Different functional groups dependent fluorescent properties for ESIPT-based ABTN derivatives: A theoretical study

Abstract

On the basis of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT), 2-amino-3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzaldehyde derivatives (ABTN-1, ABTN-2, ABTN-3) are selected as models to theoretically explore the effect of different functional groups on the fluorescent properties and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) behavior. The optimized configurations, infrared vibrational frequencies and topological parameters are used to analyze the intensity of intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB). The absorption and fluorescence emission spectra are simulated, and the frontier molecular orbital as well as electron-hole distribution are investigated. In addition, the ground state (S0) and excited state (S1) potential energy curves (PECs) are constructed. The–CN group has little effect on the absorption and fluorescence wavelengths of ABTN. The –N(CH3)2 group red-shifts the absorption and fluorescence wavelengths exceeding 100 nm. The coexistence of –CN and –N(CH3)2 groups has almost the same effect on the absorption and fluorescence peaks as the–N(CH3)2 group.