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

ABSTRACT: 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

SUBMITTER: Clark JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10685337 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature