Dissecting conjugation and electronic effects on the linear and non-linear optical properties of rhenium(I) carbonyl complexes.

Herein, we report a theoretical and experimental analysis of the conjugation and electronic effects on the one-photon (1PA) and two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of a series of Re(I) carbonyl complexes with terpyridine-based ligands. An excellent agreement was obtained between the calculated and experimental 2PA spectra of the κ2N-terpyridine tricarbonyl complexes (1a-b), with 2PA cross sections reaching up to ca. 40 GM in DMF. By stepwise lowering the conjugation length in the terpy ligand and changing the local symmetry around the metal centre, we show that conjugation and delocalisation play a major role in increasing 2PA cross sections, and that the character of the excited states does not directly enhance the non-linear properties of these complexes-contrary to the results observed in 1PA. Altogether, these results give valuable guidelines towards more efficient two-photon-absorbing coordination complexes of Re(I), with potential applications in photodynamic therapy and two-photon imaging.

Two-photon absorption properties of BODIPY-like compounds based on BF2-naphthyridine complexes.

Boron dipyrromethene type molecules (BODIPYs) are versatile molecules which have been used for applications ranging from photodynamic therapy to solar cells (DSSC). However, these molecules usually do not present high two-photon absorption cross-sections, limiting their use in nonlinear optical applications. Herein, we study a series of BF2-naphthyridine based boron-complexes with electron-donating and withdrawing groups to increase their two-photon absorption. We have found two-photon absorption cross-sections up to approximately 270 GM, which corresponds to an increase of approximately five times in comparison to the average cross-section value reported for molecules with similar conjugation length, indicating such compounds as potential materials for nonlinear applications in both the visible and infrared spectral regions.

Solvent effect on the intermolecular proton transfer of the Watson and Crick guanine-cytosine and adenine-thymine base pairs: a polarizable continuum model study.

Herein we present our results on the study of the double proton transfer (DPT) mechanism in the adenine-thymine (AT) and guanine-cytosine (GC) base pairs, both in gas phase and in solution. The latter was modeled using the polarizable continuum method (PCM) in different solvents. According to our DFT calculations, the DPT may occur for both complexes in a stepwise mechanism in condensate phase. In gas phase only the GC base pair exhibits a concerted DPT mechanism. Using the Wigner's tunneling corrections to the transition state theory we demonstrate that such corrections are important for the prediction of the rate constants of both systems in gas and in condensate phase. We also show that (i) as the polarity of the medium decreases the equilibrium constant of the DPT reaction increases in both complexes, and (ii) that the equilibrium constant in the GC complex is four orders of magnitude larger than in AT. This observation suggests that the spontaneous mutations in DNA base pairs are more probable in GC than in AT.

Visible light-triggered fluorescence and pH modulation using metastable-state photoacids and BODIPY.

Small changes in the pH gradient play a critical role in numerous biological and chemical pathways. Systems capable of monitoring and regulating these changes with high sensitivity and minimum photo-fatigue are in demand. Herein, we propose a visible light-triggered molecular system that allows for reversible regulation of acidity and fluorescence. This robust bi-functional system opens a new horizon towards novel studies that rely on small changes in acid-mediated controlled processes with high sensitivity. The two photosensitive compounds employed, a metastable-state photoacid (mPAH) and a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivative, allow for consistent modulation of both fluorescence (based on the working principle of the inner filter effect) and pH (around a magnitude) over multiple cycles.

Two-Photon Absorption and Two-Photon Circular Dichroism of a Hexahelicene Derivative with a Terminal Donor-Phenyl-Acceptor Motif.

Herein, we report on the theoretical-experimental analysis of the two photon absorption and circular dichroism spectra of 1-(2-pyridyl)-4-methoxy-carbo[6]helicene derivative (P6). The primary outcomes of our investigation on this particular helicene derivative with a donor-acceptor motif on one end led to two important conclusions: (1) the lengthening of the π-electron delocalization within the helical core of P6 predominantly increases the contribution of the magnetic dipole transition moment to the two-photon circular dichroism (TPCD) signal; and (2) the electric quadrupole transition moment contribution to the TPCD signal is enhanced by the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) produced by the donor-acceptor combination on one end of the molecule. To corroborate our results, we performed a comparative theoretical analysis of the effect of the energy gap and ICT on TPCD on a series of P6-like helicenes with different donor-acceptor combinations. Two-photon absorption and TPCD spectra were obtained using the double L-scan technique over a broad spectral range (400-900 nm) using 90 fs pulses at a low repetition rate (2-50 Hz) produced by an amplified femtosecond system. The theoretical simulations were calculated using time dependent density functional theory at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory.

Study of the Effect of the Pulse Width of the Excitation Source on the Two-Photon Absorption and Two-Photon Circular Dichroism Spectra of Biaryl Derivatives.

Herein we report on the expanded theoretical calculations and the experimental measurements of the two-photon absorption (TPA) and two-photon circular dichroism (TPCD) spectra of a series of optically active biaryl derivatives (R-BINOL, R-VANOL, and R-VAPOL) using femtosecond pulses. The comparative analysis of the experimental TPCD spectra obtained with our tunable amplified femtosecond system with those previously measured in our group on the same series of compounds in the picosecond regime reveals a decrease in the amplitude of the signal and an improvement in matching with the theory in the former. These results can be explained based on the negligible contribution of excited state absorption (ESA) using femtosecond pulses compared to the picosecond regime. We show how ESA affects both the strength of the signal and the shape of the TPA and TPCD spectra. TPA and TPCD spectra were obtained using the double L-scan technique over a broad spectral range (450-750 nm) using 90 fs pulses at 50 Hz repetition rate produced by an amplified femtosecond system. The theoretical calculations were performed using modern analytical response theory within the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approach using CAM-B3LYP and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets.

A Combined Experimental-Computational Investigation to Uncover the Puzzling (Chiro-)optical Response of Pyridocyclophanes: One- and Two-Photon Spectra.

A combined experimental-computational analysis of the one- and two-photon absorption (OPA, TPA) and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) of complex chiral shape-persistent (2,6)-pyrido[142 ]allenoacetylenic cyclophane, (P,P,P,P)-MC[142 ] enantiomers, sheds light on the origin of their peculiar spectral signatures. The study on MC[142 ], which is represented in solution by three possible conformers, indicates that two of them (chair and twist) are the prevalent conformers at room temperature; the population ratio depending on the solvent. The complex shape of the red-edge of the UV and ECD spectra is qualitatively reproduced by using vibronic calculations and assigned to progressions on the ethynyl stretchings observable only in the chair and twist conformers. The picture arising from the analysis of the linear spectra is confirmed by two-photon spectroscopies, showing that they constitute valuable tools for the exploration of high-energy electronic transitions in pyridoallenoacetylenic cyclophanes. Discrepancies among computed and experimental spectra point out that an accurate description of such complex systems with a large delocalized π framework and a dense manifold of electronic excited state remains a challenge for theoretical models.

Assessment of the tautomeric population of benzimidazole derivatives in solution: a simple and versatile theoretical-experimental approach.

Herein, we present a simple and versatile theoretical-experimental approach to assess the tautomeric distribution on 5(6)-aminobenzimidazole (5(6)-ABZ) derivatives in solution via one-photon absorption. The method is based on the optimized weighted sum of the theoretical spectra of the corresponding tautomers. In this article we show how the choice of exchange-correlation functional (XCF) employed in the calculations becomes crucial for the success of the approach. After the systematic analysis of XCFs with different amounts of exact-exchange we found a better performance for B3LYP and PBE0. The direct test of the proposed method on omeprazole, a well-known 5(6)-benzimidazole based pharmacotherapeutic, demonstrate its broader applicability. The proposed approach is expected to find direct applications on the tautomeric analysis of other molecular systems exhibiting similar tautomeric equilibria.

Two-photon circular dichroism of an axially dissymmetric diphosphine ligand with strong intramolecular charge transfer.

In this article we report on the study of the polarization dependent two-photon absorption (TPA) of (S)-(+)-(1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphine) (S-BINAP) in solution, and the theoretical-experimental analysis of its two-photon circular dichroism (TPCD) spectrum. The comparative examination of the following two correlation functionals, using the 6-31G* basis set, showed that the Coulomb attenuated method variant of the Becke's three-parameter exchange and the Lee-Yang-Parr (CAM-B3LYP) is more reliable than B3LYP in molecules such as S-BINAP, a heteroaromatic diphosphine chiral ligand with strong intramolecular charge transfer. To access the theoretical TPCD spectra, we employed time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) at the mentioned level of theory and over the first 40 electronic excited states including solvent effects by means of the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The extended calculation on twice as many electronic excited states in vacuo proved to be crucial for the correct assignment of the experimental bands. TPA measurements were performed in the femtosecond regime and over a broad spectral range using the double L-scan technique.

Conformational study of an axially chiral Salen ligand in solution using two-photon circular dichroism and the fragment-recombination approach.

Herein we report on the conformational study of a chiral Salen ligand, AFX-155, in THF solution using two-photon absorption (TPA) and, even more importantly, two-photon circular dichroism (TPCD). The fragment-recombination approach (FRA), employed to perform computations on half-AXF-155 (AXF-169') and the center (C-AXF-155), allowed us to overcome the current computational limitations found in calculations of the TPCD spectra of large molecules. The comparative experimental-theoretical analysis of AXF-155 showed that its TPA is mainly determined by AXF-169' and validated, through TPCD, the presence of the two dominant Trans_R-Intra(NHB)//Trans_R-Extra(HB) and Trans_R-Intra(NHB)//Trans_R-Extra(NHB) structure in THF with a ΔΔ propeller chirality on the diphenylamine moieties at the end of each AXF-169'. The application of FRA for the analysis of the TPCD spectra of large chiral molecules has been proven to be effective.

Structural identification of a novel axially chiral binaphthyl fluorene based salen ligand in solution using electronic circular dichroism: a theoretical-experimental analysis.

A novel axially chiral binaphthyl fluorene based salen ligand, AFX-155 [2,2'-(1E,1'E)-(R)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diylbis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(4-((7-(diphenylamino)-9,9-dihexyl-9H-fluoren-2-l)ethynyl)phenol)], with potential applications in homogeneous catalysis, biophotonics, and sensing was synthesized. A full comparative theoretical-experimental analysis of the UV-vis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of the 10 primary isomers, comprising stereoisomers and optical isomers, revealed the presence of the unique structure in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution, the trans-R-intra//trans-R-extra. A proposed route of attack of the (R)-(+)-2,2'-diamino-1,1'-binapthalene onto a salicaldehyde 5-(2-(2-(diphenylamino)-9,9-dihexyl-9H-fluoren-7-yl)ethynyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde followed by a consecutive attack of the resulting species onto another salicaldehyde, both via Burgi:Dunitz trajectory, validates the unambiguous formation of the established isomer. Steric hindrances seem to be the determinant factor that defines the 3D structural conformation of this particular stereoisomer of AFX-155 with triple axial chirality. The determination of every optimal structure and the dominant conformers of AFX-155 were calculated evaluating, in CONFLEX, their steric energies using force fields at MMFF94S (2006-11-24HGTEMP) level in gas phase. The geometry of the conformers was optimized in THF (using PCM) using Gaussian 09 at the DFT/B3LYP level of theory and 6-31G* basis set. The first 100 electronic excited states were calculated using the same level of theory and basis set.

Open-Form Configurational Isomers of a Tricyanofuran-Type Metastable-State Photoacid.

We determine the presence of four open-form configurational isomers for an unsubstituted metastable-state photoacid (mPAH) of the tricyanofuran (TCF) type in solution, at room temperature, via 2D NMR experiments. Electronic structure calculations are carried out to predict the relative stability of the isomers found experimentally and their isomerization barriers. According to the calculated rate constants for isomerization, the molecule can freely interconvert between the open-form isomers, thereby providing a thermal pathway between the isomers that might be better suited to access the cyclized closed-form configuration and those that are not. In establishing the open form isomeric makeup of the TCF mPAH under study, this work establishes the need to consider the four isomers in further studies on the thermal and excited-state isomerization processes and substituent effect thereon.

A superfluorescent fluorenyl probe with efficient two-photon absorption.

The linear photophysical, excited state absorption (ESA), superfluorescence, and two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of 4,4'-(1E,1'E)-2,2'-(7,7'(1E,1'E)2,2'(4,4'-sulfonylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(9,9-didecy-9H-fluorene7,2-diyl))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(N,N-diphenylaniline) (1) were investigated in organic and aqueous media with respect to its potential application in biological imaging. The analysis of linear photophysical properties revealed a rather complex nature of the main one-photon absorption band, strong solvatochromic effects in the steady-state fluorescence spectra, single-exponential fluorescence decay, and high fluorescence quantum yields in organic solvents (≈1.0). The ESA spectra of 1 suggested potential for light amplification in nonpolar media while efficient superfluorescence in cyclohexane was demonstrated. The degenerate 2PA spectra of 1 were obtained over a broad spectral range (640-900 nm), using a standard two-photon induced fluorescence method under 1 kHz femtosecond excitation. Two well defined 2PA bands with maximum 2PA cross sections up to 1700 GM in the higher energy, short wavelength band and ≈1200 GM in the lower energy, long wavelength band of 1 were shown. The potential use of 1 in bioimaging was demonstrated via one- and two-photon in vitro fluorescence imaging of HCT 116 cells.

Unveiling electronic transitions in three novel chiral azo-compounds using linear and nonlinear circular dichroism: a theoretical-experimental study.

Herein, we report on the experimental and theoretically study of the linear absorption, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, as well as the two-photon absorption circular-linear dichroism measurements of three different chiral azo derivatives in dimethylsulfoxide solution. Using potential energy surfaces and frontier orbital analysis, we established the most stable conformation for each molecule and elucidated their different electronic transitions. Our theoretical calculations allowed us to unambiguously identify the spectral position of such transitions and correlate them with the spectral profiles observed in the two-photon absorption spectra. To further elucidate the characteristics of the main electronic transitions in terms of spectral shape and position, we carried out measurements of the polarization dependent two-photon absorption cross sections and determined the two-photon circular-linear dichroism spectra of these azo dyes.

Two-photon polarization dependent spectroscopy in chirality: a novel experimental-theoretical approach to study optically active systems.

Many phenomena, including life itself and its biochemical foundations are fundamentally rooted in chirality. Combinatorial methodologies for catalyst discovery and optimization remain an invaluable tool for gaining access to enantiomerically pure compounds in the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and flavors. Some exotic metamaterials exhibiting negative refractive index at optical frequencies are based on chiral structures. Chiroptical activity is commonly quantified in terms of circular dichroism (CD) and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD). However, the linear nature of these effects limits their application in the far and near-UV region in highly absorbing and scattering biological systems. In order to surmount this barrier, in recent years we made important advancements on a novel non linear, low-scatter, long-wavelength CD approach called two-photon absorption circular dichroism (TPACD). Herein we present a descriptive analysis of the optics principles behind the experimental measurement of TPACD, i.e., the double L-scan technique, and its significance using pulsed lasers. We also make an instructive examination and discuss the reliability of our theoretical-computational approach, which uses modern analytical response theory, within a Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) approach. In order to illustrate the potential of this novel spectroscopic tool, we first present the experimental and theoretical results obtained in C(2)-symmetric, axially chiral R-(+)-1,1'-bi(2-naphthol), R-BINOL, a molecule studied at the beginning of our investigation in this field. Next, we reveal some preliminary results obtained for (R)-3,3'-diphenyl-2,2'-bi-1-naphthol, R-VANOL, and (R)-2,2'-diphenyl-3,3'-(4-biphenanthrol), R-VAPOL. This family of optically active compounds has been proven to be a suitable model for the structure-property relationship study of TPACD, because its members are highly conjugated yet photo-stable, and easily derivatized at the 5- and 6-positions. With the publication of these outcomes we hope to motivate more members of the scientist community to engage in state-of-the-art TPACD spectroscopy.

Two-photon absorption circular dichroism: a new twist in nonlinear spectroscopy.

Herein we report on the full experimental measurement of the two-photon absorption circular dichroism spectra of (S)-(-)-1,1'-bi(2-naphthol) and (R)-(+)-1,1'-bi(2-naphthol), their analysis, and theoretical support. The finding of new nonlinear optical fingerprints in chiral molecules offers new opportunities in the recognition and understanding of optically active systems in regions where CD could present strong limitations.

Excited state absorption study in hematoporphyrin IX.

We present the study of the excited state absorption of Hematoporphyrin IX dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. All measurements were carried out using open aperture Z-scan and white-light continuum pump-probe with picosecond pulses to avoid triplet excited state absorption. Without the latter contribution, the results obtained with both techniques show a transition to a high singlet excited state. The vibronic progression of the Q-band is observed due to photobleaching of the ground state. In addition, we show that the excited state presents reverse saturable absorption for most of the spectral range studied. A long relaxation component of the first singlet excited state was evidenced with the pump-probe experiment. This result is in agreement with fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence quantum yield measurements. In order to elucidate the origin of the nonlinear effects, we used a three-level energy diagram to describe the principal singlet-singlet transitions.

Thermally controlled preferential molecular aggregation state in a thiacarbocyanine dye.

Herein we report the experimental and theoretical study of the temperature dependence of a thiacarbocyanine dye in its monomer, H- and J-aggregates states. We demonstrate the ability to control the ratio of monomer, H- and/or J-aggregates with heat. We link such a control to the conformation dependence of the molecule. An alternative way to gain access to the dominating species without changing the concentration as a complete switching mechanism between all the present species is proposed. The results presented in this work lead to a better understanding of thiacarbocyanine dye's behavior.

Two-photon absorption circular-linear dichroism on axial enantiomers.

We report on the experimental-theoretical analysis of degenerated two-photon absorption circular-linear dichroism (2PA-CLD) in (S)-(-)-1,1'-bi(2-naphthol) and (R)-(+)-1,1'-bi(2-naphthol) dissolved in THF. 2PA-CLD reveals similarities and differences between optical polarization states for the different enantiomers. These results unveil the potential applications of 2PA-CLD for the study and identification of chiral molecules with active and pivotal role in biological systems and the systematic design of chiral photonic structures.

Ultrasensitive Visual Detection of Glucose in Urine Based on the Iodide-Promoted Etching of Gold Bipyramids.

Blood glucose monitoring is an essential but painful component of diabetes management, so it is urgent to develop simple, convenient, and noninvasive glucose monitoring methods as alternatives. Because the glucose level in urine is directly related to the blood glucose, urine can be an alternative for blood glucose monitoring. Herein, we report the development of a new and highly sensitive noninvasive colorimetric assay to detect the glucose content in urine samples using gold bipyramids (GBPs). The principle of this method is to utilize hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the oxidation product of glucose, to etch GBPs, where the urine glucose will be quantified based on the displacement of the absorption peak of GBPs. The unique morphology (sharp tips) and etching mechanism (from tips) of GBPs determine the high sensitivity of this assay. Under optimal conditions, this colorimetric assay shows a dynamic range of 0.5-250 µM and a detection limit of 0.34 µM for artificial urine samples. This detection capability is ideal when sample dilution is necessary. Another advantage is that the color change of the GBP solution in this assay is convenient for the visual readout of the urine glucose semiquantitatively by the naked eye. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated here that the iodide ion has the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activity and can be used alone to promote the reduction reaction of H2O2, which eliminates the use of HRP enzymes, simplifies the reaction, and reduces costs. The role of iodide ions has been studied and mainly attributed as a catalyst with I2 as the reaction intermediate, which reduced the activation energy for the reduction of H2O2.