Quadrupolar, Highly Polarized Dyes: Emission Dependence on Viscosity and Selective Mitochondria Staining.

Quadrupolar A-D-A-type 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles (DHPPs) bearing pyridinium and quinolinium substituents emit in the 500-600 nm region. The enhancement of electronic communication between the electron-rich heterocyclic core and electron-deficient peripheral substituents turned out to be crucial for achieving emission enhancement in viscous media. DHPP bearing two 4-pyridinium substituents has optical brightness 34,000 in glycerol and only 700 in MeOH, as evidenced by measurements of the emission intensity and fluorescence lifetimes in a series of polar solvents. Such behavior makes it an excellent candidate for viscosity probes in fluorescence microscopy, as demonstrated by the fluorescence imaging of H9C2 cardiomyocytes.

The magic of biaryl linkers: the electronic coupling through them defines the propensity for excited-state symmetry breaking in quadrupolar acceptor-donor-acceptor fluorophores.

Charge transfer (CT) is key for molecular photonics, governing the optical properties of chromophores comprising electron-rich and electron-deficient components. In photoexcited dyes with an acceptor-donor-acceptor or donor-acceptor-donor architecture, CT breaks their quadrupolar symmetry and yields dipolar structures manifesting pronounced solvatochromism. Herein, we explore the effects of electronic coupling through biaryl linkers on the excited-state symmetry breaking of such hybrid dyes composed of an electron-rich core, i.e., 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole (DHPP), and pyrene substituents that can act as electron acceptors. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal that strengthening the donor-acceptor electronic coupling decreases the CT rates and the propensity for symmetry breaking. We ascribe this unexpected result to effects of electronic coupling on the CT thermodynamics, which in its turn affects the CT kinetics. In cases of intermediate electronic coupling, the pyrene-DHPP conjugates produce fluorescence spectra, spreading over the whole visible range, that in addition to the broad CT emission, show bands from the radiative deactivation of the locally excited states of the donor and the acceptors. Because the radiative deactivation of the low-lying CT states is distinctly slow, fluorescence from upper locally excited states emerge leading to the observed anti-Kasha behaviour. As a result, these dyes exhibit white fluorescence. In addition to demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the effects of electronic coupling on CT dynamics, these chromophores can act as broad-band light sources with practical importance for imaging and photonics.

Novel Method for the Synthesis of Merocyanines: New Photophysical Possibilities for a Known Class of Fluorophores.

A new, transformative method for the preparation of rhodols and other merocyanines from readily available tetrafluorohydroxybenzaldehyde and aminophenols has been developed. It is now possible to prepare merocyanines bearing three fluorine atoms and additional conjugated rings, and the whole one-pot process occurs under neutral, mild conditions. Three heretofore unknown merocyanine-based architectures were prepared using this strategy from aminonaphthols and 4-hydroxycoumarins. The ability to change the structure of original rhodol chromophore into π-expanded merocyanines translates to a comprehensive method for the modulation of photophysical properties, such as shifting the absorption and emission bands across almost the entire visible spectrum, reaching a huge Stokes shift i. e. 4800 cm-1 , brightness approximately 80.000 M-1  cm-1 , two-photon absorption cross-section above 150 GM and switching-on/off solvatofluorochromism. A detailed investigation allowed to rationalize the different spectroscopic behavior of rhodols and new merocyanines, addressing solvatochromism and two-photon absorption.

On-off-on Control of Molecular Inversion Symmetry via Multi-stage Protonation: Elucidating Vibronic Laporte Rule.

The Laporte rule dictates that one- and two-photon absorption spectra of inversion-symmetric molecules should display alternatively forbidden electronic transitions; however, for organic fluorophores, drawing clear distinction between the symmetric- and non-inversion symmetric two-photon spectra is often obscured due to prevalent vibronic interactions. We take advantage of consecutive single- and double-protonation to break and then reconstitute inversion symmetry in a nominally symmetric diketopyrrolopyrrole, causing large changes in two-photon absorption. By performing detailed one- and two-photon titration experiments, with supporting quantum-chemical model calculations, we explain how certain low-frequency vibrational modes may lead to apparent deviations from the strict Laporte rule. As a result, the system may be indeed considered as an on-off-on inversion symmetry switch, opening new avenues for two-photon sensing applications.

Direct transformation of coumarins into orange-red emitting rhodols.

The lactone carbonyl group of coumarin derivatives has been shown to participate in intramolecular Knoevenagel condensations, enabling the unprecedented direct transformation of coumarins into rhodols. The resulting rhodols, possessing two ester groups, have very intense orange-red fluorescence.

The Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Weakly Coupled Diketopyrrolopyrroles.

Three centrosymmetric diketopyrrolopyrroles possessing either two 2-(2'-methoxyphenyl)benzothiazole or two 2-(2'-methoxyphenyl)benzoxazolo-thiophene scaffolds were synthesized in a straightforward manner, and their photophysical properties were investigated. Their emission was significantly bathochromically shifted as compared with that of simple DPPs reaching 650 nm. Judging from theoretical calculations performed with time-dependent density functional theory, in all three cases the excited state was localized on the DPP core and there was no significant CT character. Consequently, emission was almost independent of solvents' polarity. DPPs possessing 2,5-thiophene units vicinal to DPP core play a role in electronic transitions, resulting in bathochromically shifted absorption and emission. Interestingly, as judged from transient absorption dynamics, intersystem crossing was responsible for the deactivation of the excited states of DPPs possessing para linkers but not in the case of dye bearing meta linker.

Method for the Large-Scale Synthesis of Multifunctional 1,4-Dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles.

A thorough investigation has enabled the optimization of the synthesis of 1,4-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles. Although salts of such metals as vanadium, niobium, cerium, and manganese were found to facilitate the formation of 1,4-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles from amines, aldehydes, and diacetyl, we confirmed that iron salts are the most efficient catalysts. The conditions identified (first step: toluene/AcOH = 1:1, 1 h, 50 °C; second step: toluene/AcOH = 1:1, Fe(ClO4)3·H2O, 16 h, 50 °C) resulted in the formation of tetraarylpyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles in a 6-69% yield. For the first time, very electron-rich substituents (4-Me2NC6H4, 3-(OH)C6H4, pyrrol-2-yl) originating from aldehydes and sterically hindered substituents (2-ClC6H4, 2-BrC6H4, 2-CNC6H4, 2-(CO2Me)C6H4, 2-(TMS-C≡C)C6H4) present on anilines can be appended to the pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core. It is now also possible to prepare 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles bearing an ordered arrangement of N-substituents and C-substituents ranging from coumarin, quinoline, phthalimide to truxene. These advances in scope enable independent regulations of many desired photophysical properties, including the Stokes shift value and emission color ranging from violet-blue through deep blue, green, yellow to red. Simultaneously, the optimized conditions have finally allowed the synthesis of these extremely promising heterocycles in amounts of more than 10 g per run without a concomitant decrease in yield or product contamination. Empowered with better functional group compatibility, novel derivatization strategies were developed.

Two-Step Charge Separation Passing Through the Partial Charge-Transfer State in a Molecular Dyad.

Charge separation (CS) in molecular systems usually takes place in weakly coupled donor-acceptor dyads where an electron charge moves from the donor to the acceptor in the local excited state of a chromophore. Herein, we present a two-step charge-separation process in a newly synthesized diketopyrrolopyrrole-pyrrolopyrrole (DPP-PP) dyad (AD), which starts from the initial photoexcited bright exciton and goes through a partial charge-transfer (CT) state before finally reaching the charge-separated (CS) state. The evolving CT character in the excited state is demonstrated through the complementary use of transient absorption, broad-band fluorescence upconversion, and transient impulsive stimulated Raman spectroscopy. The bright exciton state of the dyad relaxes to a partial CT state with 1 and 20 ps during solvent and structural fluctuations in toluene, respectively, and with 700 fs for the solvent fluctuations occurring in tetrahydrofuran. This is evident from the characteristic excited-state absorption spectra and the reduced fluorescence intensity observed on the adiabatic potential energy surface. AD in THF additionally evolves to the diabatic potential energy surface of the CS state, whose absorption spectrum converges to that of a DPP anion for which fluorescence is completely quenched. The trend of shifting for certain vibrational frequencies also supports the proposed CT dynamics and mechanism; furthermore, it gives quantitative insight into the CT characters of the bright state (0.1 e) and intermediate partial CT state (0.5 e), as determined by the linear relationship that exists between the vibrational frequency of the marker modes and the CT character. We have found that as the structure of the bridge between donor and acceptor enables an intermediate level of electronic communication, the charge-separation can rapidly occur through a distinct partial charge-transfer state. It seems that the exceptionally strong electronic communication at positions 2 and 5 of the pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core is a crucial element for this charge-transfer mechanism, which could be applied to organic photovoltaics or light-emitting diodes requiring efficient charge separation.

Modified Isoindolediones as Bright Fluorescent Probes for Cell and Tissue Imaging.

New L-shaped fluorophores possessing five conjugated rings have been synthesized through a four-step procedure involving diketopyrrolopyrrole synthesis and its double N-alkylation, followed by trimethylsilyl bromide-mediated rearrangement to thieno[2,3-f]isoindole-5,8-dione and an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction. In comparison with the parent isoindolediones and π-expanded diketopyrrolopyrroles, these new dyes show red-shifted absorption and emission (up to ≈630 nm). Their structural rigidity is responsible for both the observed small Stokes shifts and large fluorescence quantum yields. Tissue imaging studies revealed that these new dyes show advantageous features including minimal autofluorescence interference and pronounced solvent-sensitive emission. Interestingly, there is a fundamental difference between a dye possessing an amino group and its analog bearing an N-alkyl substituent. The former dye under two-photon excitation at 900 nm gives bright images whereas its N-alkylated counterpart does not. A new type of membrane localization has been discovered by an N-alkylated isoindoledione possessing a benzofuryl substituent. In spite of the fact that the fluorescence quantum yield of this dye in a range of solvents is rather low, it does stain cell membranes exclusively. This new mode of cellular staining opens the door towards further development of membrane staining dyes.

Unprecedented rearrangement of diketopyrrolopyrroles leads to structurally unique chromophores.

Diketopyrrolopyrroles possessing thienyl, furyl and benzofuryl substituents undergo unprecedented skeletal rearrangement in the presence of trimethylsilyl bromide resulting in the formation of thieno[2,3-f]isoindole-5,8-diones and furo[2,3-f]isoindole-5,8-diones. These relatively small dyes possess favorable photophysical properties with the emission maxima within the range of 573-624 nm, large fluorescence quantum yields, moderate sensitivity of emission to solvent polarity and a HOMO-LUMO gap of ca. 1.8 eV.

Corrole and Porphyrin Amino Acid Conjugates: Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties.

A series of conjugates of amino acids with porphyrins and corroles was synthesized. Their self-assembling ability under defined conditions was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The morphology and photophysical properties of these molecules were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy in solid, liquid, and self-assembled forms. We observed that both corrole and porphyrin conjugated with the l-phenylalanine-l-phenylalanine peptide to form spherical nanostructures with bathochromic shifts in the emission spectra, indicating the formation of aggregates. These aggregates are characterized by the impressive absorption of light over nearly the whole visible range. The broadening of all bands was particularly strong in the case of corroles. The fluorescence lifetimes of self-assembled species were longer as compared to the solid-state form.

The impact of solvents on the singlet and triplet states of selected fluorine corroles - absorption, fluorescence, and optoacoustic studies.

This paper examines the influence of aprotic solvents on the spectroscopic properties as well as the energy deactivation of two free-base corrole dyes substituted with C6F5 and/or 4-NO2C6H4 groups. Absorption, fluorescence and laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy have been used to follow the singlet and triplet states of fluorine corroles belonging to the A2B and A3 type in toluene (TL), chloroform (CL), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and also in solvent mixtures. Changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectra are influenced by the type of solvent mixture. The fluorescence behaviors of the two investigated corroles were extremely different - fluorescence of the nitro-corrole in TL is dramatically quenched in the presence of DMF. In contrast, fluorescence quenching of fluorine corroles in DMF-TL mixtures is substantially weakened. Absorption, fluorescence, triplet population as well as singlet oxygen generation parameters are evaluated. The spectral experimental data are supported by quantum chemical calculations - time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and cyclic voltammetry experiments. The presented results are discussed from a viewpoint of aggregation, tautomerization, and deprotonation effects occurring in the corroles.

Double head-to-tail direct arylation as a viable strategy towards the synthesis of the aza-analog of dihydrocyclopenta[hi]aceanthrylene--an intriguing antiaromatic heterocycle.

The first case of double head-to-tail direct arylation of aromatic compounds and the unusual photophysical properties of the resulting 2,2a(1,5)b(1,7)-tetraazacyclopenta[hi]aceanthrylene are reported. This molecule, comprising of two imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine units, is antiaromatic due to the changes in the efficiency of π-electron ring current and it belongs to a class of seldom encountered compounds with a dark lowest electronically excited singlet state.

Self-assembling corroles.

trans-A2B-corroles bearing -OCH2CONHR groups at the ortho position of the meso-phenyl substituent undergo self-organization both in the solid state as well as in solution. The lack of additional donor atoms induces sheet formation, but if the pyridine unit is present in the structure, more complex helical forms are formed.

New meso-substituted corroles possessing pentafluorophenyl groups--synthesis and spectroscopic characterization.

The investigation presented in this paper deals with new free-base corroles substituted with different peripheral groups. These aromatic macrocycles were efficiently synthesized by a [2+1] approach from dipyrromethanes. Moreover, the basic spectroscopic studies of the dyes in chloroform were conducted, and the UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and ESR parameters were estimated. The experimental data were supported by quantum chemical calculations. The presence of monomeric dye structures is concentration independent (10(-6)-10(-4) M), as expected for dyes in a solvent of low polarity, and rules out aggregate formation of corroles dissolved in chloroform. The excitation emission and fluorescence life-time values confirm the monomeric structure of the corroles. The spectra were compared with the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) results for the HOMO-LUMO states. The ESR examinations strongly show that for any type of studied fluorine corrole an unpaired electron is localized on the corrole macroring but not on the substituents both before and after light illumination. Laser illumination creates additional radicals, however with different effectiveness depending on the sample.

Synthesis of zinc chlorophyll materials for dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

To design sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a series of zinc chlorins with different substituents were synthesized. Novel zinc methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-20-phenylacetylenylpyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-1), zinc methyl 20-bromo-3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethylpyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-2), zinc methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-3), zinc propyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-4) were synthesized and their photovoltaic performances were evaluated in dye-sensitized solar cells. Photoelectrodes with a 7 µm thick nanoporous layer and a 5 µm thick light-scattering layer were used to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells. The best efficiency was obtained with ZnChl-2 sensitizer. ZnChl-2 gave a Jsc of 3.5 mA/cm(2), Voc of 412 mV, FF of 0.56 and an overall conversion efficiency of 0.81 at full sun (1000 W m(-2)).

V-shaped bis-coumarins: synthesis and optical properties.

A highly efficient procedure for the synthesis of bis-coumarins fused at the pyranone ring has been developed. The electron-rich phenols reacted with esters of coumarin-3-carboxylic acids, leading to substituted chromeno[3,4-c]chromene-6,7-diones. The reaction is catalyzed by both Lewis acids and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The most probable mechanistic pathway involves Lewis acid catalyzed or DMAP catalyzed transesterification, followed by intramolecular conjugate addition of α,ß-unsaturated esters to phenols and subsequent oxidation of the initially formed intermediate. The reaction is compatible with various functionalities such as NO2, Br, and OMe. Not only benzene derivatives but also dihydroxynaphthalenes are reactive in this reaction, and the structure of the product can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions. Furthermore, a double addition is possible, leading to a horseshoe-shaped system comprised of seven conjugated rings. Compounds with four structurally unique skeletons have been obtained and have been shown to strongly absorb in the violet, blue, and/or green regions of the visible spectrum. Most of them display strong greenish yellow fluorescence, which can be modulated by both structural changes and the character of the solvents. Again, introduction of an electron-donating group in the chromeno[3,4-c]chromene-6,7-diones caused a significant red shift in both the absorption and emission maxima, and the effect became especially noteworthy in the case of amino substituents.

Vertically π-expanded coumarin--synthesis via the Scholl reaction and photophysical properties.

A short and efficient access to a unique type of π-expanded coumarin is achieved. The strategic placement of naphthalene at the 4-position of coumarin allowed us to fuse these two moieties via aromatic dehydrogenation under Scholl conditions. The intriguing optical properties of this π-expanded coumarin are discussed on the basis of quantum chemical calculations. The fluorescence quantum yield (∼20%) is significantly higher than that obtained for the classical 7-hydroxycoumarin. The ratio of emission versus radiationless deactivation is governed by the following factors: decrease in the oscillator strength of the SS transition (vs. perylene), low yield of intersystem crossing and strong internal conversion originating from the activity of the number of vibronic states.

Naphthalene-fused metallo-porphyrins--synthesis and spectroscopy.

Oxidative aromatic coupling of meso-substituted porphyrins bearing one electron-rich naphthalene unit has been studied in detail. After thorough optimization of oxidant, naphthalene-fused porphyrins were prepared in high yield without contamination from chlorinated side-products using Fe(ClO(4))(3)·2H(2)O. Copper and nickel complexes were successfully transformed into π-expanded porphyrins in 40-83% yield.

Palladium-catalyzed 2-arylation of pyrroles.

A methodology that affords N-alkyl-2-arylpyrroles and N-aryl-2-arylpyrroles via direct coupling from aryl iodides has been developed. After examining various reaction parameters: solvent, ratio of reagents, catalyst, base and additives the optimal conditions for the condensation were identified. Two crucial factors, (a) anhydrous DMSO as solvent and (b) 5 M excess of pyrrole counterpart, were found to strongly influence the reaction outcome. The conditions identified (PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2), AgOAc, anhyd DMSO, KF, 100 degrees C, 5 h) resulted in the formation of 2-arylpyrroles in 14-80% yield. Furthermore, the synthesis is compatible with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups on the aryl moiety.