Pump-Flow-Probe X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy as a Tool for Studying Intermediate States of Photocatalytic Systems

A new setup for pump-flow-probe X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been implemented at the SuperXAS beamline of the Swiss Light Source. It allows recording X-ray absorption spectra with a time resolution of tens of microseconds and high detection efficiency for samples with sub-mM concentrations. A continuous wave laser is used for the photoexcitation, with the distance between laser and X-ray beams and velocity of liquid flow determining the time delay, while the focusing of both beams and the flow speed define the time resolution. This method is compared with the alternative measurement technique that utilizes a 1 kHz repetition rate laser and multiple X-ray probe pulses. Such an experiment was performed at beamline 11ID-D of the Advanced Photon Source. Advantages, limitations and potential for improvement of the pump-flow-probe setup are discussed by analyzing the photon statistics. Both methods, with Co K-edge probing were applied to the investigation of a cobaloxime-based photo-catalytic reaction. The interplay between optimizing for efficient photoexcitation and time resolution as well as the effect of sample degradation for these two setups are discussed.

Fluorescence quenching of bovine serum albumin by NNMB

A new type of fluorophore 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1-((naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzimidazole (NNMB) has been prepared and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass and IR spectral analysis. Absorption, fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectral studies have been made for the mutual interaction of NNMB with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Absorption spectroscopy proved the formation of a ground state BSA…NNMB complex. Fluorescence spectrum of BSA in the presence of NNMB clearly shows that NNMB acts as a quencher. Based on the theory of Forester's non-radiation energy transfer (FRET) binding distance has been deduced. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (KSV), binding site number (n), apparent binding constant (KA) and corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were determined.

Fluorescence spectral studies of some imidazole derivatives

The photophysical properties of imidazole derivatives namely 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-1-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole and N,N-dimethyl-4-(4,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzenamine, synthesized from an unusual four components assembling, were studied in several solvents. Polarization also plays major role in the increase of excited-state dipole moment (μ(e)). From the spectral results, it was found that there is equilibrium between neutral species and monocationic (MC) species in polar aprotic and polar protic solvents. The basicity of the solvent, C(β) or C(SB) has a negative value, suggesting that the absorption and fluorescence bands shift to lower energies with increasing electron-donating ability of the solvent. Therefore, resonance structures 1b and 2b has the positive charge located at the nitrogen atom stabilized in basic solvents.

Bridged tetraquaternary salts from N,N'-polyfluoroalkyl-4,4'-bipyridine

4,4'-Bipyridine (1) with excess of polyfluoroalkyl bromide or iodides 2a-d at 100-110 degrees C without solvent gave the monoquaternary salts 3a-d in >90% yields. However, 1 with 2.5 equiv of 2a-c in DMF at 110 degrees C resulted in the diquaternary salts 5a-c in >85% yields. In DMF, 5a-c were obtained in comparable yields when a molar excess of 2a-c reacted with 3a-c. 1,4-Dibromobutane with 3a,b in DMF at 100 degrees C led to the tetraquaternary salts 7a,b in approximately 85% yields. In water or acetone/water as a solvent, salts 3a-d and 5a-c were metathesized with LiN(SO(2)CF(3))(2) and KSO(3)CF(3) to produce monoquaternary ionic liquids 4a-h in >88% yields and diquaternary ionic liquids 6a-f in >86% yields, respectively. Tetraquaternary ionic liquids 8a,b were obtained when LiN(SO(2)CF(3))(2) was reacted with salts 7a,b. These compounds were stable to 340 degrees C as determined by DSC. They are the first N-mono-, N,N'-di-, and N,N,N',N'-tetra-4,4'-polyfluoroalkylbipyridinium quaternary salts and ionic liquids.

Syntheses of the first N-mono- and N,N'-dipolyfluoroalkyl-4,4'-bipyridinium compounds

Reactions of 4,4'-bipyridine (1) with excess of polyfluoroalkyl iodides (2a-d) at 100-110 degrees C, under neat conditions, led to the formation of monoquaternary salts (3a-d) in > 90% yields. Salts 3a-d were metathesized with LiN(SO2CF3)2 either in water or water/acetone mixtures to form ionic liquids (4a-d), respectively, in > 88% yields. When 1 was reacted with 2.5 equivalent of 2a-c in DMF at 110 degrees C, the diquaternary salts 5a-c were formed in > 85% yields. Alternatively, 5a-c were also synthesized by heating a mixture of 3a-c and 2a-c (1.25 equivalent) in DMF. The metathesis reaction of 5a-c with LiN(SO2CF3)2 produced dicationic ionic liquids (6a-c) in > 86% yield.

Spectral Characteristics of the Various Prototropic Species of 2-(4'-N,N-Dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole (DMAPPI) have been studied in two different solvents and H(0)/pH/H(-) range of -10 to +16. Combining the results observed in the absorption, fluorescence, and fluorescence excitation spectra, it is found that (i) only one kind of monoanion (deprotonation of >N-H group) and one kind of trication, (ii) two kinds of monocations (MC1 and MC3) in the ground state and (MC2 and MC3) in the excited singlet state, and (iii) three kinds of dications (DC1, DC2, and DC3) are observed. Semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations (AM1) have been carried out on all kinds of ionic species and their resonating structures. The spectral characteristics have been assigned to various prototropic species combining the experimental and theoretical results.