Decay dynamics of 6‐azauracil from the light absorbing S2(ππ*) state

Abstract

AbstractThe initial decay dynamics of 6AU in the S2 state was investigated by using resonance Raman spectroscopy, the time‐dependent wave‐packet theory in a Brownian oscillator model, and complete‐active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) protocol. The vibrational spectra and the ultraviolet absorption bands were assigned on the basis of the Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, FT‐infrared measurements, the density‐functional theory computations, and the normal mode analysis. The absorption cross section and the absolute resonance Raman cross sections were simulated simultaneously by using the time‐dependent wave‐packet theory in a Brownian oscillator model. The obtained normal mode displacements of the Franck–Condon active modes were then converted to the short‐time structural dynamics in easy‐to‐visualize internal coordinates. The roles of two pathways via the S2 → S1 internal conversion and the S2 → T3 intersystem crossing were evaluated through the comparison between the short‐time structural dynamics and the CASSCF/CASTP2 calculated structural changes between FC and S2S1 or between FC and S2T3. The results indicate that the structural dynamics in the Franck–Condon region of the S2 state is mostly toward the S2/S1 conical intersection, which supports the conclusion that the S2 → S1 internal conversion dominants the initial decay pathway of 6AU as revealed by the broadband fs TA spectroscopy, whereas the barrierless S2 → T3 intersystem‐crossing process is negligible owing to weak spin‐orbital coupling and unfavorable subsequent T3 → T2 → T1 decay. The reaction coordinates towards the planar S2(ππ*)/S1(nπ*) and severely distorted S2(ππ*)/S0 conical intersection points are proposed respectively, and the solvent effect on the initial decay mechanisms of 6AU, uracil, and thymine is clarified.