 4B8M in the inhibition of auricle edema and lymph node cell number and in the normalization of a distorted blood cell composition in contact sensitivity to the oxazolone mouse model. In the mouse model of carrageenan-induced inflammation of the air pouch, P03 exhibited a similar inhibition of the cell number in the air pouches as 4B8M, but its inhibitory effects on the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils in the air pouches and blood, as well as on mastocyte degranulation in the air pouches, were stronger in comparison to 4B8M. Lastly, in a mouse model of dextran sulfate-induced colitis, similar effects to 4B8M regarding thymocyte number restoration and normalization of the blood cell pictures by P03 were observed. In summary, depending on either experimental findings or in silico predictions, P03 demonstrated comparable, or even better, anti-inflammatory and bio-pharmacokinetic properties to 4B8M and may be considered as a potential therapeutic. The possibility of P00 and P03 identification by circular dichroism measurements was tested by quantum-chemical calculations.

Crystal Structure of the Native Chromoprotein from Pleurotus salmoneostramineus Provides Insights into the Pigmentation Mechanism

The pink-colored protein from the fungus Pleurotus salmoneostramineus (PsPCP) possesses unusual primary sequences with little resemblance to those of known proteins and exhibits a red color in aqueous solution. To understand the pigmentation mechanism of PsPCP, we elucidated the X-ray crystal structure of the native PsPCP. We identified a highly conjugated polyene ligand 2-dehydro-3-deoxylaetiporic acid A as a chromophore ligand, whose solution exhibits yellow. The crystal structure of PsPCP indicated that the ligand is secured in the central cavity and anchored at both termini by hydrophilic interactions and that surrounding residues show CH-pi and C-H···O hydrogen bondings. Geometrical analyses of the bound ligand demonstrated that the conjugated C-C and C═C bonds exhibit similar bond distances. The result indicated enhanced electron delocalization within the conjugated CC bond system, resulting in a redshift of the chromophore ligand. The computational estimates of the UV-vis spectra support the view that the electron delocalization within the conjugated CC bonds system of the bound ligand, induced by the specific ligand geometry within a limited space of PsPCP cavity, is responsible for the red pigmentation of PsPCP. Thus, we propose that the coloring mechanism of PsPCP, which constrains the geometry of a highly conjugated polyene ligand, is a novel type of pigment chemistry.

Schiff Bases Derived from Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate and 2-X-Phenylamine (X = H, OH, SH): Substituent Effects on UV-Vis Spectra and Hydrolysis Kinetics

Schiff bases are compounds that are widely distributed in nature and have practical value for industry and biomedicine. Another important use of Schiff bases is identifying metal ions and different molecules, including proteins. Their proneness to hydrolysis limits the utilization of Schiff bases to mainly non-aqueous solutions. However, by introducing -OH and -SH substituents to aromatic amine-bearing rings, it is possible to increase the resilience of the Schiff base to destruction in water. The present paper discusses how the hydroxyl or thiol group influences the spectral properties and kinetics of the hydrolysis and formation of Schiff bases derived from pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and aniline, 2-hydroxyaniline, and 2-mercaptoaniline using quantum chemical data. The spectral variation between different imines can be explained by taking into account the geometry and frontier molecular orbital alteration induced by the substituents. The changes in the hydrolysis rate are analyzed using the computed values of local reactivity indices.

An innovative Schiff-base colorimetric chemosensor for the selective detection of Cu2+ ions and its applications

A novel Schiff base moiety, (E)-4-(1-hydrazonoethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (2), and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde were condensed in a 1 : 1 molar ratio to generate 4-((E)-1-(((Z)-2,4dihydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono)ethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (L), which was then characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and single-crystal XRD techniques. UV-vis absorbance measurements were used to determine whether the Schiff base could detect the cupric ions more effectively than the other transition metal ions. When Cu2+ ions were involved, a new band was observed at 462 nm. From the Job plot, the binding stoichiometry for the anticipated L : Cu2+ partnership is determined to be 1 : 1. For the purpose of validating structural correlations and absorption data, DFT simulations were performed. Further, docking studies for L indicated high binding affinity for human hemoglobin, providing vital information about the ligand's favorable binding locations inside hemoglobin binding sites and the consequent interactions with HHb. The binding coefficient and limit of detection were found to be 3.02 × 104 M-1 and 42.09 nM, respectively. Reversibility of the complex was seen upon the addition of EDTA to the L-Cu2+ solution, and a colorimetric variation simulating the "INHIBIT" molecular logic gate was seen upon the addition of Cu2+ and EDTA to L. Furthermore, the chemosensor's potential application in the detection of Cu2+ in the solid state by chemosensor L also confirms its usefulness in real-world applications emphasizing its versatility and practical utility.

Photoinduced Charge Centralization Quenches the Fluorescence of Conjugation-Fused Tetrazine Labels with Red-to-Near-Infrared Emissions

Tetrazine-derived fluorogenic labels are extensively studied for their potential in biological and medical imaging. Nonetheless, the fluorescence quenching mechanism in numerous precursors continues to be debated, particularly as the wavelengths extend into the red and near-infrared (NIR) regions. This challenge poses obstacles to systematically optimizing their fluorogenicity, i.e., achieving red-shifted wavelengths and improved fluorescence turn-on signals through click reactions. This paper highlights the significance of photoinduced charge centralization (PCC), a quenching mechanism observed in tetrazine-fused fluorogenic labels with integrated π-conjugations. PCC is primarily responsible for the quenching effects observed in such labels emitting in the red-to-NIR spectrum. Drawing from structure-property relationships, this study proposes two molecular design strategies that incorporate the PCC mechanism and constitutional isomerization to develop high-performance tetrazine-based labels. These strategies facilitate multiplex fluorescence imaging following click reactions, promising significant advancements in bio-orthogonal imaging techniques.

Computational studies on a selection of phosphite esters as antioxidants for polymeric materials

CONTEXT

Phosphite esters, a class of organo-phosphorus compounds, are widely used as non-discolouring antioxidants in many polymeric products. Apart from normal radical scavenging, they prevent the splitting of hydroperoxides (ROOH), one of the initial products of autoxidation, from forming extremely reactive free radicals such as alkoxy (RO.) and hydroxy (.OH) radicals. The inherent molecular properties of antioxidants and the chemistry of their action are essential for researchers working in this field of science. Four organo-phosphorous compounds well-known for their antioxidant activity are selected here for theoretical analysis: Tri(m-methylphenyl) phosphite (m-TMPP), Tri(4-methyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (TMdtBPP), Tri(allylphenyl) phosphite (TAPP) and Tri(mercaptobenzothiazoyl) thiophosphate (TMBTTP). The antioxidant activity exhibited by these compounds is theoretically verified, and the results are consistent with the available experimental data. Such theoretical predictions offer advantages in scientific research, particularly when researchers need to select certain molecules as antioxidants for experiments from a pool of molecular systems.

METHODS

The chemical computations presented in this report are done in Gaussian 16 program package. The procedure of density functional theory (DFT) with the model chemistry B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) is used to generate computational data. Global reactivity indices, thermochemical data, Fukui functions, molecular electrostatic potential and NMR spectra are computed for the chosen molecular systems from their optimized geometries.

Copper perchlorate catalyzed oxidative cyclisation of a novel bishydrazone ligand, formation of an unusual copper complex and in vitro biological implications

A novel hexadentate bishydrazone ligand, 1,10-bis(di(2-pyridyl)ketone) adipic acid dihydrazone (H2L1) is synthesized and characterized. With copper perchlorate as a catalytic oxidant, the ligand undergoes oxidative cyclisation and resulted in the formation of an unusual copper complex [Cu(L1a)2Cl]ClO4 (1), where L1a is 3-(2-pyridyl)triazolo[1,5-a]-pyridine. The Cu(II) complex was characterized physicochemically, while the molecular structure was confirmed by single crystal X- ray diffraction. In the complex cation, copper(II) is in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination environment, surrounded by two triazolo nitrogen atoms and two pyridyl nitrogen atoms of L1a and a chloride atom. The relevant non covalent intermolecular interactions of the complex quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals that the O···H/ H···O (27.2%) contacts has the highest contribution. The solution phase bandgaps of the compounds were calculated using Tauc plot, whereas the solid-state band gaps were calculated by Kubelka-Munk model. DFT studies of the compounds indicate that the theoretical calculations corroborate with the experimental data. DPPH antioxidant activity assay of the synthesized compounds showed that the proligand H2L1 has a lower IC50 value (24.1 μM) than that of complex 1 (29.7 μM). The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which revealed that complex 1 have excellent activity against E. coli, much as the standard ciprofloxacin. The cytotoxic efficacy investigation of the compounds against A549 (lung) adenocarcinoma cells suggested that H2L1 has more anticancer activity (IC50 value of 149.08 μM) than that of complex 1(IC50 value of 176.70 μM).

Aggregation-induced enhanced fluorescence emission of chiral Zn(II) complexes coordinated by Schiff-base type binaphthyl ligands

A pair of novel chiral Zn(II) complexes coordinated by Schiff-base type ligands derived from BINOL (1,1'-bi-2-naphthol), R-/S-Zn, were synthesized. X-ray crystallography revealed the presence of two crystallographically independent complexes; one has a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal structure coordinated by two binaphthyl ligands and one disordered methanol molecule (molecule A), while the other has a distorted tetrahedral structure coordinated by two binaphthyl ligands (molecule B). Numerous CH⋯π and CH⋯O interactions were identified, contributing to the formation of a 3-dimensional rigid network structure. Both R-/S-Zn exhibited fluorescence in both CH2Cl2 solutions and powder samples, with the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of powder samples being twice as large as those in solutions, indicating aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE). The AIEE properties were attributed to the restraint of the molecular motion arising from the 3-dimensional intermolecular interactions. CD and CPL spectra were observed for R-/S-Zn in both solutions and powders. The dissymmetry factors, gabs and gCPL values, were within the order of 10-3 to 10-4 magnitudes, comparable to those reported for chiral Zn(II) complexes in previous studies.

Modulating anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties by designing a family of metal-complexes based on 5-nitropicolinic acid

A new family of six complexes based on 5-nitropicolinic acid (5-npic) and transition metals has been obtained: [M(5-npic)2]n (MII = Mn (1) and Cd (2)), [Cu(5-npic)2]n (3), and [M(5-npic)2(H2O)2] (MII = Co (4), Ni (5), and Zn (6)), which display 1D, 2D, and mononuclear structures, respectively, thanks to different coordination modes of 5-npic. After their physicochemical characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), elemental analyses (EA), and spectroscopic techniques, quantum chemical calculations using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) were performed to further study the luminescence properties of compounds 2 and 6. The potential anticancer activity of all complexes was tested against three tumor cell lines, B16-F10, HT29, and HepG2, which are models widely used for studying melanoma, colon cancer, and liver cancer, respectively. The best results were found for compounds 2 and 4 against B16-F10 (IC50 = 26.94 and 45.10 μg mL-1, respectively). In addition, anti-inflammatory studies using RAW 264.7 cells exhibited promising activity for 2, 3, and 6 (IC50 NO = 5.38, 24.10, and 17.63 μg mL-1, respectively). This multidisciplinary study points to complex 2, based on CdII, as a promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory material.

Complexes of Gold(III) with Hydrazones Derived from Pyridoxal: Stability, Structure, and Nature of UV-Vis Spectra

Pyridoxal and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate are aldehyde forms of B6 vitamin that can easily be transformed into each other in the living organism. The presence of a phosphate group, however, provides the related compounds (e.g., hydrazones) with better solubility in water. In addition, the phosphate group may sometimes act as a binding center for metal ions. In particular, a phosphate group can be a strong ligand for a gold(III) ion, which is of interest for researchers for the anti-tumor and antimicrobial potential of gold(III). This paper aims to answer whether the phosphate group is involved in the complex formation between gold(III) and hydrazones derived from pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The answer is negative, since the comparison of the stability constants determined for the gold(III) complexes with pyridoxal- and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-derived hydrazones showed a negligible difference. In addition, quantum chemical calculations confirmed that the preferential coordination of two series of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated hydrazones to gold(III) ion is similar. The preferential protonation modes for the gold(III) complexes were also determined using experimental and calculated data.

Dicyanorhodanine-Pyrrole Conjugates for Visible Light-Driven Quantitative Photoswitching in Solution and the Solid State

Small molecule photoswitches capable of toggling between two distinct molecular states in response to light are versatile tools to monitor biological processes, control photochemistry, and design smart materials. In this work, six novel dicyanorhodanine-based pyrrole-containing photoswitches are reported. The molecular design avails both the Z and E isomers from synthesis, where each can be isolated using chromatographic techniques. Inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) interactions available to the E and Z isomers, respectively, uniquely impart thermal stability to each isomer over long time periods. Photoisomerization could be assessed by solution NMR and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques along with complementary ground- and excited-state computational studies, which show good agreement. Quantitative E → Z isomerization occurs upon 523 nm irradiation of the parent compound (where R = H) in solution, whereas Z → E isomerization using 404 nm irradiation offers a photostationary state (PSS) ratio of 84/16 (E/Z). Extending the π-conjugation of the pyrrole unit (where R = p-C6H4-OMe) pushes the maximum absorption to the yellow-orange region of the visible spectrum and allows bidirectional quantitative isomerization with 404 and 595 nm excitation. Comparator molecules have been prepared to report how the presence or absence of H-bonding affects the photoswitching behavior. Finally, studies of the photoswitches in neat films and photoinactive polymer matrices reveal distinctive structural and optical properties of the Z and E isomers and ultimately afford reversible photoswitching to spectrally unique PSSs using visible light sources including the Sun.

Amination and Protonation Facilitated Novel Isoxazole Derivative for Highly Efficient Electron and Hole Separation

It is of great importance to understand the intrinsic relationship between phototautomerization and photoelectric properties for the exploration of novel organic materials. Here, in order to chemically control the protonation process, the aminated isoxazole derivative (2,2'-(isoxazolo[5,4-d]isoxazole-3,6-diyl)dibenzenaminium, DP-DA-DPIxz) with -N═ as the proton acceptor was designed to achieve the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state which was triggered by an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. This kind of protonation enhanced the intramolecular hydrogen bonding, conjugative effect, and steric hindrance effects, ensuring a barrierless spontaneous TICT process. Through the intramolecular proton transfer, the configuration torsion and conjugation dissociation of the DP-DA-DPIxz molecule was favored, which led to efficient charge separation and remarkable variations in light-emitting properties. We hope the present investigation will provide a new approach to design novel optoelectronic organic materials and shine light on the understanding of the charge transfer and separation process in molecular science.

The Excited-State Lifetime of Poly(NDI2OD-T2) Is Intrinsically Short

Conjugated polymers composed of alternating electron donor and acceptor segments have come to dominate the materials being considered for organic photoelectrodes and solar cells, in large part because of their favorable near-infrared absorption. The prototypical electron-transporting push-pull polymer poly(NDI2OD-T2) (N2200) is one such material. While reasonably efficient organic solar cells can be fabricated with N2200 as the acceptor, it generally fails to contribute as much photocurrent from its absorption bands as the donor with which it is paired. Moreover, transient absorption studies have shown N2200 to have a consistently short excited-state lifetime (∼100 ps) that is dominated by a ground-state recovery. In this paper, we investigate whether these characteristics are intrinsic to the backbone structure of this polymer or if these are extrinsic effects from ubiquitous solution-phase and thin-film aggregates. We compare the solution-phase photophysics of N2200 with those of a pair of model compounds composed of alternating bithiophene (T2) donor and naphthalene diimide (NDI) acceptor units, NDI-T2-NDI and T2-NDI-T2, in a dilute solution. We find that the model compounds have even faster ground-state recovery dynamics (τ = 45, 27 ps) than the polymer (τ = 133 ps), despite remaining molecularly isolated in solution. In these molecules, as in the case of the N2200 polymer, the lowest excited state has a T2 to NDI charge-transfer (CT) character. Electronic-structure calculations indicate that the short lifetime of this state is due to fast nonradiative decay to the ground state (GS) promoted by strong CT-GS electronic coupling and strong electron-vibrational coupling with high-frequency (quantum) normal modes.

The OpenMMPol library for polarizable QM/MM calculations of properties and dynamics

We present a new library designed to provide a simple and straightforward way to implement QM/AMOEBA (Atomic Multipole Optimized Energetics for Biomolecular Applications) and other polarizable QM/MM (Molecular Mechanics) methods based on induced point dipoles. The library, herein referred to as OpenMMPol, is free and open-sourced and is engineered to address the increasing demand for accurate and efficient QM/MM simulations. OpenMMPol is specifically designed to allow polarizable QM/MM calculations of ground state energies and gradients and excitation properties. Key features of OpenMMPol include a modular architecture facilitating extensibility, parallel computing capabilities for enhanced performance on modern cluster architectures, a user-friendly interface for intuitive implementation, and a simple and flexible structure for providing input data. To show the capabilities offered by the library, we present an interface with PySCF to perform QM/AMOEBA molecular dynamics, geometry optimization, and excited-state calculation based on (time-dependent) density functional theory.

A Self-Accelerating Naphthalimide-Based Probe Coupled with Upconversion Nanoparticles for Ultra-Accurate Tri-Mode Visualization of Hydrogen Peroxide

The design and development of ultra-accurate probe is of great significance to chemical sensing in complex practical scenarios. Here, a self-accelerating naphthalimide-based probe with fast response and high sensitivity toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is designed. By coupling with the specially selected upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), an ultra-accurate colorimetric-fluorescent-upconversion luminescence (UCL) tri-mode platform is constructed. Owing to the promoted reaction process, this platform demonstrates rapid response (< 1 s), an ultra-low detection limit (4.34 nM), and superb anti-interferent ability even in presence of > 21 types of oxidants, explosives, metallic salts, daily compounds, colorful or fluorescent substances. In addition, the effectiveness of this design is further verified by a sponge-based sensing chip loaded with the UCNPs/probe in recognizing trace H2O2 vapor from interferents with the three characteristic colors existing simultaneously. The proposed design of probe and tri-mode visualization detection platform is expected to open up a brand-new methodology for ultra-accurate sensing.

Tetrazine-Isonitrile Bioorthogonal Fluorogenic Reactions Enable Multiplex Labeling and Wash-Free Bioimaging of Live Cells

Developing fluorogenic probes for simultaneous live cell labeling of multiple targets is crucial for understanding complex cellular events. The emerging [4+1] cycloaddition between tetrazine and isonitriles holds promise as a bioorthogonal tool, yet existing tetrazine probes lack reactivity and fluorogenicity. Here, we present the development of a series of tetrazine-functionalized bioorthogonal probes. By incorporating pyrazole adducts into the fluorophore scaffolds, the post-reacted probes displayed remarkable fluorescence turn-on ratios, up to 3184-fold. Moreover, these modifications are generalizable to various fluorophores, enabling a broad emission range from 473 to 659 nm. Quantum chemical calculations further elucidate the turn-on mechanisms. These probes enable the simultaneous labeling of multiple targets in live cells, without the need for a washing step. Consequently, our findings pave the way for advanced multiplex imaging and detection techniques for cellular studies.

Tuning ultrafast time-evolution of photo-induced charge-transfer states: A real-time electronic dynamics study in substituted indenotetracene derivatives

Photo-induced charge transfer (CT) states are pivotal in many technological and biological processes. A deeper knowledge of such states is mandatory for modeling the charge migration dynamics. Real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TD-DFT) electronic dynamics simulations are employed to explicitly observe the electronic density time-evolution upon photo-excitation. Asymmetrically substituted indenotetracene molecules, given their potential application as n-type semiconductors in organic photovoltaic materials, are here investigated. Effects of substituents with different electron-donating characters are analyzed in terms of the overall electronic energy spacing and resulting ultrafast CT dynamics through linear response (LR-)TD-DFT and RT-TD-DFT based approaches. The combination of the computational techniques here employed provided direct access to the electronic density reorganization in time and to its spatial and rational representation in terms of molecular orbital occupation time evolution. Such results can be exploited to design peculiar directional charge dynamics, crucial when photoactive materials are used for light-harvesting applications.

Rational design of super reductive EDA photocatalyst for challenging reactions: a theoretical and experimental study

We reported a novel electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) photocatalyst formed in situ from isoquinoline, a diboron reagent, and a weak base. To further optimize the efficiency of this photocatalyst, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to investigate the substituent effects on the properties of vertical excitation energy and redox potential. Subsequently, we experimentally validated these effects using a broader range of substituents and varying substitution positions. Notably, the 4-NH2 EDA complex derived from 4-NH2-isoquinoline exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency, enabling feasible metal free borylation of aromatic C-H bond and detosylaion of Ts-anilines under green and super mild conditions. These experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy for photocatalyst optimization.

Theoretical Study of Raman Intensities of p-Nitroaniline in Different Solvent Conditions by Using a Reference Interaction Site Model Self-Consistent Field Explicitly Including Constrained Spatial Electron Density Distribution

Raman spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools to understand and characterize the states and structures of systems in several environments. To obtain highly accurate changes in Raman intensities of systems in solution, theoretical treatment, which can deal with not only the states and structures of systems but also the environment around molecules, proves to be significant. Hence, in this study, we developed the calculation of changes in Raman intensities of systems in different solvent conditions by using the reference interaction site model self-consistent field study explicitly including constrained spatial electron density distribution; this model is designed based on elements from both quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. We showed that our calculation method could reproduce the changes in Raman intensities of p-nitroaniline (pNA) under different solvent conditions, including supercritical water, which has been observed in previous experimental studies. Based on the analysis of the calculation results, we observed that the ratio of the Raman intensity change of pNA in different solvent conditions is strongly correlated with the charge-transfer character of pNA.

Effect of Benzothiadiazole-Based π-Spacers on Fine-Tuning of Optoelectronic Properties of Oligothiophene-Core Donor Materials for Efficient Organic Solar Cells: A DFT Study

In this work, five novel A-π-D-π-A type molecules D1-D5 were designed by adding unusual benzothiadiazole derivatives as π-spacer blocks to the efficient reference molecule DRCN5T for application as donor materials in organic solar cells (OSCs). Based on a density functional theory approach, a comprehensive theoretical study was performed with different functionals (B3LYP, B3LYP-GD3, B3LYP-GD3BJ, CAM-B3LYP, M06, M062X, and wB97XD) and with different solvent types (PCM and SMD) at the extended basis set 6-311+g(d,p) to evaluate the structural, optoelectronic, and intramolecular charge transfer properties of these molecules. The B3LYP-GD3BJ hybrid functional was used to optimize the studied molecules in CHCl3 solution with the SMD model solvent as it provided the best results compared to experimental data. Transition density matrix maps were simulated to examine the hole-electron localization and the electronic excitation processes in the excited state, and photovoltaic parameters including open-circuit photovoltage and fill factor were investigated to predict the efficiency of these materials. All the designed materials showed promising optoelectronic and photovoltaic characteristics, and for most of them, a red shift. Out of the proposed molecules, [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine was selected as a promising π-spacer block to evaluate its interaction with PC61BM in a composite to understand the charge transfer between the donor and acceptor subparts. Overall, this study showed that adding π-spacer building blocks to the molecular structure is undoubtedly a potential strategy to further enhance the performance of donor materials for OSC applications.

Theoretical study of the Tetraaminelithium and Tetraaminesodium molecules complexed with H-, Li- and Na- anions: static and dynamic NLO parameters

CONTEXT

This work focuses on the study of six molecules composed of the TetraAmineLithium (TALi+) and TetraAmineSodium (TANa+) structures linked with the anions H-, Li- and Na-. The NLO results obtained by these calculations showed significant values of static first hyperpolarizabilities (βtot) ranging from 8.74 * 10-30 to 691.99 * 10-30 esu. The two molecules TALi-Li and TALi-Na gave the highest values of static βtot equal to 563.20 and 691.99 * 10-30 esu respectively and static second hyperpolarizabilities (γav) of 680.02 and 779.05 * 10-35 esu. The highest dynamic first hyperpolarizabilities (β||) values are around 1474080.00 * 10-30 esu and 6,145,080.00 * 10-30 esu at 720 nm lasers and which are attributed to the two molecules TANa-Li and TANa-Na respectively. Four molecules have push-pull behavior where the anions are donor groups, the Li+-NH3 and Na+-NH3 groups are acceptor groups and a bridge composed by the three remaining NH3 ligands. The maximum wavelengths (λmax) in vacuum and in the presence of solvents for all molecules are in the range 240 to 870 nm.

METHOD

The software used in this study is Gaussian 16. The optimizations of the molecules were calculated by B3LYP-D3/6-31 +  + G(d,p). The static first hyperpolarizability (βtot) was calculated by different functionals: CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, LC-BLYP, M11, wB97X, HSEh1PBE and M06-2X and the MP2 method, the basis-set used is 6-31 +  + G(d,p). Other calculations of static βtot were carried out by the CAM-B3LYP functional combined with several basis-sets: 6-31G(d,p), 6-31 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVDZ, AUG-cc- pVDZ, 6-311G(d,p), 6-311 +  + G(d,p), cc-pVTZ and AUG-cc-pVTZ. The calculations of the first (β||) and second (γ||) hyperpolarizabilities in second harmonic generation (SHG) were calculated by CAM-B3LYP/6-31 +  + G(d,p). The delocalization energies (E(2)) were determined by the NBO approach and calculated by the same functional and basis-set cited before. The solvation Gibbs energies (ΔGsolv) were calculated using the implicit SMD model. Maximum wavelengths (λmax) and oscillator strengths ([Formula: see text]) were calculated by TD-CAM-B3LYP/6-31 +  + G(d,p) in the presence of the implicit CPCM model.

Watching the Interplay between Photoinduced Ultrafast Charge Dynamics and Nuclear Vibrations

Here is presented the ultrafast hole-electron dynamics of photoinduced metal to ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) states in a Ru(II) complex, [Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2]4- (dcbpy = 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine), a photoactive molecule employed in dye sensitized solar cells. Via cutting-edge computational techniques, a tailored computational protocol is here presented and developed to provide a detailed analysis of the electronic manifold coupled with nuclear vibrations to better understand the nonradiative pathways and the resulting overall dye performances in light-harvesting processes (electron injection). Thus, the effects of different vibrational modes were investigated on both the electronic levels and charge transfer dynamics through a theoretical-computational approach. First, the linear response time-dependent density functional (LR-TDDFT) formalism was employed to characterize excitation energies and spacing among electronic levels (the electronic layouts). Then, to understand the ultrafast (femtosecond) charge dynamics on the molecular scale, we relied on the nonperturbative mean-field quantum electronic dynamics via real-time (RT-) TDDFT. Three vibrational modes were selected, representative for collective nuclear movements that can have a significant influence on the electronic structure: two involving NCS- ligands and one involving dcbpy ligands. As main results, we observed that such MLCT states, under vibrational distortions, are strongly affected and a faster interligand electron transfer mechanism is observed along with an increasing MLCT character of the adiabatic electronic states approaching closer in energy due to the vibrations. Such findings can help both in providing a molecular picture of multidimensional vibro-electronic spectroscopic techniques, used to characterize ultrafast coherent and noncoherent dynamics of complex systems, and to improve dye performances with particular attention to the study of energy or charge transport processes and vibronic couplings.

Characteristics of new pyrrolic derivatives and their oligomers using DFT and TD-DFT calculations

CONTEXT

This article is based on the study of pyrrolic derivatives and their oligomers. Knowing that, pyrrolic derivatives are widely studied on an industrial scale. The aim of this work is to find pyrrolic derivatives having the same physicochemical characteristics such as the pyrrolic edifice. Six derivatives were studied by substituting the hydrogens in the β position of the pyrroles with the following radicals: -CHO, -Cl, -CN, -NO, and -OH. The study was carried out theoretically using ab initio and density functional of theory (DFT) methods. In the first step, molecules of four units were taken into consideration in order to make the comparison between them. This comparison showed that the majority of molecules exhibited high intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) compared to the molecule composed of four pyrrolic units (OP4), and also exhibited strong nucleophilic and electrophilic characteristics. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis has shown continuous ICT mechanisms for certain molecules. The studied derivatives showed good solvation in several solvents compared to OP4. The molecules substituted by the radicals -CHO, -CN, -OH, and -NO generated several peaks in the excited states, which is the opposite case for the other molecules with a single peak. The effects of chain elongation revealed exponential equations generated by the two parameters energy gaps (ΔEH-L) and maximum wavelengths (λmax) as a function of the number of units (n). These equations were used to predict the maximum and minimum values of the above parameters for more elongated oligomers.

METHOD

The software used to make the calculations is Gaussian 16. All geometries were calculated by B3LYP functional and 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. The electronic parameters ΔEH-L were calculated by the following functionals: B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, LC-BLYP, wB97X, M062X, M06HF, and M11 in addition to the second-order Møller-Plesset method (MP2) while always keeping the basis set mentioned before. An effect of basis set variation was studied by the optimal functional in combination with the following basis sets: 6-31G(d,p), 6-31++G(d,p), cc-pVDZ, AUG-cc-pVDZ, 6-311G(d,p), 6-311++G(d,p), cc-pVTZ, and AUG-cc-pVTZ. The NBO study was carried out with the M06HF/6-31++G(d,p) functional using the NBO method. The solvation parameters were calculated by M06HF/6-31++G(d,p) in the presence of the implicit solvation model Solvation Model based on Density (SMD). The excited states were calculated by M06HF/6-31++G(d,p) by the implicit solvation model Conductor Polarizable Continuum Model (CPCM).

DFT Model of Elemental Sulfur in Sulfolane Solutions

The structure and the thermodynamic and optical (UV) properties of elemental sulfur solution in sulfolane (Sl) have been studied using density functional theory methods. The cyclic molecular form of sulfur (S8 "crown") was found using PBE1PBE/6-311+G(d,p) approximation in combination with a polarizable continuum model (the integral equation formalism variant) to exist in sulfolane medium as a Sl-S8-Sl solvate. It has been theoretically established that sulfur can form stable (S8)n clusters in concentrated solutions. An increase in the extent of association (n) of the sulfur cluster leads to a decrease in the extinction coefficient [TD-DFT(TPSSTPSS/6-311+G(d,p))] of the most intense absorption maximum lying at about 50,000 cm-1 while maintaining the shape of the remaining part of the spectrum. The observed pattern qualitatively expresses the spectral regularities of solutions with different concentrations of sulfur in sulfolane. It has been proposed that a model of the absorption spectrum of elemental sulfur suggests a minor contribution of the S12 molecular form (G298°((S12)2) - G298°((S8)3) ≈ -15.5 kJ mol-1). The findings of the study will provide deeper insights into the transformation of molecular forms of sulfur and more precisely analyze processes involving sulfur as an acting species using electronic spectroscopy.