Proton Transfer Phenomena Research Articles

Photo-isomerization enabled reversible wavelength switching in fiber random laser for color image encryption

Random lasers owing the functionality of generating random spectra facilitate the chaotic encrypted systems essential for cryptography in the current information epoch. Nevertheless, single wavelength bands of random lasers provide an unsuitable key for image encryption that causes outline interpretation and a fragile complex dual chaotic encryption demanding secured image encryption. This research presents an inevitable development of a reversible switchable wavelength fiber random laser composed of the mixture of highly polarized intramolecular charge transfer dye molecules and the optimum concentration of titanium dioxide acting as gain and efficient scattering mediums respectively within a polyvinyl alcohol matrix. This mixture with a certain ratio is coated on a fiber employing a dip coated method, followed by a layer of polydimethylsiloxane to facilitate with high coefficient of thermal expansion. Random laser emission is enabled with dynamically switchable wavelengths obeying the excited state intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon under the photo-isomerization. The optimum scatters concentration yields a lower threshold of 32 µJ/cm2 with full width at half maximum of 0.4 nm and dual emission reversible switchable wavelength bands centered around 443 nm and 464 nm attributed to inter charge transfer feature of the dye molecules. Thereby, the dual reversible switchable wavelength bands feed as input for a dual chaotic color image encryption system. Further, in this integrated system, beam divergence of random laser emissions remains less than 20° during both situations of with- and without irradiation. This delicate approach paves the way in laying the foundation about the applicability of fiber random lasers in an information security system.

Insights into the solvent-polarity-associated hydrogen bonding interactions and ESIPT reactions for DBOX fluorophore: a theoretical investigation

Inspired by the exquisite design of distinguished optical materials, novel organic molecules with remarkable characteristics of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) have emerged as a prominent and captivating research topic. In this study, our primary focus lies in exploring the intricate dynamics of the excited state in 2-(5-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (DBOX), an extraordinary reversible molecular fluorophore that undergoes single-crystal-to-single-crystal transition. By investigating four distinct aprotic solvents with varying degrees of polarity, we unequivocally validate the significant impact of solvent polarity on photo-induced hydrogen bonding interactions, charge redistribution, and associated excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomena. Through meticulous comparison and precise quantification of reaction barriers in diverse solvent environments, our groundbreaking findings strongly suggest that solvents with low polarities effectively facilitate the ESIPT reaction for DBOX fluorophore.

Investigation of hydrogen bonds in proton transfer complexes derived from the reaction of 2- and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridines with chloranilic acid

New complexes of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine with chloranilic acid (2-DMAP + CLA) and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine with chloranilic acid (4-DMAP + CLA) were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis methods and 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectroscopies were carried out in both, DMSO solution and in the solid state (CPMAS NMR). The 2-DMAP + CLA and 4-DMAP + CLA complexes crystallize in centrosymmetric P-1 and P21/c space group, respectively.In both complexes, the phenomenon of proton transfer is observed, which results in the formation of strong N+–H···O– hydrogen bonds. Thermal decompositions of 2-DMAP + CLA and 4-DMAP + CLA complexes were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Temperature dependent IR spectra revealed that methyl groups of 4-DMAP + CLA perform fast stochastic reorientational motion at room temperature which is slowed on cooling while in 2-DMAP + CLA reonrientational motion of CH3 groups is much slower due to steric effects.

Synthesis of a benzothiazole-based structure as a selective colorimetric-fluorogenic cyanate chemosensor

Abstract In this study, a new heterocyclic compound incorporating a benzothiazole moiety was specifically designed for the detection of cyanate anions, employing a hydrogen bonding mechanism. Through strategic integration of triazine and phenylenediamine cyclic groups into the compound’s structure, intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the donor and acceptor sites were enhanced, leading to exceptional sensitivity towards cyanate anions. Utilizing the amino-type excited-state intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon, this new compound exhibited dual signals and achieved a significant Stokes’ shift via proton transfer, coupled with aggregation-induced emission properties. This unique combination resulted in visible color changes and an impressive fluorescence response, offering a promising solution for the sensitive detection of cyanate ions in critical environmental matrices. Cyanate detection at low concentrations by this as-synthesized compound (L1), accompanied by a distinct color change and a gradual fluorescence increase upon incremental cyanate addition demonstrated L1’s selectivity, as confirmed in the presence of various competing anions F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, ClO 3 − {\text{ClO}}_{3}^{-} , ClO 4 − {\text{ClO}}_{4}^{-} , NO 3 − {\text{NO}}_{3}^{-} , BrO 3 − {\text{BrO}}_{3}^{-} , CN− and CNO−. Spectrofluorometric investigations demonstrated that L1 shows significant potential as a selective cyanate anion detection candidate.

ESIPT and anti-Kasha behavior in hydroxy-aza-[n]cycloparaphenylenes

We explore the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon in hydroxy-substituted aza-[5]-cycloparaphenylene (HA-[5]CPP). Computed excitation energies show well-separated S1 and S2 states, with the latter possessing a relatively higher oscillator strength. Upon photoexcitation to S2, the molecule undergoes an intramolecular proton transfer over a barrierless pathway to relax at the proton-transferred tautomeric form, demonstrating anti-Kasha photochemistry. Further, well-separated S1 and S2 state minima of the tautomers allow a direct fluorescence emission from S2, thus making it a potential anti-Kasha emitter.

Photoactivable AIEgen-based Lipid-Droplet-Specific Drug Delivery Model for Live Cell Imaging and Two-Photon Light-Triggered Anticancer Drug Delivery.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic complex organelles involved in various physiological processes, and their number and activity are linked to multiple diseases, including cancer. In this study, we have developed LD-specific near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nano-drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on chalcone derivatives for cancer treatment. The reported nano-DDSs localized inside the cancer microenvironment of LDs, and upon exposure to light, they delivered the anticancer drug valproic acid in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. The developed systems, namely, 2'-hydroxyacetophenone-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde-valproic (HA-DAB-VPA) and 2'-hydroxyacetophenone-diphenylaminobenzaldehyde-valproic (HA-DPB-VPA) ester conjugates, required only two simple synthetic steps. Our reported DDSs exhibited interesting properties such as excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomena, which provided advantages such as AIE-initiated photorelease and ESIPT-enhanced rate of photorelease upon exposure to one- or two-photon light. Further, colocalization studies of the nano-DDSs by employing two cancerous cell lines (MCF-7 cell line and CT-26 cell line) and one normal cell line (HEK cell line) revealed LD concentration-dependent enhanced fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, systematic investigations of both the nano-DDSs in the presence and absence of oleic acid inside the cells revealed that nano-DDS HA-DPB-VPA accumulated more selectively in the LDs. This unique selectivity by the nano-DDS HA-DPB-VPA toward the LDs is due to the hydrophobic nature of the diphenylaminobenzaldehyde (mimicking the LD core), which significantly leads to the aggregation and ESIPT (at 90% volume of fw, ΦF = 20.4% and in oleic acid ΦF = 24.6%), respectively. Significantly, we used this as a light-triggered anticancer drug delivery model to take advantage of the high selectivity and accumulation of the nano-DDS HA-DPB-VPA inside the LDs. Hence, these findings give a prototype for designing drug delivery models for monitoring LD-related intracellular activities and significantly triggering the release of LD-specific drugs in the biological field.

The case for an oxidopyrylium intermediate in the mechanism of quercetin dioxygenases

The quercetin dioxygenases (QDOs) are unusual metalloenzymes in that they display ring-opening dioxygenase activity with several different first-row transition metal ions which do not undergo redox changes during turnover. The QDOs are also unique in that the substrate binds as an η1-flavonolate rather than the η2 -bidentate mode seen in all reported model complexes. The flavonol substrates were early examples of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomena, in which photoexcitation causes an H-atom exchange between the adjacent hydroxyl and ketone, generating an oxidopyrylium emissive state. These oxidopyryliums undergo ring-opening dioxygenations analogous to the enzymatic reactions. Our hypothesis is that lability of the divalent metal ion may allow access to a reactive oxidopyrylium intermediate via coordination switching from the oxy to ketone position, which allows reaction with O2. In this report, we use a straight-forward methylation strategy to generate a panel of flavonol and thioflavonol derivatives modeling several η1- and η2−coordination modes. Methylation of 3-hydroxythioflavone generates an air stable η1 hydroxopyrylium salt, which undergoes rapid ring-opening dioxygenation by deprotonation or photoexcitation. By comparison, the η1-methoxyflavonol does not react with O2 under any condition. We find that any of the studied flavonol derivatives, η1 or η2, which demonstrates ESIPT-like oxidopyrylium emissions undergo QDO-like ring-opening reactions with dioxygen. The implications of these results concerning the mechanism of QDOs and related dioxygenases is discussed.

Chemodosimetric Mechanistic Insight through Trapping Intermediate for Selective Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Medium by a Dinuclear CdII Complex

AbstractA fluorescent dinuclear cadmium(II) based discrete metal complex of composition [CdII2L(μ‐Cl)Cl2](1) is used {HL=2,6‐bis[2‐(methylamino)ethyliminomethyl]‐4‐Ethylphenol} for the specific recognition of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (picric acid; PA) via fluorescence quenching phenomenon among various nitroaromatic compounds through a chemodosimetric approach. It has been established that 1 is a chemodosimeter in pure water. We have successfully been able to isolate three compounds: chemodosimeter 1; an intermediate complex 2 of composition [CdII(LH2)Cl2](Picrate) and final association complex 3 of composition [NH3(CH2CH2)NH2CH3](Picrate)2. Compounds have been characterised by CHN elemental analyses, single crystal X‐ray crystallography, PXRD, NMR and FTIR. Selective interaction of 1 with PA was evaluated by fluorescence, UV‐Vis and life time measurements. Fluorescence quenching of 1 occurs definitely due to the formation of compound 3 via intermediate 2 involving partial decomplexation, hydrolysis and proton transfer phenomena in solution during the course of sensing. The quenching constant (Ksv), association constant (Ka) and detection limit (LOD) of the complex 1 for picric acid are ∼1.55×105 M−1, ∼1.8×1010 M−2 and ∼0.47 μM (0.108 ppm), respectively. Mechanism of sensing is proposed and the very rare case of isolation and characterization of intermediate in picric acid sensing is discussed.

Structural studies of a novel tautomeric Schiff base derived from 4-(N,N’-diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and 2-amino-4-methyl phenol: An experimental and theoretical study

A novel Schiff base, LMAP synthesized from 4-(N,N’-diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and 2-amino-4-methyl phenol has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. DFT methods is used to investigate the enol-imine (EI) ⇄ keto-amine (KA) tautomeric behavior with respect to phase and in solvent media. The synthesized Schiff base crystallizes in the keto-amine (KA) form in the orthorhombic lattice and Pna21space group with four atoms per unit cell (Z = 4). Bond length analysis indicates that the KA form possesses significant zwitter ionic character. Study of electronic absorption and emission properties was conducted in the solid state as well as in different solvents. The UV–Vis result reveals the varied structural preference of the compound depending on the solvent media: polar protic solvents stabilize the KA form, while nonpolar and polar aprotic solvents favor the EI form. Quantum mechanical computations using DFT and TD-DFT also confirm these findings. Fluorescence emission spectra show multiple emission bands which indicate both excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and charge transfer (CT) phenomena occur simultaneously within the molecule. DFT predicted NLO responses of KA and EI were compared and found that the NLO response of KA is superior to that of EI.

Two‐step novel aromatic polyimide synthesis and characterization: Survey of energy calculations and diode applications

AbstractHerein, aromatic polyimides (API) synthesis was carried out by polycondensation of the original diamine (new synthesis) and commercial dianhydride. The original diamine and API were characterized by different analysis techniques. In addition, experimental and quantum chemical calculations of the synthesized API were analyzed by density functional theory method. Quantum theory analysis of atoms in molecules was performed for a structural unit of the compound. Here, the proton transfer phenomenon was investigated. The main purpose of synthesizing API1 was diode application. Therefore, the Au/API‐p‐Si/Al diode was produced accomplishedly. When the electrical characterization of the obtained diode structure was made, electrical parameter values such as ideality factor (n) (between 1.9 and 3.8), barrier height (ΦB) (0.73–0.28 eV), and series resistance (Rs) (1270–40,187 kΩ) were calculated.

Unraveling the Nature of Hydrogen Bonds of "Proton Sponges" Based on Car-Parrinello and Metadynamics Approaches.

The nature of intra- and intermolecular non-covalent interactions was studied in four naphthalene derivatives commonly referred to as "proton sponges". Special attention was paid to an intramolecular hydrogen bond present in the protonated form of the compounds. The unsubstituted "proton sponge" served as a reference structure to study the substituent influence on the hydrogen bond (HB) properties. We selected three compounds substituted by methoxy, amino, and nitro groups. The presence of the substituents either retained the parent symmetry or rendered the compounds asymmetric. In order to reveal the non-covalent interaction properties, the Hirshfeld surface (HS) was computed for the crystal structures of the studied compounds. Next, quantum-chemical simulations were performed in vacuo and in the crystalline phase. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD), Path Integral Molecular Dynamics (PIMD), and metadynamics were employed to investigate the time-evolution changes of metric parameters and free energy profile in both phases. Additionally, for selected snapshots obtained from the CPMD trajectories, non-covalent interactions and electronic structure were studied. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the Density Overlap Regions Indicator (DORI) were applied for this purpose. It was found based on Hirshfeld surfaces that, besides intramolecular hydrogen bonds, other non-covalent interactions are present and have a strong impact on the crystal structure organization. The CPMD results obtained in both phases showed frequent proton transfer phenomena. The proton was strongly delocalized in the applied time-scale and temperature, especially in the PIMD framework. The use of metadynamics allowed for tracing the free energy profiles and confirming that the hydrogen bonds present in "proton sponges" are Low-Barrier Hydrogen Bonds (LBHBs). The electronic and topological analysis quantitatively described the temperature dependence and time-evolution changes of the electronic structure. The covalency of the hydrogen bonds was estimated based on QTAIM analysis. It was found that strong hydrogen bonds show greater covalency, which is additionally determined by the proton position in the hydrogen bridge.

Exploring the Dynamical Nature of Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in Benzamide, Quinoline and Benzoic Acid Derivatives.

The hydrogen bonds properties of 2,6-difluorobenzamide, 5-hydroxyquinoline and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were investigated by Car-Parrinello and path integral molecular dynamics (CPMD and PIMD), respectively. The computations were carried out in vacuo and in the crystalline phase. The studied complexes possess diverse networks of intermolecular hydrogen bonds (N-H…O, O-H…N and O-H…O). The time evolution of hydrogen bridges gave a deeper insight into bonds dynamics, showing that bridged protons are mostly localized on the donor side; however, the proton transfer phenomenon was registered as well. The vibrational features associated with O-H and N-H stretching were analyzed on the basis of the Fourier transform of the atomic velocity autocorrelation function. The spectroscopic effects of hydrogen bond formation were studied. The PIMD revealed quantum effects influencing the hydrogen bridges providing more accurate free energy sampling. It was found that the N…O or O…O interatomic distances decreased (reducing the length of the hydrogen bridge), while the O-H or N-H covalent bond was elongated, which led to the increase in the proton sharing. Furthermore, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) was used to give insight into electronic structure parameters. Finally, Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) was employed to estimate the energy contributions to the interaction energy of the selected dimers.

Unraveling the Mechanistic Pathway for the Dual Fluorescence in Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Chromophore Analogue: A Detailed Theoretical Investigation.

The photophysical properties of the para-sulfonamide (p-TsABDI) analogue of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore with both proton donating and accepting sites have been exploited in polar solvents to understand the origin of the unusual dual fluorescence nature of the chromophore. In the polar solvents, the compound undergoes structural rearrangement upon photoexcitation, leading to the ultrafast excited-state intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon at the S1 surface. In this work, we employed both the static electronic structure calculations and on-the-fly molecular dynamics simulation to unravel the underlying reason for this peculiar behavior of the p-TsABDI analogue in polar solvents. To represent this adequately and provide extensive information on the ESIPT mechanism mediated by the solvent molecules, we considered explicit solvent molecules using the integral equation formalism variant of polarizable continuum (IEFPCM) model. From the static calculation analysis, we can conclude that the dual emissive behavior of the compound is ascribed to the proton transfer (PT) phenomena in the excited-state. However, based on the static calculation exclusively, it is hard to ascertain the mechanistic pathway of the PT phenomena. Hence, to investigate the dynamics and reaction mechanism for the ESIPT process, we performed the on-the-fly dynamics simulation for p-TsABDI in solvent clusters. Dynamics simulation results reveal that, based on the time lag between all the proton transfer processes, the ESIPT mechanism occurs in a stepwise manner from the benzylidene moiety of the chromophore to its imidazolinone moiety. However, the nonexistence of crossings between the S1- and S0-states confirms the PT characteristics of the reactions.

Substitution dependent multi-color AIE behavior and ESIPT active A-D-A type triphenylamine supported bis unsymmetrical azine derivatives and their antibacterial activity

A facile synthetic approach afforded a new family of AIE active and ESIPT featured A-D-A (Acceptor-Donor-Acceptor) type symmetrical triphenylamine centered bis unsymmetrical azine derivatives TPSA, TPHY, TPDS and TPOV. Depending upon the substituent in the periphery, all compounds displayed frail fluorescence in the solution state and exhibited strong multi-color luminescence character in aggregated/solid state. The results achieved from UV–visible absorption, emission and theoretical studies confirmed the existence of the intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon in the excited state (ESIPT). The experimental results affirmed AIE behavior present in the compounds and it might be due to the restriction of the intramolecular rotation (RIR) mechanism. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the compounds was also scrutinized against elected bacterial strains (B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa) in different concentrations (0.5 mM, 1 mM, 1.5 mM). The results revealed that all four compounds have excellent antibacterial activity at 1.5 mM than other concentrations tested in the present study. Further, the fluorescence feature of the compounds was explored via fluorescence microscopy to probe the microbes (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Revealing Intra- and Intermolecular Interactions Determining Physico-Chemical Features of Selected Quinolone Carboxylic Acid Derivatives.

The intra- and intermolecular interactions of selected quinolone carboxylic acid derivatives were studied in monomers, dimers and crystals. The investigated compounds are well-recognized as medicines or as bases for further studies in drug design. We employed density functional theory (DFT) in its classical formulation to develop gas-phase and solvent reaction field (PCM) models describing geometric, energetic and electronic structure parameters for monomers and dimers. The electronic structure was investigated based on the atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) theories. Special attention was devoted to the intramolecular hydrogen bonds (HB) present in the investigated compounds. The characterization of energy components was performed using symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). Finally, the time-evolution methods of Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) and path integral molecular dynamics (PIMD) were employed to describe the hydrogen bond dynamics as well as the spectroscopic signatures. The vibrational features of the O-H stretching were studied using Fourier transformation of the autocorrelation function of atomic velocity. The inclusion of quantum nuclear effects provided an accurate depiction of the bridged proton delocalization. The CPMD and PIMD simulations were carried out in the gas and crystalline phases. It was found that the polar environment enhances the strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The SAPT analysis revealed that the dispersive forces are decisive factors in the intermolecular interactions. In the electronic ground state, the proton-transfer phenomena are not favourable. The CPMD results showed generally that the bridged proton is localized at the donor side, with possible proton-sharing events in the solid-phase simulation of stronger hydrogen bridges. However, the PIMD enabled the quantitative estimation of the quantum effects inclusion—the proton position was moved towards the bridge midpoint, but no qualitative changes were detected. It was found that the interatomic distance between the donor and acceptor atoms was shortened and that the bridged proton was strongly delocalized.

Exploring Intra- and Intermolecular Interactions in Selected N-Oxides-The Role of Hydrogen Bonds.

Intra- and intermolecular interactions have been explored in selected N-oxide derivatives: 2-(N,N-dimethylamino-N-oxymethyl)-4,6-dimethylphenyl (1) and 5,5’-dibromo-3-diethylaminomethyl-2,2’-biphenol N-oxide (2). Both compounds possess intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which is classified as moderate in 1 and strong in 2, and resonance-assisted in both cases. Density Functional Theory (DFT) in its classical formulation as well as Time-Dependent extension (TD-DFT) were employed to study proton transfer phenomena. The simulations were performed in the gas phase and with implicit and explicit solvation models. The obtained structures of the studied N-oxides were compared with experimental data available. The proton reaction path was investigated using scan with an optimization method, and water molecule reorientation in the monohydrate of 1 was found upon the proton scan progress. It was found that spontaneous proton transfer phenomenon cannot occur in the electronic ground state of the compound 1. An opposite situation was noticed for the compound 2. The changes of nucleophilicity and electrophilicity upon the bridged proton migration were analyzed on the basis of Fukui functions in the case of 1. The interaction energy decomposition of dimers and microsolvation models was investigated using Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT). The simulations were performed in both phases to introduce polar environment influence on the interaction energies. The SAPT study showed rather minor role of induction in the formation of homodimers. However, it is worth noticing that the same induction term is responsible for the preference of water molecules’ interaction with N-oxide hydrogen bond acceptor atoms in the microsolvation study. The Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis was performed for the complexes with water to investigate the charge flow upon the polar environment introduction. Finally, the TD-DFT was applied for isolated molecules as well as for microsolvation models showing that the presence of solvent affects excited states, especially when the N-oxide acceptor atom is microsolvated.

Naphthazarin Derivatives in the Light of Intra- and Intermolecular Forces.

Our long-term investigations have been devoted the characterization of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in cyclic compounds. Our previous work covers naphthazarin, the parent compound of two systems discussed in the current work: 2,3-dimethylnaphthazarin (1) and 2,3-dimethoxy-6-methylnaphthazarin (2). Intramolecular hydrogen bonds and substituent effects in these compounds were analyzed on the basis of Density Functional Theory (DFT), Møller–Plesset second-order perturbation theory (MP2), Coupled Clusters with Singles and Doubles (CCSD) and Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD). The simulations were carried out in the gas and crystalline phases. The nuclear quantum effects were incorporated a posteriori using the snapshots taken from ab initio trajectories. Further, they were used to solve a vibrational Schrödinger equation. The proton reaction path was studied using B3LYP, B97XD and PBE functionals with a 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set. Two energy minima (deep and shallow) were found, indicating that the proton transfer phenomena could occur in the electronic ground state. Next, the electronic structure and topology were examined in the molecular and proton transferred (PT) forms. The Atoms In Molecules (AIM) theory was employed for this purpose. It was found that the hydrogen bond is stronger in the proton transferred (PT) forms. In order to estimate the dimers’ stabilization and forces responsible for it, the Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) was applied. The energy decomposition revealed that dispersion is the primary factor stabilizing the dimeric forms and crystal structure of both compounds. The CPMD results showed that the proton transfer phenomena occurred in both studied compounds, as well as in both phases. In the case of compound 2, the proton transfer events are more frequent in the solid state, indicating an influence of the environmental effects on the bridged proton dynamics. Finally, the vibrational signatures were computed for both compounds using the CPMD trajectories. The Fourier transformation of the autocorrelation function of atomic velocity was applied to obtain the power spectra. The IR spectra show very broad absorption regions between 700 cm–1700 cm and 2300 cm–3400 cm in the gas phase and 600 cm–1800 cm and 2200 cm–3400 cm in the solid state for compound 1. The absorption regions for compound 2 were found as follows: 700 cm–1700 cm and 2300 cm–3300 cm for the gas phase and one broad absorption region in the solid state between 700 cm and 3100 cm. The obtained spectroscopic features confirmed a strong mobility of the bridged protons. The inclusion of nuclear quantum effects showed a stronger delocalization of the bridged protons.

Modern Theoretical Approaches to Modeling the Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer: An Overview.

The excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon is nowadays widely acknowledged to play a crucial role in many photobiological and photochemical processes. It is an extremely fast transformation, often taking place at sub-100 fs timescales. While its experimental characterization can be highly challenging, a rich manifold of theoretical approaches at different levels is nowadays available to support and guide experimental investigations. In this perspective, we summarize the state-of-the-art quantum-chemical methods, as well as molecular- and quantum-dynamics tools successfully applied in ESIPT process studies, focusing on a critical comparison of their specific properties.

Non-Covalent Forces in Naphthazarin—Cooperativity or Competition in the Light of Theoretical Approaches

Non-covalent interactions responsible for molecular features and self-assembly in Naphthazarin C polymorph were investigated on the basis of diverse theoretical approaches: Density Functional Theory (DFT), Diffusion Quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC), Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) and Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD). The proton reaction paths in the intramolecular hydrogen bridges were studied. Two potential energy minima were found indicating that the proton transfer phenomena occur in the electronic ground state. Diffusion Quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC) and other levels of theory including Coupled Cluster (CC) employment enabled an accurate inspection of Potential Energy Surface (PES) and revealed the energy barrier for the proton transfer. The structure and reactivity evolution associated with the proton transfer were investigated using Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity - HOMA index, Fukui functions and Atoms In Molecules (AIM) theory. The energy partitioning in the studied dimers was carried out based on Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) indicating that dispersive forces are dominant in the structure stabilization. The CPMD simulations were performed at 60 K and 300 K in vacuo and in the crystalline phase. The temperature influence on the bridged protons dynamics was studied and showed that the proton transfer phenomena were not observed at 60 K, but the frequent events were noticed at 300 K in both studied phases. The spectroscopic signatures derived from the CPMD were computed using Fourier transformation of autocorrelation function of atomic velocity for the whole molecule and bridged protons. The computed gas-phase IR spectra showed two regions with OH absorption that covers frequencies from 2500 cm to 2800 cm at 60 K and from 2350 cm to 3250 cm at 300 K for both bridged protons. In comparison, the solid state computed IR spectra revealed the environmental influence on the vibrational features. For each of them absorption regions were found between 2700–3100 cm and 2400–2850 cm at 60 K and 2300–3300 cm and 2300–3200 cm at 300 K respectively. Therefore, the CPMD study results indicated that there is a cooperation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in Naphthazarin molecule.

Novel Ferrocene-Appended β-Ketoimines and Related BF2 Derivatives with Significant Aggregation-Induced Emission and Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties.

A series of new β-ketoimines containing a ferrocene moiety and their BF2 complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The solvatochromism of the β-ketoimines was studied, putting in evidence a redshift with increasing solvent polarity. This positive solvatochromism can be attributed to a more polarized excited state compared with the ground state, due to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions. The β-ketoimines exhibited weak emission, attributable to the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon. This ESIPT effect is suppressed upon restriction of the keto-enamine tautomerism, induced upon addition of BF3 ⋅OEt2 , which afforded the related BF2 complexes, characterized by an enhancement of the fluorescence through the ICT effect. Both the β-ketoimines and BF2 complexes exhibited significant aggregation-induced emission behavior in mixtures of CH3 CN/H2 O, due to restriction of intramolecular rotation in the aggregated state. The frontier molecular orbital levels, ground- and excited-state dipole moments (μg and μe ), and the origin of electronic absorption spectra were studied by time-dependent DFT calculations. The second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were determined by the electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation technique. The μβ1907 values of the β-ketoimines increased upon the formation of the related BF2 complexes, mainly due to an enhancement of the ground-state dipole moment. The results presented here reveal that some of these novel compounds are excellent multifunctional candidates for NLO and luminescence applications.