Proton Induced Modulation of ICT and PET Processes in an Imidazo-phenanthroline Based BODIPY Fluorophores.

BODIPY fluorophores linked with an imidazo-phenanthroline donor at α and ß positions have been synthesized. Intriguing intramolecular charge transfer phenomenon is observed in both the dyes which has been extensively investigated using UV-vis absorption, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. H-bonding and intrinsic polarity of the solvents has modulated the absorption and emission bands of these fluorophores strongly causing significant increase in the Stokes shifts. In spite of having difference only in terms of the position of donor subunit, the photophysics of these dyes are not only significantly different from each other, but contradictory too. Interestingly, acidochromic studies revealed the shuttling mechanism between ICT and PET processes for BDP 2. Quantum chemical calculations have been employed further to support experimental findings. DFT and TD-DFT method of analysis have been used to optimize ground and excited state geometries of the synthesized dyes.

Supramolecularly Assisted Modulation of Optical Properties of BODIPY-Benzimidazole Conjugates.

Supramolecular host-guest interaction of neutral and cationic (protonated) forms of two boron-dipyromethane (BODIPY)-benzimidazole (mono- and di-benzimidazole) conjugate dyes with the macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) has been investigated using photophysical and density functional theory studies. Expectedly, cationic forms of the dyes show exceptionally stronger binding than that of the neutral forms with CB7, which can be ascribed to the strong ion-dipole interaction between the positive charge of the dye and the highly polarizable carbonyl portals of the host. The formation of dye-host inclusion complexes is supported by the significant changes in the photophysical properties and longer rotational relaxation times of the dye in the presence of CB7. Job's plot studies indicate the formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex for the mono and a 1:2 inclusion complex for the dibenzimidazole BODIPY dyes. Quantum chemical calculations are in good agreement with the inferences outlined from photophysical measurements. Findings from the studied dye-CB7 systems are of direct relevance to applications such as drug delivery, aqueous dye lasers, sensors, and so on.