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Abstract: We present a theoretical investigation about the excited state dynamical mechanism of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine (DMAPIP‐c). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we reasonably repeat the experimental electronic spectra, which further confirm the theoretical level used in this work is feasible. Given the best complex model, 3 methanol (MeOH) solvent molecules should be connected with DMAPIP‐c forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH complex in both ground state and excited state. Exploring the changes about bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bond wires, we find the O7‐H8···N9 one should be largely strengthened in the S1 state, which plays an important role in facilitating the excited state intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. In addition, the analyses about infrared vibrational spectra also confirm this conclusion. The redistribution about charges distinguished via frontier molecular orbitals based on the photoexcitation, we do find tendency of ESIPT reaction due to the most charges located around N9 atom in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Based on constructing the potential energy curves of both S0 and S1 states, we not only confirm that the ESIPT process should firstly occur along with hydrogen bond wire O7‐H8···N9, but also find a low potential energy barrier 8.898 kcal/mol supports the ESIPT reaction in the S1 state forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT configuration. Subsequently, DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT could twist its dimethylamino moiety with a lower barrier 3.475 kcal/mol forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT‐TICT structure. Our work not only successfully explains previous experimental work but also paves the way for the further applications about DMAPIP‐c sensor in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the tremendous potential of fluorescence sensors in recent years, in this present work, we theoretically explore a novel fluorescence chemosensor [2‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐5‐yl]‐phenyl‐methanone (HBPM) about its excited state behaviors and probe‐response mechanism. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, we explore the S0‐state and S1‐state hydrogen bond dynamical behaviors and confirm that the strengthening intramolecular hydrogen bond in the S1 state may promote the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. In view of the photoexcitation process, we find that the charge redistribution around the hydroxyl moiety plays important roles in providing driving force for ESIPT. And the constructed potential energy curves further verify that the ESIPT process of HBPM should be ultrafast. That is the reason why the normal HBPM fluorescence cannot be detected in previous experiment. Furthermore, with the addition of fluoride anions, the exothermal deprotonation process occurs spontaneously along with the intermolecular hydrogen bond O–H⋯F. It reveals the uniqueness of detecting fluoride anions using HBPM molecules. As a whole, the fluoride anions inhibit the initial ESIPT process of HBPM, which results in different fluorescence behaviors. This work presents the clear ESIPT process and fluoride anion‐sensing mechanism of a novel HBPM chemosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, three novel phenols (10a,11‐dihydro‐4bH‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinolin‐4‐ol (1), 5,6‐dihydro‐benzo[c]acridin‐1‐ol (2), and 5,5,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐4aH‐13‐aza‐benzo[3,4]cyclohepta[1,2‐b]naphthalene‐1‐ol (3)) have been explored theoretically in detail. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods, we inquire into the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Exploring the steady‐state absorption and emission spectra under TDDFT/B3LYP/TZVP theoretical level in acetonitrile solvent, our calculated results demonstrate an experimental phenomenon. Based on analysis of the variations of geometrical parameters and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, we confirm that O–H⋯N should be strengthened in the S1 state. Investigating the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) and the charge density difference (CDD) maps, it can be confirmed that the charge redistribution facilitates the tendency of the ESIPT process for 1, 2, and 3 systems. By constructing potential energy curves, we confirm that the proton transfer should occur in the S1 state. In particular, the ESIPT for 2 and 3 systems are nonbarrier processes in the S1 state, which confirms that ESIPT should be exothermal spontaneously. This work explains previous experimental results and makes a reasonable assumption about the ESIPT mechanism for 1, 2 and 3 systems. We sincerely hope our work can facilitate understanding and promoting applications about them in future. The intramolecular hydrogen bond of 1, 2, and 3 compounds should be strengthened in the S1 state. By exploring frontier molecular orbitals and charge density difference, the charge redistribution can be confirmed to facilitate the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) tendency. The ESIPT reaction for 1 compound demonstrates a low potential barrier, while that for 2 and 3 compounds should be exothermal spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods are used to explore the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism of a novel system 4′‐dimethylaminoflavonol (DAF). By analyzing the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface, we verify that the intramolecular hydrogen bond in DAF exists in both the S0 and S1 states. We calculate the absorption and emission spectra of DAF in two solvents, which reproduce the experimental results. By comparing the bond lengths, bond angles, and relative infrared (IR) vibrational spectra involved in the hydrogen bonding of DAF, we confirm the hydrogen‐bond strengthening in the S1 state. For further exploring the photoexcitation, we use frontier molecular orbitals to analyze the charge redistribution properties, which indicate that the charge transfer in the hydrogen‐bond moiety may be facilitating the ESIPT process. The constructed potential energy curves in acetonitrile and methylcyclohexane solvents with shortened hydrogen bond distances demonstrate that proton transfer is more likely to occur in the S1 state due to the lower potential barrier. Comparing the results in the two solvents, we find that aprotic polar and nonpolar solvents seem to play similar roles. This work not only clarifies the excited‐state behaviors of the DAF system but also successfully explains its spectral characteristics. Hydrogen bond should be formed in the S0 state for 4′‐dimethylaminoflavonol (DAF), as shown via Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analysis. The intramolecular hydrogen bond of DAF should be strengthened in the S1 state, which provides the tendency for the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. The charge redistribution and low potential energy barriers of DAF facilitate the ESIPT reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods were used to investigate the excited‐state dynamics of the excited‐state hydrogen‐bonding variations and proton transfer mechanism for a novel white‐light fluorophore 2‐(4‐[dimethylamino]phenyl)‐7‐hyroxy‐6‐(3‐phenylpropanoyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (1). The methods we adopted could successfully reproduce the experimental electronic spectra, which shows the appropriateness of the theoretical level in this work. Using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) as well as the reduced density gradient (RDG) versus the product of the sign of the second largest eigenvalue of the electron density Hessian matrix and electron density (sign[λ2]ρ), we demonstrate that an intramolecular hydrogen bond O1–H2···O3 should be formed spontaneously in the S0 state. By analyzing the chemical structures, infrared vibrational spectra, and hydrogen‐bonding energies, we confirm that O1–H2·O3 should be strengthened in the S1 state, which reveals the possibility of an excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. On investigating the excitation process, we find the S0 → S1 transition corresponding to the charge transfer, which provides the driving force for ESIPT. By constructing the potential energy curves, we show that the ESIPT reaction results in a dynamic equilibrium in the S1 state between the forward and backward processes, which facilitates the emission of white light. Highlights: The excited state dynamical equilibrium in ESIPT process of 1 compound facilitates mingling white light emitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 3‐hydroxyflavone derivative, 4‐methoxy‐3‐hydroxyflavone (4M3HF), is theoretically investigated regarding its excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism based on density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. By comparing the solvent polarity, we selected acetonitrile and toluene in this work. First, based on atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses, we verified the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond of the 4M3HF structure. On investigating the geometrical parameters (i.e., bond lengths and bond angles), we found that the hydrogen bond strength should be enhanced in the S1 state. By calculating the infrared vibrational spectra, we confirmed the strengthening of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the S1 state. We further studied the excitation process using the frontier molecular orbitals method, based on which we concluded that the charge redistribution in solvents facilitates the ESIPT tendency. For exploring the ESIPT behavior, we constructed the potential energy curves along with ESIPT paths in both solvents (acetonitrile and toluene). We found that low potential energy barriers facilitate the ESIPT process in the 4M3HF system, which was also verified by searching the transition state (TS) structure. Comparing these two solvents, we concluded that solvent effects play little role in the ESIPT reaction in the 4M3HF system. And we could successfully explain the previous experimental result. The intramolecular hydrogen bond of the 4M3HF structure should be strengthened in the S1 state in both acetonitrile and toluene. The charge redistribution of the hydrogen‐bonding moieties of 4M3HF system provides the tendency of ESIPT reaction. By constructing the potential energy curves and searching the TS structures of the 4M3HF system, we clarify the ESIPT mechanism and conclude that the solvent effects play little role in the ESIPT reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this present work, using density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we theoretically study the excited‐state hydrogen bonding dynamics and the excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of a new 2‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]oxazol‐2‐yl‐phenol (2PYP) system. Via exploring the reduced density gradient versus sign(λ2(r))ρ(r), we affirm that the intramolecular hydrogen bond O1‐H2⋯N3 is formed in the ground state. Based on photoexcitation, comparing bond lengths, bond angles, and infrared vibrational spectra involved in hydrogen bond, we confirm that the hydrogen bond O1‐H2⋯N3 of 2PYP should be strengthened in the S1 state. Analyses about frontier molecular orbitals prove that charge redistribution of 2PYP facilitates excited state intramolecular proton transfer process. Via constructing potential energy curves and searching transition state structure, we clarify the excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of 2PYP in detail, which may make contributions for the applications of such kinds of system in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present work, we theoretical study the sensing mechanism of a new fluoride chemosensor (E)‐2‐(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl)‐6‐(4‐hydroxystyryl)‐1H‐benzo[de]‐isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (the abbreviation is NIM). Based on density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, the fluoride anion response mechanism has been confirmed via constructing potential energy curve. The exothermal deprotonation process along with the intermolecular hydrogen bond O–H···F reveals the uniqueness of detecting F−. After capturing hydrogen proton forming NIM‐A anion configuration, a new absorption peak around 655 nm appears in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. In addition, the emission of NIM can be quenched when adding F− has been also confirmed. Due to the twisted intramolecular charge transfer character NIM‐A‐S1 form, we further verify the experimental phenomenon. The theoretical electronic spectra (vertical excitation energies and fluorescence peak) reproduced previous experimental results (ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2014, 6, 7996), which not only reveals the rationality of our theoretical level used in this work but also confirms the correctness of geometrical attribution. In view of the excitation process, the strong intramolecular charge transfer process of S0 → S1 transition explain the redshift of absorption peak for NIM with the addition of fluoride anion. This work presents a straightforward sensing mechanism (deprotonation process) of fluoride anion for the novel NIM chemosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism of a new compound ( E)-1-((2,2-diphenylhydrazono)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol ( EDMN) sensor, reported and synthesized by Mukherjee et al. [ Sensors Actuat. B-Chem. 2014, 202, 1190], is investigated in detail theoretically. The calculations on primary bond lengths, bond angles, and the corresponding infrared (IR) vibrational spectra and hydrogen-bond energy involved in intramolecular hydrogen bond between the S0 and S1 states confirm that the intramolecular hydrogen bond is strengthened in the S1 state, which reveals the tendency of ESIPT reaction. The fact that the experimental absorption and emission spectra are well reproduced demonstrates the rationality and effectiveness of the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) level of theory we adopt here. Furthermore, intramolecular charge transfer based on the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) gives indication of the ESIPT reaction. The constructed potential energy curves of both the S0 and S1 states while keeping the O─H distance of EDMN fixed at a series of values are used to illustrate the ESIPT process. The lower barrier of ~3.934 kcal/mol in the S1 state potential energy curve (lower than the 8.254 kcal/mol in the S0 state) provides the transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present work, we theoretically investigate a novel system 3‐hydroxy‐2‐(5‐(5‐(5‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐4H‐chromen‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (FT) based on density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. Via calculating the reduced density gradient (RDG) versus sign(λ2) ρ, we firstly verify the formation of the dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1─H2···O3 and O4─H5···O6) for FT form in the S0 state. Then comparing the primary structural parameters and corresponding infrared (IR) vibrational spectra involved in hydrogen bonds between S0 and S1 state, we demonstrate that these two intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S1 state. Insights into the vertical excitation process, our theoretical results reproduced experimental absorption nature, which confirms that the theoretical level (B3LYP/TZVP) is reasonable and effective in this work. And frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) depict the nature of electronically excited state and support the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. According to the calculated results of potential energy curves along stepwise and synergetic O1─H2 and O4─H5 coordinates, we verify that only the excited‐state single‐proton transfer could occur for FT molecule in the S1 state, although it possesses two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. We not only investigate the detail excited‐state behaviors for FT system and elaborate the ESIPT mechanism but also explain previous experimental results. Dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened upon photoexcitation. The charge redistribution reveals the tendency of ESIPT reaction. We confirm that only single proton transfer occurs in the S1 state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we mainly focus on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of a new molecule 9,10‐dihydroxybenzo[h]quinoline (9‐10‐HBQ). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we have theoretically investigated its excited‐state dynamical process and our theoretical results successfully reappeared previous experimental electronic spectra. The ultrafast excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer process occurs in the first excited state (S1 state) forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT1 structure without potential energy barrier along with hydrogen bond (O3–H4···N5). Then the second proton may transfer via another intramolecular hydrogen bonded wire (O1–H2···N3) with a moderate potential energy barrier (about 7.69 kcal/mol) in the S1 state forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT2 configuration. After completing excited‐state dynamical process, the molecule on the first excited electronic state would come back to the ground state. We not only clarify the excited‐state dynamical process for 9‐10‐HBQ but also put forward new predictions and successfully explain previous experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that molecular excited state dynamical process plays important roles in designing and developing novel applications in recent years. In this work, based on density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, we theoretically explored the novel (benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenol (HBT‐Cz) system about its excited state behaviors. Via simulating the electrostatic potential surface (EPS) of HBT‐Cz structure, we confirm the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond O2—H3···N4 in the S0 state. Our theoretical dominating bond lengths, bond angles, and the infrared (IR) vibrational spectra involved in hydrogen bond demonstrate that O2—H3···N4 should be strengthened in the S1 state. Upon the photoexcitation, we find the charge transfer characteristics around hydrogen bonding moieties play important roles in facilitating excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Via constructing potential energy curves, we confirm the ESIPT reaction that further explains previous experimental phenomenon. Moreover, we also search the S1‐state transition state (TS) structure along with ESIPT path, based on which we simulate the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) path. Combing with the atom‐centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) molecular dynamics simulation, we further confirm the ESIPT mechanism presented in this work. We sincerely hope that our theoretical work could guide novel applications based on HBT‐Cz system in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, we theoretically explore a novel fluorescent sensor molecule (abbreviated as "2") (Sensors Actuat B‐Chem. 2018, 263, 585). Because of its symmetry, three stable structures can be located, ie, 2‐enol, 2‐SPT, and 2‐DPT forms in both S0 and S1 states. Via comparing the bond lengths and bond angles involved in the hydrogen bonding moieties, we find the dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S1 state. And based on infrared (IR) vibrational simulations, we further confirm the strengthening dual hydrogen bonds. Upon the photo‐excitation process, the charge redistribution via frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) reveals the tendency of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. In addition, the constructed S0‐state and S1‐state potential energy curves demonstrate that the excited state single proton transfer (ESSPT) should be the most supported one from 2‐enol to 2‐SPT form. In view of the S1‐state stable 2‐SPT and 2‐DPT structures as well as the fluorescence peaks of them, we can further confirm the ESSPT mechanism for 2 chemosensor. This work not only clarifies the excited state behaviors of 2 system but also successfully explain the previous experimental phenomenon. The strengthening dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1H2···N3 and O4H5···N6) of 2 provides the possibility for ESIPT process.The redistribution of charge involved in the hydrogen bonding moieties facilitates the ESIPT reaction.Potential energy curves and emission spectra confirm that the excited state single proton transfer should occur for 2 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]