Direct Observation of a Dark State in the Photocycle of a Light-Driven Molecular Motor.

ABSTRACT: Controlling the excited-state properties of light driven molecular machines is crucial to achieving high efficiency and directed functionality. A key challenge in achieving control lies in unravelling the complex photodynamics and especially in identifying the role played by dark states. Here we use the structure sensitivity and high time resolution of UV-pump/IR-probe spectroscopy to build a detailed and comprehensive model of the structural evolution of light driven molecular rotors. The photodynamics of these chiral overcrowded alkene derivatives are determined by two close-lying excited electronic states. The potential energy landscape of these "bright" and "dark" states gives rise to a broad excited-state electronic absorption band over the entire mid-IR range that is probed for the f

SUBMITTER: Amirjalayer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5098230 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature