{"title":"Indigo chromophores and pigments: Structure and dynamics","authors":"V.V. Volkov , R. Chelli , R. Righini , C.C. Perry","doi":"10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107761","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>In this study, we explore the molecular mechanisms of the stability of indigo chromophores<span> and pigments. Assisted with density functional theory, we compare visible, infrared and Raman spectral properties of model molecules, chromophores and pigments derived from living organisms. Using indigo carmine as a representative model system, we characterize the structure and dynamics of the chromophore in the first electronic excited state using femtosecond visible pump-infrared probe spectroscopy. Results of experiments and theoretical studies indicate that, while the </span></span><em>trans</em><span> geometry is strongly dominant in the electronic ground state, upon photoexcitation, in the Franck-Condon region, some molecules may experience isomerization and proton transfer dynamics. If this happens, however, the normal modes of the </span><em>tran</em>s geometry of the electronic excited state are reconfirmed within several hundred femtoseconds. Supported by quantum theory, first, we ascribe stabilization of the <em>trans</em> geometry in the Franck-Condon region to the reactive character of the potential energy surface for the indigo chromophore when under the <em>cis</em> geometry in the electronic excited state. Second, we suggest that a conical intersection crossing, due to the high barrier along the isomerization pathway in the ground state, would provide for the effective relaxation and observed dominance of the <em>trans</em> geometry of the chromophore in the ground state. Planarity of the chromophore under the <em>trans</em> geometry assists effective dissipation of energy via a cascade of in-plane C-C, C-O⋯H-N stretchings and C-C-C bending modes delocalized over the molecular mainframe. The described mechanisms help to explain the remarkable photo-stability of indigo chromophores.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":302,"journal":{"name":"Dyes and Pigments","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1000,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107761","citationCount":"23","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Dyes and Pigments","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0143720819307491","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"CHEMISTRY, APPLIED","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 23
Abstract
In this study, we explore the molecular mechanisms of the stability of indigo chromophores and pigments. Assisted with density functional theory, we compare visible, infrared and Raman spectral properties of model molecules, chromophores and pigments derived from living organisms. Using indigo carmine as a representative model system, we characterize the structure and dynamics of the chromophore in the first electronic excited state using femtosecond visible pump-infrared probe spectroscopy. Results of experiments and theoretical studies indicate that, while the trans geometry is strongly dominant in the electronic ground state, upon photoexcitation, in the Franck-Condon region, some molecules may experience isomerization and proton transfer dynamics. If this happens, however, the normal modes of the trans geometry of the electronic excited state are reconfirmed within several hundred femtoseconds. Supported by quantum theory, first, we ascribe stabilization of the trans geometry in the Franck-Condon region to the reactive character of the potential energy surface for the indigo chromophore when under the cis geometry in the electronic excited state. Second, we suggest that a conical intersection crossing, due to the high barrier along the isomerization pathway in the ground state, would provide for the effective relaxation and observed dominance of the trans geometry of the chromophore in the ground state. Planarity of the chromophore under the trans geometry assists effective dissipation of energy via a cascade of in-plane C-C, C-O⋯H-N stretchings and C-C-C bending modes delocalized over the molecular mainframe. The described mechanisms help to explain the remarkable photo-stability of indigo chromophores.
期刊介绍:
Dyes and Pigments covers the scientific and technical aspects of the chemistry and physics of dyes, pigments and their intermediates. Emphasis is placed on the properties of the colouring matters themselves rather than on their applications or the system in which they may be applied.
Thus the journal accepts research and review papers on the synthesis of dyes, pigments and intermediates, their physical or chemical properties, e.g. spectroscopic, surface, solution or solid state characteristics, the physical aspects of their preparation, e.g. precipitation, nucleation and growth, crystal formation, liquid crystalline characteristics, their photochemical, ecological or biological properties and the relationship between colour and chemical constitution. However, papers are considered which deal with the more fundamental aspects of colourant application and of the interactions of colourants with substrates or media.
The journal will interest a wide variety of workers in a range of disciplines whose work involves dyes, pigments and their intermediates, and provides a platform for investigators with common interests but diverse fields of activity such as cosmetics, reprographics, dye and pigment synthesis, medical research, polymers, etc.