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The twisted intramolecular charge transfer has been proposed for a number of years and widely accepted to explain the excited-state dynamics of organic molecules. Recently, a new state termed as "twisted and rehybridized intramolecular charge transfer" has been proposed to explain the excited-state dynamics of an aniline-triazine electron donor-acceptor dyad with an alkyne spacer based on ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy. However, the change of the geometries along the excited-state decay pathway remains unknown. In this study, by optimization of the excited-state geometry of the donor-acceptor dyad and potential energy surface scan along the twisting angle, we successfully reproduce the experimentally observed band in time-resolved infrared absorption spectroscopy. Our calculation results demonstrated that the rehybridization process is not involved and only the twisted intramolecular charge transfer state is formed. Moreover, we located a minimum energy conical intersection between the ground and first excited-state of the donor-acceptor dyad, which is easily reached and corresponding to the primary nonradiative decay pathway of the donor-acceptor dyad. The energy of minimum energy conical intersection is solvent-dependent and consistent with the experimentally observed solvent-dependent lifetime of excited state.

The biological roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) depend highly on their dynamics. However, it has been challenging for measuring the dynamics of ROS in cells. In this study, we address a core challenge in developing fluorescence probes for monitoring ROS dynamics by designing a redox couple that can respond rapidly to both oxidation and reduction events. We show that such molecules can be designed by taking advantage of the steric effects of electron-donating groups at the ortho position relative to the selenium center. We demonstrate this design in a new fluorescence probe named Fl-Se. Results reveal that Fl-Se and its oxidized product Fl-SeO rapidly respond to HClO, an important member of the ROS family, and glutathione (GSH), with t1/2 = 2.7 ms at [HClO] = 1 μM; t1/2 = 61 ms at [GSH] = 1 mM. When applied in cells, Fl-Se satisfactorily tracks the dynamics of intracellular HClO in H2O2-stimulated HL-60 cells, as well as the different dynamic behaviors of HClO fluctuations involved in the phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate-activated immune response of RAW264.7 cells and the 3-deazaneplanocin A-induced apoptosis of HL 60 cells.

Based on a new designed hydroxylflavone-quinoline fluorophore, a novel fluorescent probe FQDNP for detecting thiophenol with large Stokes shift has been developed recently. Despite the excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism has been mentioned in the report, the detailed excited state processes for the compound FQOH produced by FQDNP reacting with PhSH are still ambiguous. Typically, in which direction will the proton of hydroxyl group transfer in the excited state? Oxygen or nitrogen atom, which one is more likely to interact with the proton in hydroxyl group by an intramolecular hydrogen bonding? In this work, we have explored the excited state processes of the probe detecting for thiophenol with the density functional theory (DFT) and the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The calculated photo-induced changes in the optimized geometry parameters, intramolecular hydrogen bonding energies, stretching vibration frequencies, as well as the energy barriers for FQOH imply the proton of hydroxyl group is more likely to transfer to nitrogen atom rather than to oxygen atom in the S1 state. The calculations on the probe FQDNP reveals the fluorescence is quenched by the twisting and photoinduced electron transfer process. Our calculations provide a detailed description for the excited state processes of the probe sensing to thiophenol, which is expected to be applied in designing more effective fluorescent probes.

In this work, we explore the substituent effect, which is a tunable parameter for the excited-state intra-molecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process, on the photo-physical properties and ESIPT process of benzo[a]imidazo[5,1,2-cd]indolizines via theoretical methods. The calculations in geometric parameters, O–H stretching vibration frequencies, hydrogen bonding energies and energy curves along with the proton transfer path demonstrate the substitution exhibits different effects on the hydrogen bonding behaviors in the ground and excited state, thereby on the ESIPT process. In addition, the simulated absorption and emission spectra are in agreement well with the experimental results. Compared to those for the analogs bearing fluorine and methyl substitutions, the relatively higher quantum yield and the blue-shift emission wavelength of methoxy group substituted compound have been attributed to the less extent of charge transfer in the excited state.

The detecting mechanism in a dual-mode fluorescent probe PYNA sensing to tryptamine and fluoride ions has been explored by theoretical methods. The excited state intra-molecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process was investigated through analyzing excited hydrogen bonding changes, potential energy curves, frontier molecular orbitals and the charge density redistribution. Meanwhile, the excited state behaviors of PYNA-F, which is the product of PYNA reacting with fluoride ions, are analyzed to demonstrate the fluorescence detecting mechanism of PYNA for fluoride ions. The experimental new absorption peak of 480 nm has been assigned to the absorption of the anion form of PYNA.

In this work, we investigated the fluorescence mechanism of the probe (E)-3-((4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-2,3-dihydrothiophene-2-carboxamide (DHADC) for both Zn2+ and CN− by using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods. Utilizing the constructed potential energy curves both in the ground and excited states as a function of the distance of N2···H1, the proton transfer process of DHADC has been explored. According to the calculated spectra, another more reasonable structure of DHADC-CN for the product of DHADC responding to CN− has been proposed. All of the simulated absorption and emission spectra in this work are in agreement well with those in the experiment. Furthermore, the excited state decay picture and the fluorescence quenching mechanism of DHADC, as well as the fluorescence mechanism for Zn2+ and CN− have been fully explored.

In view of potential applications in microbial protein tissues, the novel benzothiophene-substituted chromenone 2-benzo[b]thiphen-3-yl-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-chroman-4-one (CHBT) compound is explored theoretically. Insights into photo-induced hydrogen bonding changes and charge redistribution in solvents with different polarities, we confirm the intramolecular hydrogen bond of CHBT is strengthened. It is worth mentioning excited state hydrogen bonding strengthening phenomenon is more pronounced in nonpolar solvents. Photo-induced increased electronic densities around acceptor attract proton with promoting excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. Exploring potential energy curves and transition state (TS) energy profiles, we clarify the ultrafast ESIPT behavior of CHBT is easier in nonpolar solvents.

It is well-known that the fluorescence of a chromophore can be efficiently quenched by the free rotor effect, sometimes called intramolecillar rotation (IMR), i.e. by a large-amplitude torsional motion. Using this effect, aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIE) and fluorescent molecular probes for viscosity measurements have been devised. However, the rotor effect on triplet excited states was rarely studied. Herein, with molecular rotors of Bodipy and diiodoBodipy, and by using steady state and time resolved transient absorption/emission spectroscopies, we confirmed that the triplet excited state-of the Bodipy chromophore is not quenched by IMR. This is in stark contrast to the fluorescence (singlet excited state), which is significantly quenched by IMR. This result is rather interesting since a long-lived excited state (triplet, 276 mu s) is not quenched by the IMR, but the short-lived excited state (singlet, 3.8 ns) is quenched by the same IMR The unquenched triplet excited state of the Bodipy was used for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, and the upconversion quantum yield is 6.3%.

Acid-switching of the triplet excited state in rhodamine-C60 dyads was achieved. The rhodamine moiety acts as an acid-activated visible light-harvesting antenna and C60 as the singlet energy acceptor and the spin converter, and production of the triplet state was enhanced in the presence of acid.

In an aerobic organism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an inevitable metabolic byproduct. Endogenously produced ROS have a significant role in physiological processes, but excess ROS can cause oxidative stress and can damage tissue. Cells possess elaborate mechanisms to regulate their internal redox status. The intracellular redox homeostasis plays an essential role in maintaining cellular function. However, moderate alterations in redox balance can accompany major transitions in a cell's life cycle. Because of the role of ROS in physiology and in pathology, researchers need new tools to study redox chemistry in biological systems.In recent years, researchers have made remarkable progress in developing new, highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes that respond to redox changes, and in this Account we highlight related research, primarily from our own group. We present an overview of the design, photophysical properties, and fluorescence transduction mechanisms of reported molecules that probe redox changes. We have designed and synthesized a series of fluorescent probes for redox cycles in biological systems relying on the active center of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We have also constructed probes based on the oxidation and reduction of hydroquinone and of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxy (TEMPO). Most of these probes exhibit high sensitivity and good selectivity, absorb in the near-infrared, and respond rapidly. Such probes are useful for confocal fluorescence microscopy, a dynamic imaging technique that could allow researchers to observe biologically important ROS and antioxidants in real time. This technique and these probes provide potentially useful tools for exploring the generation, transport, physiological function, and pathogenic mechanisms of ROS and antioxidants.We also describe features that could improve the properties of redox-responsive fluorescent probes: greater photostability; rapid, dynamic, cyclic and ratiometric responses; and broader absorption in the near-IR region. In addition, fluorescent probes that include organochalcogens such as selenium and tellurium show promise for a new class of fluorescent redox probes that are both chemically stable and robustly reversible. However, further investigations of the chemical and fluorescence transduction mechanisms of selenium-based probes in response to ROS are needed.

We have developed a new reversible fluorescence probe MPhSe-BOD for the redox cycle process between hypochlorous acid and hydrogen sulfide in solution and in living cells. Confocal microscopy imaging using RAW264.7 cell lines shows that the probe has good cell membrane permeability, and can monitor intracellular HClO/H(2)S redox cycles continuously.

Rhodamine-bromonaphthaleneimide (RB-NI) and rhodamine-bromonaphthalenediimide (RB-NDI) dyads were prepared for switching of the triplet excited states. Bromo-NI or bromo-NDI parts in the dyads are the spin converters, i.e., the triplet state producing modules, whereas the RB unit is the acid-activatable electron donor/energy acceptor. NI and NDI absorb at 359 and 541 nm, and the T1 state energy levels are 2.25 and 1.64 eV, respectively. RB undertakes the reversible spirolactam (RB-c) ↔ opened amide (RB-o) transformation. RB-c shows no visible light absorption, and the triplet-state energy level is ET1 = 3.36 eV. Conversely RB-o shows strong absorption at 557 nm, and ET1 is 1.73 eV. Thus, the acid-activated fluorescence-resonance-energy-transfer (FRET) competes with the ISC of NI or NDI. No triplet state was observed for the dyads with nanosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. Upon addition of acid, strong fluorescence and long-living triplet excited states were observed. Thus, the producing of triplet state is acid-activatable. The triplet state of RB-NI is localized on RB-o part, whereas in RB-NDI the triplet state is delocalized on both the NDI and RB-o units. The ISC of spin converter was not outcompeted by RET. These studies are useful for switching of triplet excited state.

Selenium is a biologically important trace element and acts as an active center of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). GPx is the important antioxidant enzyme to protect organisms from oxidative damage via catalyzing the reaction between ROS and glutathione (GSH). Mimicking the oxidation-reduction cycles of the versatile selenium core in GPx, we can develop fluorescence probes to detect oxidation and reduction events in living systems. The cellular redox balance between hypochloric acid (HClO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has broad implications in human health and diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, to further investigate the roles of this redox balance and understand the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, it is necessary to detect the redox state between HClO and H2S in real time. We have developed a reversible fluorescence probe MPhSe-BOD for imaging of the redox cycle between HClO and H2S based on oxidation and reduction of selenide in living cells.

Selenium is a biologically important trace element and acts as an active center of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). GPx is the important antioxidant enzyme to protect organisms from oxidative damage via catalyzing the reaction between ROS and glutathione (GSH). Mimicking the oxidation-reduction cycles of the versatile selenium core in GPx, we can develop fluorescence probes to detect oxidation and reduction events in living systems. The cellular redox balance between hypochloric acid (HClO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has broad implications in human health and diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, to further investigate the roles of this redox balance and understand the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, it is necessary to detect the redox state between HClO and H2S in real time. We have developed a reversible fluorescence probe MPhSe-BOD for imaging of the redox cycle between HClO and H2S based on oxidation and reduction of selenide in living cells.

In this article, the sensing mechanism of a fluorescence probe for hypochloric acid, NI-Se, has been investigated using experimental and theoretical methods. Based on the results of the steady-state and time-resolved emission spectra of NI-Se and its oxidized form NI-SeO, we suggested that there was twist internal charge transfer (TICT) state with faint fluorescence in NI-Se. Subsequently, the ground and excited state minimum geometries of NI-Se and NI-SeO were optimized with DFT/TD-DFT methods. The results demonstrated there was a twisting process in the excited state of NI-Se and that this twist process was induced by the nonbonding interaction between the Se and N atoms. In addition, the calculated spectra and molecular orbitals confirmed the charge transfer character of the TICT state in NI-Se. To further investigate the driving force behind the twist in NI-Se, we synthesized NI-O, which has no Se···N nonbonding interaction, as a control sample. Herein, we also present the characterization, fluorescence properties and the optimized geometries of NI-O. Moreover, the results showed that Se···N nonbonding interaction plays a significant role in the twisting process of NI-Se.

Based on a novel strategy for modulating the fluorescence of selenide and selenoxide, we have designed and developed a reversible fluorescent probe for hypochloric acid. And the synthesis, characterization, fluorescence properties, as well as the biological applications in living cells and animals, have all been described.

A diselenide containing fluorescent probe based on a fluorescein scaffold for thiols was developed. The fluorescent probe exhibited rapid response, high selectivity and reversibility. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize the redox changes mediated by thiols and reactive oxygen species in living HeLa cells.

A series of ratiometric probes based on heptamethine cyanine dyes for detecting hypochlorous acid have been developed. Here we present the synthesis, characterization and fluorescence properties of these probes. And it turns out that the probes are highly sensitive and selective toward hypochlorous acid. More importantly, the application in living cells for ratiometric imaging of hypochlorous acid has been achieved successfully.