Control over charge separation in phthalocyanine-anthraquinone conjugates as a function of the aggregation status

Mechanism of ultrafast flavin photoreduction in the active site of flavoenzyme LSD1 histone demethylase

Photoreduction of oxidized flavins has a functional role in photocatalytic and photoreceptor flavoproteins. In flavoproteins without light-dependent physiological functions, ultrafast, reversible flavin photoreduction is supposedly photoprotective by nature, and holds potential for nonnatural photocatalytic applications. In this work, we combine protein mutagenesis, ultrafast spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics calculations to investigate the nonfunctional flavin photoreduction in a flavoenzyme, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) which is pivotal in DNA transcription. LSD1 harbors an oxidized flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor and multiple electron-donating residues in the active site. Upon photoexcitation, the FAD cofactor is photoreduced in <200 fs by electron transfer (ET) from nearby residue(s), and the charge pairs recombine in ca. 2 ps. Site-directed mutagenesis pinpoints a specific tryptophan residue, W751, as the primary electron donor, whereas a tyrosine residue, Y761, despite being located closer to the flavin ring, does not effectively contribute to the process. Based on a hybrid quantum-classical computational approach, we characterize the W751-FAD and Y761-FAD charge-transfer states (CTW751 and CTY761, respectively), as well as the FAD locally excited state (LEFAD), and demonstrate that the coupling between LEFAD and CTW751 is larger than those involving CTY761 by an order of magnitude, rationalizing the experimental observations. More generally, this work highlights the role of the intrinsic protein environment and details of donor-acceptor molecular configurations on the dynamics of short-range ET involving a flavin cofactor and amino acid residue(s).

1-Hydroxyanthraquinones Containing Aryl Substituents as Potent and Selective Anticancer Agents

A series of 1,2-, 1,4-disubstituted or 1,2,4-trisubstituted anthraquinone-based compounds was designed, synthesized, characterized and biologically evaluated for anticancer efficacy. 2- or 4-arylated 1-hydroxy-9,10-antraquinones (anthracene-9,10-diones) were prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of 1-hydroxy-2-bromoanthraquinone, 1-hydroxy-4-iodoanthraquinone or 1-hydroxy-2,4-dibromoanthraquinone with arylboronic acids. The cross-coupling reaction of 2,4-dibromo-9,10-anthraquinone with arylboronic acids provide a convenient approach to 2,4-bis arylated 1-hydroxyanthraquinones with a variety of aryl substituent in the 2 and 4 position. The cytotoxicity of new anthraquinone derivatives was evaluated using the conventional MTT assays. The data revealed that six of the aryl substituted compounds among the entire series 3, 15, 16, 25, 27, 28 were comparable potent with the commercially available reference drug doxorubicin on the human glioblastoma cells SNB-19, prostate cancer DU-145 or breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and were relatively safe towards human telomerase (h-TERT)immortalized lung fibroblasts cells. The results suggested that the in vitro antitumor activity of synthesized 2-aryl, 4-aryl- and 2,4-diaryl substituted 1-hydroxyanthraquinones depends on the nature of the substituent within the cyclic backbone. Docking interaction of 2-, 4-substituted and 2,4-disubstituted 1-hydroxyanthraquinones indicates intercalative mode of binding of compounds with DNA topoisomerase. The interaction with the DNA of 4-aryl-13, 15, 16 and 4-(furan-3-yl)-23 1-hydroxyanthraquinones was experimentally confirmed through a change in electroforetic mobility. Further experiments with 1-hydroxy-4-phenyl-anthraquinone 13 demonstrated that the compound induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase in DU-145 cells in the concentration 1.1 μM, which is probably achieved by inducing apoptosis. 4-Arylsubstituted 1-hydroxyanthraquinones 13 and 16 induced the enhancement of DNA synthesis on SNB19 cell lines.

Phthalocyanine-Cored Fluorophores with Fluorene-Containing Peripheral Two-Photon Antennae as Photosensitizers for Singlet Oxygen Generation

A series of free base and Zn(II) phthalocyanines featuring fluorenyl antennae linked by methoxy or oxo bridges to the phthalocyanine core (Pc) were synthesized and characterized. Selected linear and nonlinear (two-photon absorption) optical properties of these new compounds were subsequently studied. As previously observed for related porphyrin dendrimers bearing 2-fluorenyl peripheral dendrons, an efficient energy transfer occurs from the peripheral antennae to the central phthalocyanine core following excitation in the fluorenyl-based π–π* absorption band of these chromophores. Once excited, these compounds relax to the ground state, mostly by emitting intense red light or by undergoing intersystem crossing. As a result, the tetrafunctionalized Zn(II) phthalocyanines are fluorescent, but can also efficiently photosensitize molecular oxygen in tetrahydrofurane (THF), forming singlet oxygen with nearly comparable yields to bare Zn(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc). In comparison with the latter complex, the positive role of the fluorenyl-containing antennae on one- and two-photon brightness (2PA) is presently demonstrated when appended in peripheral (β) position to the phthalocyanine core. Furthermore, when compared to known porphyrin analogues, the interest in replacing the porphyrin by a phthalocyanine as the central core to obtain more fluorescent two-photon oxygen photosensitizers is clearly established. As such, this contribution paves the way for the future development of innovative biphotonic photosensitizers usable in theranostics.

On the mechanism of Candida tropicalis biofilm reduction by the combined action of naturally-occurring anthraquinones and blue light

The photoprocesses involved in the photo-induced Candida tropicalis biofilm reduction by two natural anthraquinones (AQs), rubiadin (1) and rubiadin-1-methyl ether (2), were examined. Production of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and of superoxide radical anion (O₂^•−) was studied. Although it was not possible to detect the triplet state absorption of any AQs in biofilms, observation of ¹O₂ phosphorescence incubated with deuterated Phosphate Buffer Solution, indicated that this species is actually formed in biofilms. 2 was accumulated in the biofilm to a greater extent than 1 and produced measurable amounts of O₂^•− after 3h incubation in biofilms. The effect of reactive oxygen species scavengers on the photo-induced biofilm reduction showed that Tiron (a specific O₂^•− scavenger) is most effective than sodium azide (a specific ¹O₂ quencher). This suggests that O₂^•− formed by electron transfer quenching of the AQs excited states, is the main photosensitizing mechanism involved in the photo-induced antibiofilm activity, whereas ¹O₂ participation seems of lesser importance.

Pentadecaphenylenes: synthesis, self-assembly and complexation with fullerene C60

Macrocyclic pentadecaphenylene incorporates fullerene C₆₀ in its cavity to afford fibrous 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 sandwich complexes.

Iron phthalocyanine supported on amidoximated PAN fiber as effective catalyst for controllable hydrogen peroxide activation in oxidizing organic dyes

Iron(II) phthalocyanine was immobilized onto amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fiber to construct a bioinspired catalytic system for oxidizing organic dyes by H₂O₂ activation. The amidoxime groups greatly helped to anchor Iron(II) phthalocyanine molecules onto the fiber through coordination interaction, which has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses. Electron spin resonance studies indicate that the catalytic process of physically anchored Iron(II) phthalocyanine performed via a hydroxyl radical pathway, while the catalyst bonded Iron(II) phthalocyanine through coordination effect could selectively catalyze the H₂O₂ decomposition to generate high-valent iron-oxo species. This may result from the amidoxime groups functioning as the axial fifth ligands to favor the heterolytic cleavage of the peroxide OO bond. This feature also enables the catalyst to only degrade the dyes adjacent to the catalytic active centers and enhances the efficient utilization of H₂O₂. In addition, this catalyst could effectively catalyze the mineralization of organic dyes and can be easily recycled without any loss of activity.

Tomás Torres’ research in a nutshell

This review, dedicated to Professor Tomás Torres on the occasion of his 65th birthday, offers an overview of the main achievements in his research career. Having a strong background in organic chemistry, he and his group have constantly devoted much effort to the development of synthetic methods towards novel systems based on phthalocyanines and other porphyrinoid analogues. Not less important, the founding of solid collaborations with other prominent scientists has led to study the physicochemical properties of these [Formula: see text]-conjugated dyes, and to evaluate their potential application in multidisciplinary areas such as self-assembly, nanochemistry, optoelectronics and biomedicine.

A Colorful Life: Scientific Achievements of Tomás Torres in the Fields of Phthalocyanines, Molecular Materials and Nanoscience

Some of the most important achievements of Tomás Torres in the last few decades within the fields of Phthalocyanines and related compounds, Molecular Materials and Nanoscience are revised and his recognized international prestige in these areas highlighted on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

Theoretical study of the ground and excited states of 1-methylamideanthraquinone and its complex with fluoride anion

We have performed a series of calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) for 1-methylamideanthraquinone (MAAQ). In the S0 state of MAAQ, amide group is coplanar with anthraquinone, and an intramolecular hydrogen bond [Formula: see text] is formed. The [Formula: see text] transition has an intramolecular charge transfer character. Two stable structures (planar nMAAQ and twisted tMAAQ) have been obtained in the S1 state of MAAQ. Thereinto, nMAAQ is lower by 0.105[Formula: see text]eV than tMAAQ in energy, so nMAAQ is the dominant conformation in the S1 state of MAAQ and the emission spectra of tMAAQ cannot be observed in the solution of MAAQ. Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) between C[Formula: see text]O and N–H was not observed in the S1 state of MAAQ. Upon addition of fluoride anion, only twisted conformations were obtained in both S0 and S1 states of MAAQ-F[Formula: see text]. An intermolecular hydrogen bond [Formula: see text] is formed in the S0 state, and intermolecular proton transfer happens in the S1 state for MAAQ-F[Formula: see text].

Study of the Edge-on Self-Assembly of Axially Substituted Silicon(IV) Phthalocyanine Derivatives in a Template on the HOPG Surface

Molecular conformation is an important issue related to the self-assembly architecture and property. The self-assembly of silicon(IV) phthalocyanines covalently linked to the 5-N-cytidine or 4-carboxyphenoxy moiety at the axial positions, namely, SiPc(NC)2 and SiPc(CP)2, respectively, has been studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the solid-liquid interface. The intermolecular axial hydrogen bonding in combination with the stabilizing role of the TCDB template brings about supramolecular self-assembled structures of silicon(IV) phthalocyanines in an edge-on orientation. Two pyridine compounds, 4,4'-bipyridine (BPY) and 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene (DPE), can tune the supramolecular structure, leading to interestingly axial self-assemblies of SiPc(CP)2 with BPY and DPE in an edge-on manner by hydrogen bonding. The results indicate that the axial substituents and the axial ligands can regulate and precisely control the conformation and arrangement of the phthalocyanine moiety on the graphite surface.

Water-assisted self-photoredox of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-9,10-anthraquinone through a triplet excited state intra-molecular proton transfer pathway

A novel self-photoredox reaction for 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-9,10-anthraquinone has been theoretically rationalized to take place through two steps of triplet excited state intra-molecular proton transfer aided by water wires.

Direct observation of hole shift and characterization of spin states in radical ion pairs generated from photoinduced electron transfer of (phenothiazine)(n)-anthraquinone (n = 1, 3) dyads

Photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer of dyad PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1-B-AQ consisting of phenothiazine trimer (PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1), bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (B), and anthraquinone (AQ) was investigated. After excitation (∼20 ps) of the AQ moiety in THF, a metastable radical ion pair (RIP) PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1(+)-B-AQ(-) appeared at ∼620 nm. From 500 ps to 6 ns the spectrum changed to a new absorption (∼950 nm), which was assigned to the hole-shifted stable RIP state PTZ3-PTZ2(+)-PTZ1-B-AQ(-). The time constant of the hole-shift process was determined to be 6.0 ns. The hole-shifted RIP state had a lifetime (τ) of 250 ns and was characterized by spin-polarized signals as a spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) by means of time-resolved ESR. These results were compared with those for the phenothiazine monomer analog PTZ-B-AQ, which also produced the RIP state PTZ(+)-B-AQ(-) with τ = 1.9 μs. Time-resolved ESR showed an all emission signal pattern showing the triplet mechanism of PTZ-B-(3)AQ* → (3)[PTZ(+)-B-AQ(-)]. The origin of the difference in the lifetimes between the trimer and the monomer RIP states was discussed from various points of view, including free energy difference in the RIP states, reorganization energy difference in the charge recombination process, and the spin-state difference. Of these, the spin-state difference effect provided the most reasonable explanation.

The Ugi four-component reaction as a concise modular synthetic tool for photo-induced electron transfer donor-anthraquinone dyads

Phenothiazinyl and carbazolyl-donor moieties can be covalently coupled to an anthraquinone acceptor unit through an Ugi four-component reaction in a rapid, highly convergent fashion and with moderate to good yields. These novel donor–acceptor dyads are electronically decoupled in the electronic ground state according to UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. However, in the excited state the inherent donor luminescence is efficiently quenched. Previously performed femtosecond spectroscopic measurements account for a rapid exergonic depopulation of the excited singlet states into a charge-separated state. Calculations of the Gibbs energy of photo-induced electron transfer from readily available UV–vis spectroscopic and cyclovoltammetric data applying the Weller approximation enables a quick evaluation of these novel donor–acceptor dyads. In addition, the X-ray structure of a phenothiazinyl–anthraquinone dyad supports short donor–acceptor distances by an intramolecular π-stacking conformation, an important assumption also implied in the calculations of the Gibbs energies according to the Weller approximation.

Comparative study of optical, structural and electrical properties of zinc phthalocyanine Langmuir–Blodgett thin film on annealing

Model representing growth mechanism in the LB thin film during phase transformation from α- to β-phase on annealing.

Size-dependent and step-modulated supramolecular electrochemical properties of catechol-derived adlayers at Pt(hkl) surfaces

The electrochemical reactivity of catechol-derived adlayers is reported at platinum (Pt) single-crystal electrodes. Pt(111) and stepped vicinal surfaces are used as model surfaces possessing well-ordered nanometer-sized Pt(111) terraces ranging from 0.4 to 12 nm. The electrochemical experiments were designed to probe how the control of monatomic step-density and of atomic-level step structure can be used to modulate molecule-molecule interactions during self-assembly of aromatic-derived organic monolayers at metallic single-crystal electrode surfaces. A hard sphere model of surfaces and a simplified band formation model are used as a theoretical framework for interpretation of experimental results. The experimental results reveal (i) that supramolecular electrochemical effects may be confined, propagated, or modulated by the choice of atomic level crystallographic features (i.e.monatomic steps), deliberately introduced at metallic substrate surfaces, suggesting (ii) that substrate-defect engineering may be used to tune the macroscopic electronic properties of aromatic molecular adlayers and of smaller molecular aggregates.

Supramolecular organization of phthalocyanines: from solution to surface

Phthalocyanines are an interesting class of aromatic macrocycles which possess exciting electrical, redox and photophysical properties that make them ideal building blocks for applications in different technological fields. However, the incorporation of phthalocyanines into devices is often tied to the possibility of organizing these macrocycles into arrays using supramolecular interactions. To date, several supramolecular motifs such as hydrogen-bonding, donor-acceptor or metal-ligand interactions have been used to promote the phthalocyanines' organization in solution. Furthermore, such weak, non-covalent interactions have also been widely employed to foster the organization of these macrocycles in condensed phases such as liquid-crystals or thin films. This micro-review provides a brief overview of the contribution made by some research groups in Spain towards the preparation of organized phthalocyanine-based supramolecular systems.

Phthalocyanines, subphthalocyanines and porphyrins for energy and electron transfer applications

The importance and complexity of energy and electron transfer reactions in biological and artificial light energy conversion systems have prompted the preparation and photophysical study of donor-acceptor (D-A) molecular models. This article aims to highlight the efforts of Portuguese and Spanish research groups on the design, synthesis and photophysical study of molecular and supramolecular donor-acceptor systems based on phthalocyanines, subphthalocyanines and porphyrins.

Synthesis of all-cis and all-trans tetrakis(phenylvinylene)-phthalocyanines

We have synthesized a series of tetrakis(arylvinylene)phthalocyanines from the corresponding phthalonitriles. Substitution of the para-fluorine in the pentafluorphenyl ring with an alkoxy group from the solvent occurs during the synthesis. This substitution can be suppressed by the addition of zinc chloride or tin chloride to the reaction mixture. According to 1 H and 19 F NMR data, the cis- or trans-conformations of the starting materials are retained during condensation; thus the phthalocyanines formed are in all-cis or all-trans form. Cis-trans photoisomerization occurs easily for phthalonitriles, while phthalocyanines retain their conformations under UV beam.

Photophysical and theoretical insights on non-covalently linked fullerene-zinc phthalocyanine complexes

The photo-physical aspects of non-covalently linked assemblies of a series of fullerenes, namely, C60, C70, tert-butyl-(1,2-methanofullerene)-61-carboxylate (1) and [6,6]-phenyl C70 butyric acid methyl ester (2) with a designed zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), viz., zinc-1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (3) in toluene medium are studied employing absorption spectrophotometric, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. Of central interest in these investigations is the preferential binding of various fullerenes with ZnPc in toluene. The ground state interaction between fullerenes and 3 is first evidenced from UV-Vis measurements. Steady state fluorescence experiment reveals efficient quenching of the excited singlet state of 3 in presence of both underivatized and derivatized fullerenes. K values for the complexes of C60, C70, 1 and 2 with 3 are determined to be 6500, 22,230, 47,800 and 54,770 dm3 mol(-1), respectively. The magnitude of K suggests that 3 preferentially binds C70 and derivatized C70 in comparison to C60 and 1. Time resolved emission measurements establish that C(70)-3 and 2-3 complexes are stabilized much more in comparison to C(60)-3 and 1-3 systems in terms of charge separation process. Semi empirical calculations employing third parametric method substantiate the strong binding of C70 and its derivative with 3 in terms of heat of formation values of the respective complexes, and at the same time, determine the orientation of bound guest (here fullerenes) with the molecular plane of 3.

Photocontrollable J-aggregation of a diarylethene-phthalocyanine hybrid and its aggregation-stabilized photochromic behavior

The photocontrollable J-aggregation of a diarylethene-phthalocyanine hybrid (T-ZnPc) and its aggregation-stabilized photochromic behavior were investigated by various techniques. T-ZnPc initially exhibited slight J-aggregation tendency in solvents such as chloroform and toluene through conformational planarization effect, but formed much stronger J-aggregates upon the illumination of 254 nm UV light. In darkness, the UV-irradiated solutions gradually returned to their initial state. These phenomena can be explained by the pronounced change in molecular planarity accompanying the reversible isomerization of the diarylethene units of T-ZnPc. Besides, we have found that the thermal stability of the closed-ring diarylethene isomers in molecularly dispersed T-ZnPc is much poorer than that in aggregates. As long as the aggregates were broken, they converted to corresponding open-ring form instantly. This study provided an example of fully photocontrollable aggregation of phthalocyanines and paved a new way for improving the stability of the photochromic systems.

Photochemistry of 1,n-dibenzyloxy-9,10-anthraquinones

The photochemistry of a series of 9,10-anthraquinones with multiple benzyloxy substituents was investigated. In polar solvent, the expected Blankespoor oxidative cleavage reaction is the major reaction pathway, but in most cases, several minor products were observed. In nonpolar solvents, the abundance of these minor products increases dramatically. Four types of product were observed with the favored reaction pathway shifting with minor changes in substitution on the anthraquinone. Several types of product require cleavage of the C-O bond on the benzyloxy group and, apparently, follow a photo-Claisen-type mechanism. Others involve the expected 1,5-diradical but do not exhibit the single-electron transfer usually observed in the Blankespoor-type reaction. The results indicate the importance of considering the medium and photoredox behavior in anthraquinone photochemistry.

An electrochemical and photophysical study of a covalently linked inorganic-organic dyad

A molecular donor-acceptor dyad comprising a hexarhenium cluster core, [Re(6)(mu(3)-Se)(8)](2+), and a fullerene moiety which are covalently linked through a pyridine ligand was synthesized and fully characterized. The electrochemical and photophysical properties are reported. The detailed study includes cyclic voltammetry, steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, radiation chemistry and transient absorption spectroscopy. A light-induced electron transfer between the inorganic cluster moiety and the fullerene can be excluded. However, a light-induced energy transfer from the rhenium cluster to the fullerene is proposed.