Structural insight into piezo-solvatochromism of Reichardt’s dye

Abstract

This work employs the preference of compounds to crystallize at high-pressure in the form of solvates to explore the solvation process and piezo-solvatochromic effects of Reichardt’s dye, ET(1). The solute–solvent interactions of this dye affect the optical properties of the dye in various solvents as shown by X-ray diffraction and UV–Vis spectroscopy, revealing applications in nonlinear optoelectronics and molecular pressure sensor development.

To date, accurate modelling of the solvation process is challenging, often over-simplifying the solvent–solute interactions. The interplay between the molecular arrangement associated with the solvation process and crystal nucleation has been investigated by analysis of the piezo-solvatochromic behaviour of Reichardt’s dye, ET(1), in methanol, ethanol and acetone under high pressure. High-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction and UV–Vis spectroscopy reveal the impact of solute–solvent interactions on the optical properties of ET(1). The study underscores the intricate relationship between solvent properties, molecular conformation and crystal packing. The connection between liquid and solid phases emphasizes the capabilities of high-pressure methods for expanding the field of crystal engineering. The high-pressure environment allowed the determination of the crystal structures reported here that are built from organic molecules fourfold solvated with ethanol or methanol: ET(1)·4CH₃OH and ET(1)·4C₂H₅OH·H₂O. The observed piezo-solvatochromic effects highlight the potential of ET(1) in nonlinear optoelectronics and expand the application of solvatochromic chemical indicators to pressure sensors.