Vibronic Emission Research Articles

Spectroscopic observation of jet-cooled 2-chloro-m-xylyl radical

We report the first spectroscopic observation of the 2-chloro-m-xylyl radical in the gas phase. The vibronically excited but jet-cooled 2-chloro-m-xylyl radical was generated from the corona discharge of the precursor, 2-chloro-m-xylene seeded in a large amount of inert carrier gas He. The well-resolved vibronic emission spectrum of the 2-chloro-m-xylyl radical was recorded using a long path monochromator in the visible region. The spectrum was analyzed to obtain accurate measurements of the energy of the D1→D0 electronic transition and the vibrational modes frequencies in the ground electronic state by comparison with those from an ab initio calculation and the known vibrational data of the precursor.

Benzoquinolateplatinum(ii) complexes as building blocks in the synthesis of Pt–Ag extended structures

The reaction between (NBu(4))[Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))(2)] (1, bzq = 7,8-benzoquinolate) and AgClO(4) in a 1 : 1 molar ratio, in acetone, gives the polymer [{Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))(2)}Ag](n) (2). The reaction of 2 with equimolecular amounts of PPh(3) and SC(4)H(8) (tht) produces the bimetallic complexes [{Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))(2)}AgL] (L = PPh(3) (3), tht (4)). For L = py, decomposition takes place and [Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))py] (5) is obtained. All these complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. The most interesting features of complexes 2-4 is the presence of Pt-Ag bonds, with Pt-Ag distances of ca. 2.75 Å. Besides, the silver centres establish short η(1) bonding interactions with the C(ipso) of the bzq ligands, with distances Ag-C of ca. 2.45 Å. Complex 2 is a one-dimensional infinite chain in which the fragments "Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))(2)(-)" and Ag(+) alternate. On the other hand, complexes 1 and 3-5 show intermolecular pairing through π···π interactions between the aromatic rings of the bzq ligand, having interplanar separations of ca. 3.5 Å. Complex 2 dissolves in donor solvents (acetone, THF) as discrete bimetallic solvated fragments [{Pt(bzq)(C(6)F(5))(2)}AgS(n)] (S = solvent), similar to complexes 3 and 4. The persistence of the Pt-Ag bond in 2-4, supported by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, causes a significant blue-shift in the lowest-lying absorption in relation to 1. This fact is attributed (TD-DFT) to a remarkable modification of the orbitals contributing to the HOMO, which changes the character of the transition from (1)LC/(1)MLCT in 1 to admixture (1)L'LCT/(1)MLCT in the bimetallic complexes. The low energy feature (490-530 nm) of 2 in solid state is attributed to CT from the Pt fragments to the Ag centers. Complexes 2-4 are only emissive in rigid media (solid and glasses). In the solid state, the metallic chain 2 exhibits a bright orange emission (560 nm, 298 K; 590 nm, 77 K), assigned to an excited state involving charge transfer from the platinum fragment with a remarkable contribution of C(6)F(5) (Ar(f)) rings to the Pt-Ag bond ((3)LMM'CT/(3)L'M'CT). However, 3 and 4 exhibit in solid state at 298 K a vibronic band, which is clearly resolved in two close non-equilibrated bands at 77 K in 3, tentatively ascribed to a mixture of (3)MLCT/(3)L'LCT transitions modified by the formation of the Pt-Ag bond. In glassy solution (77 K) 2-4 display a vibronic emission ascribed primarily to (3)LC character.

Heavy atom nitroxyl radicals. V. An experimental and ab initio study of the previously unknown H2PS free radical

The B̃(2)A(')-X̃(2)A(') transition of the prototypical thiophosphoryl radical, H(2)PS, was observed for the first time using laser-induced fluorescence and single vibronic level emission spectroscopy. H(2)PS and its deuterated isotopologues, D(2)PS and HDPS, were produced in a pulsed supersonic discharge jet from a precursor mixture of Cl(3)PS and H(2) or D(2) or an H(2)/D(2) mixture in high-pressure argon. High level ab initio calculations of the lowest three doublet electronic states helped in the definitive assignment of the B̃-X̃ transition, which involves electron promotion from the π to the π∗ orbital. Vibrational frequencies were determined for several modes of each isotopologue in the X̃ and B̃ states and found to be in accord with theoretical predictions. Although a line-by-line rotational analysis was not possible, the observed band contours are consistent with the geometries obtained from our ab initio calculations. Theory indicates that PS bond length increases upon electronic excitation, while the pyramidalization of the radical does not change significantly.

Heavy atom nitroxyl radicals. VI. The electronic spectrum of jet-cooled H2PO, the prototypical phosphoryl free radical

The previously unknown electronic spectrum of the H(2)PO free radical has been identified in the 407-337 nm region using a combination of laser-induced fluorescence and single vibronic level emission spectroscopy. High level ab initio predictions of the properties of the ground and first two excited doublet states were used to identify the spectral region in which to search for the electronic transition and were used to aid in the analysis of the data. The band system is assigned as the B̃(2)A(')-X̃(2)A(') electronic transition which involves promotion of an electron from the π to the π∗ molecular orbital. The excited state r(0) molecular structure was determined by rotational analysis of high resolution LIF spectra to be r(PO) = 1.6710(2) Å, r(PH) = 1.4280(6) Å, θ(HPO) = 105.68(7)°, θ(HPH) = 93.3(2)°, and the out-of-plane angle = 66.8(2)°. The structural changes on electronic excitation, which include substantial increases in the PO bond length and out-of-plane angle, are as expected based on molecular orbital theory and our previous studies of the isoelectronic H(2)AsO, Cl(2)PS, and F(2)PS free radicals.

The electronic spectrum of the previously unknown HAsO transient molecule

The Ã(1)A('')-X̃(1)A(') electronic spectrum of the jet-cooled transient molecule HAsO and its deuterated isotopologue has been observed for the first time by pulsed discharge jet laser spectroscopy. The techniques of laser-induced fluorescence and single vibronic level emission were employed to probe the electronic properties of the species. The bending and AsO stretching frequencies have been determined in both states. A rotational analysis of the 0(0)(0) bands of both HAsO and DAsO has been completed and the following effective (r(0)) structures were derived: r(")(HAs) = 1.576(3) Å, r(")(AsO) = 1.8342(5) Å, and θ(") = 101.5(4)°; and r(')(HAs) = 1.569(4) Å, r(')(AsO) = 1.7509(9) Å, and θ(') = 93.1(10)°. In the rotational analysis, lines induced by axis-tilting were observed, and calculated spectra with an axis tilting angle of 3.0(5)° reproduced the intensity of these lines. The change in geometry on electronic excitation is similar to that observed for the molecule HPO, with an increase in the X-O bond length and a decrease in the HXO angle, but contrary to the predictions of the Walsh diagram for generic HAB triatomic molecules. Our ab initio calculations show that the correlation between orbital energy and bond angle changes upon electronic excitation, resulting in the atypical angle change.

Alkyl Group Dissociation During Corona Excitation of Alkylbenzenes

Well-resolved vibronic emission spectra were recorded in the visible region from the corona discharge of precursor alkylbenzenes in a technique of corona excited supersonic expansion using a pinhole-type glass nozzle. From the observed spectra, we found the evidence of the presence of benzyl-type radicals generated by dissociation of C-C or C-H bonds of alkyl group. After identification of benzyl-type radicals formed in the corona discharge, we suggest that energy densities in alkyl chain play a crucial role in determining the bond dissociation during corona excitation.

Isomeric Trimethylbenzyl Radicals Produced by Corona Discharge of 1,2,3,5-Tetramethylbenzene

Isomeric trimethylbenzyl radicals were generated and vibronically excited from precursor 1,2,3,5-tetramethylbenzene, isodurene, with a large amount inert carrier gas helium in a corona excited supersonic expansion (CESE) using a pinhole-type glass nozzle. A long-path monochromator was used to record the visible vibronic emission spectra of the jet-cooled benzyl-type radicals in the electronic transition. From the analysis of the spectra, we identified the evidence of the presence of three isomeric trimethylbenzyl radicals in the corona discharge, and obtained the electronic energy and a few vibrational mode frequencies in the ground electronic state for each isomer.

Spectroscopic Identification of Isomeric Trimethylbenzyl Radicals Generated from 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene

The visible vibronic emission spectrum was recorded from the corona discharge of precursor 1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene with a large amount of inert carrier gas helium using a pinhole-type glass nozzle coupled with corona excited supersonic expansion. The spectrum showed a series of vibronic bands in the electronic transition of jet-cooled benzyl-type radicals formed from the precursor in a corona excitation. The analysis confirmed that two isomeric radicals, 2,3,4- and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzyl radicals, were produced as a result of removal of a hydrogen atom from the methyl group at different substitution positions. For each isomeric product, the electronic transition and a few vibrational mode frequencies were determined in the ground electronic state.

Electronic spectroscopy of the previously unknown arsenic carbide (AsC) free radical

The previously unknown arsenic carbide (AsC) free radical has been identified in the gas phase through a combination of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), single vibronic level emission, and stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectroscopy in a supersonic expansion. The As(12)C and As(13)C isotopologues have been detected as products of an electric discharge in mixtures of arsine (AsH(3)) and carbon dioxide ((12)CO(2) or (13)CO(2)) in high pressure argon. The B (2)Σ(+)-X (2)Σ(+) band system was recorded by LIF spectroscopy and emission transitions from the B state down to the ground state and to the low-lying A (2)Π(i) state were observed. High resolution studies of the B-X 0-0 band by LIF and the B-A 0-0 band by SEP spectroscopy enabled a determination of the molecular structures in the three states. Although CN, CP, and AsC have similar X (2)Σ(+) and A (2)Π(i) states, the B (2)Σ(+) state molecular orbital configuration of CP and AsC differs from that of the CN free radical.

Probing the electronic structure of the nickel monohalides: Spectroscopy of the low-lying electronic states of NiBr and NiCl

Laser induced fluorescence and single vibronic level emission spectroscopy has been used to probe five low-lying electronic states ( X 2Π 3/2, A 2Δ 5/2, X 2Π 1/2, A 2Δ 3/2 and B 2 Σ 1 / 2 + ) of NiBr and NiCl that arise from the 3 d 9 configuration of Ni +. Of these, for NiBr only the X 2Π 3/2 and A 2Δ 5/2 states have been previously observed experimentally, and a complete vibrational analysis of the low-lying states has not been reported for either molecule. In this work, term energies and a complete set of vibrational parameters were derived for all five electronic states for both NiBr and NiCl, and these are compared with recent high level ab initio calculations. In contrast to NiI, there are very few perturbations observed in the vibronic structure of these levels for either NiBr or NiCl. The data set derived in this work affords a detailed analysis of periodic trends in the Nickel monohalide series.

Optical properties of a single-colour centre in diamond with a green zero-phonon line

We report the photoluminescence characteristics of a colour centre in diamond grown by plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition. The colour centre emits with a sharp zero-phonon line at 2.330 eV (λ=532 nm) and a lifetime of 3.3 ns, thus offering potential for a high-speed single-photon source with green emission. It displays a vibronic emission spectrum with a Huang–Rhys parameter of 2.48 at 77 K. Hanbury–Brown and Twiss measurements reveal that the electronic level structure of the defect includes a metastable state that can be populated from the optically excited state.

Installation/Modulation of the Emission Response via Click Reaction

We have demonstrated the installation of a fluorescence property into a nonfluorescent precursor and modulation of an emission response of a pyrene fluorophore via click reaction. The synthesized fluorophores show different solvatochromicity and/or intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) feature as is revealed from the UV-visible, fluorescence photophysical properties of these fluorophores, and DFT/TDDFT calculation. We observed that some of the synthesized fluorophores showed purely ICT character while emission from some of them arose from the LE state. A structureless and solvent polarity-sensitive dual emission behavior was observed for one of the triazolylpyrene fluorophores that contains an electron-donating -NMe(2) substituent (fluorophore, 7a). Conversely, triazolylpyrene with an electron-withdrawing -CN group (fluorophore, 7b) showed a solvent polarity-independent vibronic emission. The effect of ICT on the photophysical properties of these fluorophores was studied by fluorescence emission spectra and DFT/TDDFT calculations. Fluorescence lifetimes were also measured in different solvents. All of our findings revealed the delicate interplay of structure and emission properties and thus having broader general utility. As the CT to LE intensity ratio can be employed as a sensing index, the dual emissive fluorophore can be utilized in designing the molecular recognition system too. We envisage that our investigation is of importance for the development of new fluorophores with predetermined photophysical properties that may find a wide range of applications in chemistry, biology, and material sciences.

Properties of Mn4 + -Activated Hexafluorotitanate Phosphors

Alkali hexafluorotitanate red phosphors (, Cs, and Na) are synthesized by chemical etching of in aqueous hydrofluoric acid (HF)/alkali permanganate /alkali fluoride (AF) solutions. X-ray diffraction patterns suggest that the synthesized phosphors have a trigonal symmetry with the space groups ( and ) and . The luminescent properties of the phosphors are studied by photoluminescence (PL) analysis and PL excitation spectroscopy. Trigonal distortion splits the threefold degenerate , , and vibronic emission lines. The Raman scattering of is also investigated using a triple monochromator at room temperature. The infrared- and Raman-active fundamental frequencies are determined and discussed from the viewpoint of crystal symmetry.

Rearrangement of Benzyl-type Radical in Corona Discharge of 2,6-Dichlorotoluene

Using a pinhole-type glass nozzle equipped for a corona-excited supersonic expansion (CESE), precursor 2,6-dichlorotoluene seeded in a large amount of inert carrier gas helium was discharged to produce jet-cooled but electronically excited benzyl-type radicals. The visible vibronic emission spectrum was recorded with a long-path monochromator to observe vibronic bands in the <TEX>$D_1{\rightarrow}D_0$</TEX> electronic transition of benzyl-type radicals. The spectral analysis revealed the generation of not only the 2,6-dichlorobenzyl radical as a typical product, but also the o-chlorobenzyl radical as an unexpected species, which indicates the possible molecular rearrangement in eliminating a chlorine atom from the benzene ring. A possible mechanism is proposed for the formation of the o-chlorobenzyl radical from the precurs or in the gas phase.

Single vibronic level emission spectroscopy of the low-lying electronic states of NiI

Five low-lying ( T e < 2200 cm −1) electronic states of NiI have been observed using single vibronic level (SVL) emission spectroscopy, via three hitherto unobserved band systems in the range 21 150–22 410 cm −1. In addition to the previously characterized X 2Δ 5/2 and A 2 Π 3 / 2 states, the X 2 Δ 3 / 2 , A 2 Π 1 / 2 , and B 2 Σ 1 / 2 + states have been observed for the first time. The emission spectra yield term energies and vibrational constants that are in excellent agreement with recent ab initio calculations. A number of perturbations in the vibrational level structure can be identified and are attributed to homogenous interactions under the selection rule Δ Ω = 0.

(TD-)DFT Calculation of Vibrational and Vibronic Spectra of Riboflavin in Solution

The photophysics and photochemistry of flavin molecules are of great interest due to their role for the biological function of flavoproteins. An important analysis tool toward the understanding of the initial photoexcitation step of flavins is electronic and vibrational spectroscopy, both in frequency and time domains. Here we present quantum chemical [(time-dependent) density functional theory ((TD-)DFT)] calculations for vibrational spectra of riboflavin, the parent molecule of biological blue-light receptor chromophores, in its electronic ground (S(0)) and lowest singlet excited states (S(1)). Further, vibronic absorption spectra for the S(0) --> S(1) transition and vibronic emission spectra for the reverse process are calculated, both including mode mixing. Solvent effects are partially accounted for by using a polarizable continuum model (PCM) or a conductor-like screening model (COSMO). Calculated vibrational and electronic spectra are in good agreement with measured ones and help to assign the experimental signals arising from photoexcitation of flavins. In particular, upon photoexcitation a loss of double bond character in the polar region of the ring system is observed which leads to vibronic fine structure in the electronic spectra. Besides vibronic effects, solvent effects are important for understanding the photophysics of flavins in solution quantitatively.

Observation of Vibronic Emission Spectrum of Jet-Cooled 3,5-Difluorobenzyl Radical

We applied the technique of corona-excited supersonic expansion using a pinhole-type glass nozzle to observe the vibronic emission spectrum of jet-cooled benzyl-type radicals from the corona discharge of precursor 3,5-difluorotoluene seeded in a large amount of inert helium carrier gas. The vibronically well-resolved emission spectrum was recorded with a long-path monochromator in the visible region. After subtracting the vibronic bands originating from isomeric difluorobenzyl radicals from the observed spectrum, we identified for the first time the bands belonging to the 3,5-difluorobenzyl radical, from which the electronic energy and vibrational mode frequencies of the 3,5-difluorobenzyl radical were accurately determined in the ground electronic state by comparison with those of the precursor and with those from an ab initio calculation.

Ab initio calculations on the X̃ B21 and à A21 states of AsH2, and Franck–Condon simulation, including anharmonicity, of the Ã(,,)-X̃ single vibronic level emission spectrum of AsH2

Restricted-spin coupled-cluster single-double plus perturbative triple excitation {RCCSD(T)} calculations were carried out on the X (2)B(1) and A (2)A(1) states of AsH(2) employing the fully relativistic small-core effective core potential (ECP10MDF) for As and basis sets of up to the augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence quintuple-zeta (aug-cc-pV5Z) quality. Minimum-energy geometrical parameters and relative electronic energies were evaluated, including contributions from extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and from outer core correlation of the As 3d(10) electrons employing additional tight 4d3f2g2h functions designed for As. In addition, simplified, explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12 calculations were also performed employing different atomic orbital basis sets of up to aug-cc-pVQZ quality, and associated complementary auxiliary and density-fitting basis sets. The best theoretical estimate of the relative electronic energy of the A (2)A(1) state of AsH(2) relative to the X (2)B(1) state including zero-point energy correction (T(0)) is 19,954(32) cm(-1), which agrees very well with available experimental T(0) values of 19,909.4531(18) and 19,909.4910(17) cm(-1) obtained from recent laser induced fluorescence and cavity ringdown absorption spectroscopic studies. In addition, potential energy functions (PEFs) of the X (2)B(1) and A (2)A(1) states of AsH(2) were computed at different RCCSD(T) and CCSD(T)-F12 levels. These PEFs were used in variational calculations of anharmonic vibrational wave functions, which were then utilized to calculate Franck-Condon factors (FCFs) between these two states, using a method which includes allowance for anharmonicity and Duschinsky rotation. The A(0,0,0)-X single vibronic level (SVL) emission spectrum of AsH(2) was simulated using these computed FCFs. Comparison between simulated and available experimental vibrationally resolved spectra of the A(0,0,0)-X SVL emission of AsH(2), which consist essentially of the bending (2(n)) series, suggests that there is a significant loss in intensity in the low emission energy region of the experimental spectrum.

Laser-saturated fluorescence of nitric oxide and chemiluminescence measurements in premixed ethanol flames

In this study, nitric oxide laser-saturated fluorescence (LSF) measurements were acquired from premixed ethanol flames at atmospheric pressure in a burner. NO-LSF experimental profiles for fuel-rich premixed ethanol flames ( Φ = 1.34 and Φ = 1.66) were determined through the excitation/detection scheme of the Q 2(26.5) rotational line in the A 2 Σ + − X 2 Π (0, 0) vibronic band and γ(0, 1) emission band. A calibration procedure by NO doping into the flame was applied to establish the NO concentration profiles in these flames. Chemiluminescent emission measurements in the (0, 0) vibronic emission bands of the OH * ( A 2 Σ + − X 2 Π) and CH * ( A 2 Δ − X 2 Π) radicals were also obtained with high spatial and spectral resolution for fuel-rich premixed ethanol flames to correlate them with NO concentrations. Experimental chemiluminescence profiles and the ratios of the integrated areas under emission spectra (A CH*/A CH*(max.) and A CH*/A OH*) were determined. The relationships between chemiluminescence and NO concentrations were established along the premixed ethanol flames. There was a strong connection between CH * radical chemiluminescence and NO formation and the prompt-NO was identified as the governing mechanism for NO production. The results suggest the optimum ratio of the chemiluminescence of two radicals (A CH*/A OH*) for NO diagnostic purposes.

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy of the jet-cooled carbon dioxide cation (C12O2+ and C13O2+)

The A (2)Pi(u)-X (2)Pi(g) band systems of jet-cooled (12)CO(2)(+) and (13)CO(2)(+) have been recorded by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques. Very intense, vibrationally cold expansions of these cations have been obtained using a pulsed electric discharge jet with a precursor mixture of carbon dioxide or (13)C labeled CO(2) in high pressure argon. The LIF bands have been partially rotationally analyzed to obtain band origins which yielded an accurate measure of the excited state vibronic energy levels. The energy levels of both isotopologues were fitted with a Renner-Teller model that included spin-orbit coupling, Fermi resonance and anharmonic terms. Single vibronic level emission spectra were also recorded for the (13)CO(2)(+) ion and the ground state energy levels fitted using the same Renner-Teller model. The isotope relations have been used to test the validity of the derived parameters. The results give a through description of the vibronic energy levels in the ground and first excited electronic states of the carbon dioxide cation.