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Title: IR linewidth and intensity amplifications of nitrile vibrations report nuclear-electronic couplings and associated structural heterogeneity in radical anions

Journal Article · · Chemical Science
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03455C· OSTI ID:1813631

Conjugated molecular chains have the potential to act as “molecular wires” that can be employed in a variety of technologies, including catalysis, molecular electronics, and quantum information technologies. Their successful application relies on a detailed understanding of the factors governing the electronic energy landscape and the dynamics of electrons in such molecules. We can gain insights into the energetics and dynamics of charges in conjugated molecules using time-resolved infrared (TRIR) detection combined with pulse radiolysis. Nitrile ν(CN) bands can act as IR probes for charges, based on IR frequency shifts, because of their exquisite sensitivity to the degree of electron delocalization and induced electric field. Here, we show that the IR intensity and linewidth can also provide unique and complementary information on the nature of charges. Quantifications of IR intensity and linewidth in a series of nitrile-functionalized oligophenylenes reveal that the CN vibration is coupled to the nuclear and electronic structural changes, which become more prominent when an excess charge is present. We synthesized a new series of ladder-type oligophenylenes that possess planar aromatic structures, as revealed by X-ray crystallography. Using these, we demonstrate that CN vibrations can report charge fluctuations associated with nuclear movements, namely those driven by motions of flexible dihedral angles. This happens only when a charge has room to fluctuate in space.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0012704
OSTI ID:
1813631
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1813956
Report Number(s):
BNL-222008-2021-JAAM; CSHCBM
Journal Information:
Chemical Science, Journal Name: Chemical Science Vol. 12 Journal Issue: 36; ISSN 2041-6520
Publisher:
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

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