Comment on the article "Investigation of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer between Fluorescein and Rhodamine 6G".

In this comment we, report the missing of relevant literature regarding Forster energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescein and rhodamine 6G in a recent paper (Spectrochim. Acta A, 149 (2015) 143-149). In this paper, the authors claim that "a new FRET pair" has been identified, which is absolutely incorrect. In fact, studies on FRET in this dye pair under different conditions have been done earlier. Further, the estimated critical transfer distance may have uncertainty because of donor quantum yield which is not clarified in the paper.

Fourier transform two-dimensional fluorescence excitation spectrometer by using tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer.

A Fourier transform two-dimensional fluorescence excitation spectrometer (FT-2DFES) was developed based on the multiplex technique using a tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer (tandem FPI). In addition to the advantage of the multiplex technique, the main advantage of the tandem FPI is applicable to the modulation of transition with a large absorption bandwidth (larger than 100 nm) and is thus applicable to the modulation of the excitation of molecules in the condensed phase. As a demonstration of the effectiveness of FT-2DFES, we succeeded in separately observing the fluorescence excitation peaks from a mixed methanol solution of laser dyes (coumarin 480, rhodamine 6G, DCM (4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-(p-(dimethylamino)styryl)-4H-pyran), and LDS750). Furthermore, the energy transfer from rhodamine 6G to LDS750 was observed.

Slow excited state phototautomerization in 3-hydroxyisoquinoline.

In the present work we report the spectral and photophysical properties of 3-hydroxyisoquinoline in various protic/aprotic solvents. Our steady state and time resolved fluorescence data indicates that in the monomer form of 3HIQ phototautomerization can take place in the excited state through excited state intramolecular proton, while as per earlier suggestions phototautomerization in 3HIQ occurs in dimer or complex (in the presence of acetic acid) form. Moreover, we find rather slow tautomerization (occurring on the nanosecond scale). It is found that proton transfer occurs both in the ground as well as excited states and is controlled by the polarity of the solvent.

Polarity controlled reaction path and kinetics of thermal cis-to-trans isomerization of 4-aminoazobenzene.

Spectral and kinetic behavior of thermal cis-to-trans isomerization of 4-aminoazobenzene (AAB) is examined in various solvents of different polarities. In contrast to azobenzene (AB), it is found the rate of thermal isomerization of AAB is highly dependent on solvent polarity. Accelerated rates are observed in polar solvents as compared to nonpolar solvents. Moreover, a decrease in the barrier height with an increase in medium polarity is observed. Our observations suggest that inversion is the preferred pathway in cis-to-trans thermal isomerization in a nonpolar medium; however, in a polar medium, the isomerization path deviates from the inversion route and rotational behavior is incorporated. Differences in the kinetics and in mechanisms of isomerization in different media are rationalized in terms of modulation in barrier height by polarity of the medium and solute-solvent interaction. It is found that kinetics as well as the mechanism of thermal isomerization in AAB is controlled by the polarity of the medium.

Steady state and time-resolved fluorescence study of isoquinoline: reinvestigation of excited state proton transfer.

In the present work we report some hitherto unnoticed features in the steady state and time-resolved measurements of isoquinoline in water and trifluoroethanol (TFE). Absorption spectra reveal that in water, neutrals as well cationic species are present. Emission spectrum shows structured features at shorter wavelengths accompanied with a broad band around 375 nm, which correspond to neutrals and cations respectively. However, time-resolved data indicate that protonation does not take place in the excited state in water. On the contrary, in stronger hydrogen bonding solvent TFE, distribution of decay components is observed and at longer wavelengths a small rise time is present. This is ascribed to neutral and cation-like species present in the ground as well as in the excited state. The difference in the results is explained in terms of different excited state potential energy surfaces for water and TFE; particularly, the presence of a rather small barrier for protonation in case of TFE.