Transforming hemithioindigo from a two-way to a one-way molecular photoswitch by isolation in the gas phase

Navratil R, Wiedbrauk S, Jasik J, Dube H, Roithova J (2018)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Royal Society of Chemistry

Book Volume: 20

Pages Range: 6868-6876

Journal Issue: 10

DOI: 10.1039/c8cp00096d

Abstract

Hemithioindigo compounds are attractive two-way molecular photoswitches combining stilbene and thioindigo parts connected by a C-C double bond. In solution, these photoswitches have been well studied. This study presents the investigation of a hemithioindigo derivative in the gas phase. Visible absorption spectra, measured by standard (visPD) and helium-tagging visible photodissociation (He-visPD) techniques were used to unravel absorption characteristics at the level of isolated molecules at 3 Kelvin. Comparison between the Z and E isomers shows a quite distinctive behavior upon visible light absorption. The Z isomer readily undergoes Z → E conversion in the gas phase, as evidenced by the changes in the helium-tagging infrared photodissociation (He-IRPD) spectra. Surprisingly, visible light excitation of the E isomer does not lead to efficient E → Z isomerization unlike in solution. Instead, the ions relax back to their ground state. Influencing the microenvironment of the E isomer by complexation with the highly polar betaine zwitterion resulted in absorption changes, albeit without activating the photoswitching process. Hence, isolation in the gas phase transforms hemithioindigo into a one-way molecular photoswitch. Furthermore, the combination of He-visPD and IRPD spectroscopies proved to be an excellent method for studying photochemical processes such as the double-bond isomerization in the gas phase.

Authors with CRIS profile

Henry Dube

Involved external institutions

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE) Univerzita Karlova v Praze / Charles University in Prague CZ Czech Republic (CZ)

How to cite

APA:

Navratil, R., Wiedbrauk, S., Jasik, J., Dube, H., & Roithova, J. (2018). Transforming hemithioindigo from a two-way to a one-way molecular photoswitch by isolation in the gas phase. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 20(10), 6868-6876. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8cp00096d

MLA:

Navratil, Rafael, et al. "Transforming hemithioindigo from a two-way to a one-way molecular photoswitch by isolation in the gas phase." Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 20.10 (2018): 6868-6876.

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