Des molécules ou assemblages moléculaires organiques (dérivés d’hémicyanine ou du BODIPY) ont été étudiés en solution par des méthodes optiques complémentaires : absorption stationnaire et fluorescence, absorption transitoire et fluorescence résolue en temps (échelle femtoseconde et picoseconde). Ces méthodes ont permis de caractériser différents processus tels que le transfert de charge intramoléculaire, le transfert d'énergie et le transfert d'électron photoinduit. Elles ont ainsi permis de démontrer l’intérêt de certains chromophores de type AzaBODIPY émettant dans le proche IR, dans des applications d’imagerie et de thérapie photodynamique. La photostabilité et l’absorption à deux photons ont également été étudiées dans le cas d’autres dérivés du BODIPY pouvant être appliqués à la détection d’espèces ioniques. Dans le cas des hémicyanines, des dérivés amphiphiles dotés d’une couronne reconnaissant spécifiquement certains cations ont également été étudiés sous forme de films de Langmuir-Blodgett et en présence de différents cations, le but étant de former des membranes artificielles iono- et photosensibles. / Ultrafast femtosecond transient absorption measurements (30 fs FWHM pulses) and complementary picosecond spectroscopies (20 ps FWHM pulses, streak camera detection), as well as steady state absorption and fluorescence measurements, were used to study a range of molecules and molecular assemblies. Processes such as intramolecular charge transfer, electronic energy transfer and photoinduced electron transfer were characterized. Amphiphilic azacrown-containing hemicyanine dyes and resulting iono- and photosensitive artificial membranes were studied using Langmuir-Blodgett techniques in the presence of various cations. Among a range of other molecules studied, NIR emitting aza-BODIPY dyes were studied by time-resolved methods in order to investigate their suitability for Photodynamic Therapy applications and imaging. Differently functionalized BODIPY dyes were investigated with respect to photostability, two photon absorption and ion sensing.

In this thesis ultrafast exciton dynamics of several colloidal quantum dots have been studied using visible transient absorption spectroscopy. The resultant transient decays and differential transmission spectra were analysed to determine the ultrafast relaxation channels, multiple exciton generation (MEG) efficiency and multi-exciton interactions in the observed materials. All QDs were preliminarily optically characterized using steady state absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. In addition, a high repetition infrared femtosecond pump probe experiment was designed and built to detect the picosecond intraband carrier relaxations in quantum dots. Picosecond carrier dynamics of type-II ZnTe/ZnSe and of CuInSe2 and CuInS2 type-I quantum dots were investigated. The common feature of these materials is that they are eco-friendly materials, being alternatives to the toxic Cd- and Pb- based materials. It was found that surface trapping occurred in both cases for electrons in the hot states, and in the minimum of the conduction band for ZnTe/ZnSe core/shell materials. Trion formation was observed in ZnTe/ZnSe core/shell dots at high power and unstirred conditions. The hot and cold electron trapping processes in type-II dots and CuInS2 and CuInSe2 dots shifted, distorted and moderately cancelled the bleach features. In addition, intra-gap hole trapping was observed in CuInS2 and CuInSe2 dots which results in a long decay feature in the recorded transients. MEG competes with Auger cooling, surface mediated relaxation and phonon emission. To enhance the MEG quantum yield, the rival mechanisms were suppressed in well-engineered CdSe/CdTe/CdS and CdTe/CdSe/CdS core/shell/shell and CdTe/CdS core/shell type-II quantum dots. The MEG slope efficiency and threshold for a range of different core size and shell thickness were found to be (142±9)%/Eg and (2.59±0.16)Eg, respectively. The observed threshold was consistent with the literature, whereas, the obtained slope efficiency was about three times higher than the previously reported values. The biexciton interaction energy of the dots stated in the previous paragraph was also studied. To date, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) has been employed to study exciton interactions in type-II quantum dots and large repulsive biexciton interaction energy values between 50-100 meV have been reported. However, unlike the TRPL method, the TA experiment ensures that only two excitons remain in the band edge of the dot. Using this method, large attractive biexciton interaction energies up to ~-60 meV was observed. These results have promising implications regarding enhancing the MEG quantum yield.

[ES] La luz solar puede producir daños en el ADN por absorción directa de luz UVB, o por fotosensibilización tras la absorción de luz UVA por parte de fármacos, que pueden actuar como fotosensibilizadores (PS). La benzofenona (BP), presente en la estructura química de una amplia variedad de fármacos, tiene el potencial de fotosensibilizar daño al ADN, especialmente hacia la base de timina (Thy). Este daño puede dar lugar a dímeros de pirimidina de tipo ciclobutano (CPD) y a fotoproductos (6-4) pirimidina-pirimidona ((6-4)PPs), los cuales pueden causar mutaciones graves, melanomas o incluso la muerte celular. En algunos organismos, los (6-4)PPs pueden repararse de manera eficiente por las fotoliasas, en lo que se podría entender como una reacción Paternò-Büchi (PB) inversa a través de un intermedio de oxetano altamente inestable. Con el fin de profundizar en la fotorreactividad de los derivados BP-Thy y en la ruptura fotoinducida de oxetanos, se sintetizaron por primera vez una variedad de diadas en las que Thy y BP están covalentemente unidas por un espaciador lineal de diferente longitud y naturaleza. La fotorreactividad de los diferentes derivados se investigó por fotólisis de destello láser (LFP) y espectroscopía de absorción transitoria a escala de femtosegundo; además, se aislaron y caracterizaron los principales fotoproductos (PPs) derivados de la irradiación en estado estacionario. Los resultados mostraron un alto grado de quimioselectividad en la longitud y conformación del espaciador. En cuanto a la reactividad fotoquímica, se formaron PPs derivados de la PB y de la abstracción formal de hidrógeno; así, las diadas con el espaciador más largo dieron lugar a la formación de oxetanos y de PPs de abstracción de hidrógeno. Por el contrario, las diadas con espaciadores más cortos formaron un fotoproducto de abstracción formal de hidrógeno y/o polimerización. Por tanto, la fotorreactividad se vio influida por la longitud del espaciador, correlacionándose bien con los tiempos de 3BP*, observándose los tiempos más cortos para las diadas de espaciadores largos. En relación con la fotoapertura de oxetanos, la irradiación de los diferentes regio- y estereoisoméros condujo a la formación de la típica banda de absorción triplete-triplete de BP; por tanto, dicho proceso opera de forma adiabática. La fotólisis del oxetano que resulta de la irradiación de la diada con el espaciador más largo mostró una banda de absorción transitoria sobre 400 nm, atribuida a la formación del exciplejo triplete entre BP y Thy covalentemente unidos. Por otro lado, se investigó la reacción PB y la cicloreversión de oxetanos que surgen de la interacción entre Thy o derivados de uracilo (Ura) y BP. Así, se sintetizó una amplia gama de oxetanos Thy-BP y Ura-BP con diferentes sustituyentes en las posiciones 1 y 5 de la nucleobase, incluyéndose los regioisómeros cabeza-cabeza (HH) y cabeza-cola (HT). Los estudios espectroscópicos (absorción transitoria ultrarrápida y LFP), junto con el análisis teórico, coinciden en que la cicloreversión fotoinducida para los isómeros HH y HT implica la formación de un exciplejo en el estado excitado triplete antes de la ruptura. Generalmente, se observó que la reacción fue completamente adiabática para los regioisómeros HH. En el caso del oxetano HH que surge de la interacción entre 1,3-dimetiltimina (DMT) y BP, se observó la formación de una banda ~400 nm, que se atribuyó al exciplejo triplete 3[DMT···BP]*. Su formación fue altamente regioselectiva, siendo más rápida y eficiente para el isómero HH que para HT. Estos resultados fueron confirmados por análisis computacional. En general, se observó adiabaticidad en el proceso de fotorreversión para todos los oxetanos investigados, con un alto grado de regioselectividad y con la participación de exciplejos triplete. / [CA] La llum solar pot produir danys a l'ADN per absorció directa de llum UVB, o per fotosensibilització després de l'absorció de llum UVA per part de fàrmacs, que poden actuar com fotosensibilitzadors (PS). La benzofenona (BP), present en l'estructura química d'una àmplia varietat de fàrmacs, té el potencial de fotosensibilitzar dany a l'ADN, especialment a la base de timina (Thy). Aquest dany pot donar lloc a dímers de pirimidina de tipus ciclobutà (CPD) i a fotoproductes (6-4) pirimidina-pirimidona ((6-4)PPs), els quals poden causar mutacions greus, melanomes o fins i tot la mort cel·lular. En alguns organismes, els (6-4)PPs poden reparar-se de manera eficient per les fotoliases, en el que es podria entendre com una reacció Paternò-Büchi (PB) inversa a través d'un intermedi d'oxetà altament inestable. Amb la finalitat d'aprofundir en la fotoreactivitat dels derivats BP-Thy i en la ruptura fotoinduïda d'oxetans, es van sintetitzar per primera vegada una varietat de diades en les quals Thy i BP estan covalentment unides per un espaiador lineal de diferent longitud i naturalesa. La fotoreactivitat dels diferents derivats es va investigar per fotòlisi de centelleig làser (LFP) i espectroscopía d'absorció transitòria a escala de femtosegons; a més, es van aïllar i caracteritzar els principals fotoproductes (PPs) derivats de la irradiació en estat estacionari. Els resultats van mostrar un alt grau de quimioselectivitat en la longitud i conformació de l'espaiador. Quant a la reactivitat fotoquímica, es van formar PPs derivats de la PB i de l'abstracció formal d'hidrogen; així, les diades amb l'espaiador més llarg van donar lloc a la formació d'oxetans i de PPs d'abstracció d'hidrogen. Per contra, les diades amb espaiadors més curts van formar un fotoproducte d'abstracció formal d'hidrogen i/o polimerització. Per tant, la fotoreactivitat es va veure influïda per la longitud de l'espaiador, correlacionant-se bé amb els temps de 3BP*, observant-se els temps més curts per a les diades amb espaiadors llargs. En relació amb la fotoapertura d'oxetans, la irradiació dels diferents regi- i estereoisòmers va conduir a la formació de la típica banda d'absorció triplet-triplet de BP; per tant, aquest procés opera de manera adiabàtica. La fotòlisi de l'oxetà que resulta de la irradiació de la diada amb l'espaiador més llarg va mostrar una banda d'absorció transitòria sobre 400 nm, atribuïda a la formació de l'exciplex triplet entre BP i Thy covalentment units. D'altra banda, es va investigar la reacció PB i la cicloreversió d'oxetans que sorgeixen de la interacció entre Thy o derivats d'uracil (Ura) i BP. Així, es va sintetitzar una àmplia gamma d'oxetans Thy-BP i Ura-BP amb diferents substituents en les posicions 1 i 5 de la nucleobase, incloent-se els regioisòmers cap-cap (HH) i cap-cua (HT). Els estudis espectroscòpics (absorció transitòria ultraràpida i LFP), juntament amb l'anàlisi teòric, coincideixen en que la cicloreversió fotoinduïda per als isòmers HH i HT implica la formació d'un exciplex en l'estat excitat triplet abans de la ruptura. Generalment, es va observar que la reacció va ser completament adiabàtica per als regioisòmers HH. En el cas de l'oxetà HH que sorgeix de la interacció entre 1,3-dimetiltimina (DMT) i BP, es va observar la formació d'una banda ~400 nm, que es va atribuir a l'exciplex triplet 3[DMT···BP]*. La seua formació va ser altament regioselectiva, sent més ràpida i eficient per a l'isòmer HH que per a HT. Aquests resultats van ser confirmats per anàlisi computacional. En general, es va observar adiabaticitat en el procés de fotoreversió per a tots els oxetans investigats, amb un alt grau de regioselectivitat i amb la participació d'exciplexes triplet. / [EN] Sunlight light can produce damage to DNA through direct absorption of UVB or, more commonly, by photosensitization upon absorption of UVA light by drugs, that act as a photosensitizer (PS). Benzophenone (BP) as a building-block is present in a wide variety of drugs, and have the potential to photosensitize damage to DNA, specially towards the thymine (Thy) nucleobase. The resulting DNA damage can give rise to bulky dimers, i.e. cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproducts ((6-4)PPs), which can cause severe mutations, melanomas, or even be fatal for the cell. In some organisms, (6-4)PP can be efficiently repaired by photolyase enzymes, in what could be a reverse Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction through an unstable oxetane intermediate. With the aim of getting deeper insight into the photoreactivity of BP-Thy derivatives and in the photoinduced cleavage of oxetanes, a variety of dyads where Thy and BP are covalently linked by a linear spacer of different lengths and nature were first synthesized. The photochemical reactivity and the photophysical properties of the different derivatives were investigated by means of laser flash photolysis (LFP) and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy; besides, the main photoproducts (PPs) arising from steady-state irradiation were also isolated and characterized. The results showed a high degree of chemoselectivity on the linking bridge length and conformation. Concerning the photochemical reactivity, PPs arising from the PB and from formal hydrogen abstraction were formed. In this context, the PB reaction took place for the dyads with the longest spacer with complete regio- and stereoselectivity, along with a hydrogen abstraction process. Finally, the dyads with shorter spacers gave rise to a formal hydrogen abstraction photoproduct and/or polymerization. Accordingly, the overall photoreactivity was proportional to the spacer length and was well correlated with the 3BP* lifetimes, the longer spacers giving rise to shorter lifetimes. In connection to the oxetane photocleavage, irradiation of the different regio- and stereoisomeric oxetanes led to the formation of the typical triplet-triplet absorption band of BP. Accordingly, the photoinduced cycloreversion also operates as an adiabatic process. Photolysis of the oxetane that results from irradiation of the dyad with the longest spacer showed a transient absorption at ~400 nm, which is ascribed to formation of the purported triplet exciplex between BP and Thy covalently linked. Additionally, the PB reaction and the cycloreversion of oxetanes arising from the interaction between Thy or uracil (Ura) derivatives and BP were also investigated. Thus, a wide range of Thy-BP and Ura-BP oxetanes with varying substituents at positions 1 and 5 of the nucleobase were synthesized, including both the head-to-head (HH) and head-to-tail (HT) regioisomers. Spectroscopic studies, including femtosecond transient absorption and LFP results, as well as theoretical multiconfigurational quantum chemistry analysis, agree that the photoinduced cycloreversion for the HH and HT isomers involved the formation of a triplet excited exciplex before the cleavage takes place. Generally, the photochemical reaction was fully adiabatic for the HH regioisomers. In the case of the HH-oxetane arising from the interaction between 1,3-dimethylthymine (DMT) and BP, an absorption band at ca. 400 nm was formed, and was attributed to the triplet exciplex 3[DMT···BP]*. Its formation was highly regioselective towards the HH regioisomer, being faster and more efficient than for the HT isomer. These results were confirmed by computational analysis. In general, adiabaticity was observed in the photoreversion process for all oxetanes, with a high degree of regioselectivity, which falls in line with the theory of the involvement of a triplet exciplex in the process. / Thanks to the Generalitat Valenciana for the finantial support through the Santiago Grisolía grant. / Blasco Brusola, A. (2021). Mechanistic Studies on the Photochemical Formation and Cleavage of Oxetanes Derived from Pyrimidine Bases [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/165256 / TESIS

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Au cours de ce travail de thèse, des matériaux monomères amorphes bifonctionnels photochromes et fluorescents ont été élaborés et étudiés dans le but de former sous irradiation interférentielle des structures fluorescentes par migration de matière photoinduite . Pour contrer le phénomène d'extinction de fluorescence par l'unité photochrome azoïque, un espaceur saturé de type adduit de Diels-Alder a été introduit entre les deux entités photoactives. De telles molécules ont été obtenues avec succès ainsi que les composés modèles azoïques et fluorescents correspondants.L'introduction de nouveaux fragments comme l'espaceur ne modifiait pas les propriétés de photochromisme que ce fût en solution ou à l'état solide. A l'opposé, des études de spectroscopie de fluorescence stationnaire et résolue en temps ont montré que la présence de cet espaceur limitait efficacement les phénomènes d’extinction de fluorescence au sein des composés bifonctionnels. Dans le but de comprendre les mécanismes photophysiques sous-tendant l'extinction de fluorescence observée, des expériences de spectroscopie d'absorption transitoire femtoseconde ont été réalisées sur les composés modèles et bifonctionnels. Elles ont mis en évidence l’existence d’un transfert d’énergie électronique picoseconde de l’unité fluorescente vers l’unité photochrome.Sous forme de films minces non-dopés, ces nouveaux composés bifonctionnels ont conduit par photostructuration holographique à des reliefs de surface réinscriptibles, stables à température et sous lumière ambiantes et modulés en intensité de fluorescence, les maxima d'émission correspondant aux zones d'accumulation en composés bifonctionnels. Une nouvelle réaction photochimique consistant en la photocoupure de dérivés fluorescents nitrés de la triphénylamine a été mise en évidence. L’irradiation sous UV de solutions et de films minces provoquait une photorupture de l’état à transfert de charge intramoléculaire, conduisant à la modification de la couleur émise de l’orange au bleu. Des structures fluorescentes modulées en énergie ont pu ainsi être obtenues par irradiation au travers d’un masque tout en contrôlant la quantité de lumière apportée. / This PhD thesis presents the elaboration and the studies of bifunctional amorphous small molecule-based materials combining photochromic and fluorescent units in order to form fluorescent patterns by photoinduced mass transport under interferential irradiation A saturated spacer made of a Diels-Alder adduct was introduced between both photoactive units to inhibit emission quenching of the fluorophore by the azo photochromic moiety. Such compounds as well as their fluorescent and azo model compounds have successfully been synthesised.New fragments such as the spacer brought no modification to the photochromic properties in solution and in the solid state. Conversely, time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence studies showed that the spacer efficiently limited fluorescence quenching within the bifunctional compounds. In order to gain insight into the mechanism responsible for the fluorescence quenching, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements have been performed on model and bifunctional compounds. They evidenced picosecond electronic energy transfer from the fluorescent unit towards the azo moiety.As non doped thin films, rewritable surface relief gratings (SRG) stable under ambient light and at room temperature could be written through holographic illumination and displayed fluorescence patterns. Modulation of the emission intensity resulted from the accumulation of fluorophores attached to the azo units undergoing photoinduced mass migration. A novel photochemical reaction leading to the photocleavage of fluorescent nitro-substituted triarylamine derivatives has been proved. UV irradiation in solution and in the solid state caused photodisruption of the intramolecular charge transfer state, yielding neat modification of the emission colour from orange into blue. Fluorescent patterns modulated in energy could have been obtained by using a mask and controlling the amount of photons.

Diese Arbeit ist Teil eines Weges, der die Polarisationsdynamik von Polynukleinsäure-Helices (DNA) zum Ziel hat. Die Dynamik kann im Prinzip von innen beobachtet werden, über Femtosekunden-zeitaufgelöste optische Spektroskopie eines Farbstoff-Moleküls anstelle einer Nukleinbase. Der optische Chromophor soll als solvatochrome Sonde der DNA Umgebung funktionieren. Dafür wurde 2-Amino-7-Nitro-Fluoren (ANF) gewählt, welches ideale solvatochrome Eigenschaften hat. Bevor der Einbau des Sondenmoleküls erfolgt, müssen dessen photophysikalischen Eigenschaften in reinen Lösungsmitteln und in Lösungsmittel-Mischungen weitgehend verstanden sein. Dieses Thema bestimmt den größeren Teil der Arbeit. ANF, aliphatische Derivate, und das entsprechende Nukleosid wurden synthesitsiert. Ihre thermodynamischen Eigenschaften, optischen Spektren, und ps Fluoreszenzlebensdauern werden für eine Reihe von Lösungsmitteln beschrieben. Präferentielle Solvatation in wässrigen Mischungen wird mit optischer Absorptions- und 1H NMR-Spektroskopie untersucht. Inclusionskomplexe mit Cyclodextrinen werden ebenfalls charakterisiert. Auf diese "klassischen" Studien folgt die fs-transiente optische Absorptionsspektroskopie von ANF und Derivaten. Die transienten Spektren werden zeilegt und die Banden für stimulierte Emission als Funktion der Zeit in den meisten Fällen erhalten. Damit erhält man eine Solvatations-Relaxationsfunktionen C(t) für die meisten Lösungsmittel (50 fs Zeitauflösung). Unterschiede zu bekannten Relaxationsfunktionen für die vieluntersuchte Sonde Coumarin 153 werden diskutiert. Wichtig ist, daß derart C(t) für ein ANF Nukleosid in Wasser existiert. Dies kann mit einer simulierten Kurve für ANF in DNA-Helices verglichen werden. Es folgt, dass gestapelte Chromophore im Innern dynamisch von jenen unterschieden werden können, die in die wässrige Umgebung herausgedreht sind. Der Cyaninfarbstoff Thiazol Orange (TO) wird von anderen Gruppen verwendet, um die Hybridisierung von DNA-Strängen zu verfolgen. Die Fluoreszenz von TO wird durch schnelle Isomerisation im S1 Zustand stark gelöscht. In dieser Arbeit wird die entsprechende innermolekulare Verdrillung mit fs-transienter Absorptionsspektroskopie und mit fs-zeitaufgelöster Fluoreszenzspektroskopie (Summenfrequenz-Erzeugung) zum ersten Mal zusammenhängend untersucht. Transiente Spektren in Lösung werden mit stationären Spektren in verschiedenen PNA/DNA Duplex-Konstrukten verglichen. Eine hochfrequente Schwingungsmode ist bei der strukturellen Reorganisation von TO nach S0 to S1 Anregung beteiligt. Zunehmende Aktivität begleitet die Verdrillung. Deshalb sollte die Form der stationären Fluoreszenzbande dazu geeignet sein, das verfügbare freie Volumen in DNA-Konstrukten abzuschätzen. / This work is part of an effort to observe the polarization dynamics of duplex polynucleic acids from the inside, through femtosecond time-resolved optical spectroscopy of a dye molecule which has been stacked into the structure at a well-defined site. The dye chromophore should act as a solvatochromic probe of its DNA environment. For a probe, 2-amino-7-nitro fluorene (ANF) had been selected since it has ideal solvatochromic properties. Before being linked into DNA, its photophysical properties in liquids and liquid mixtures should be understood. The larger part of this thesis deals with this topic. ANF, aliphatic derivatives, and the nucleoside were synthesized. Their thermodynamic properties, optical spectra, and ps fluorescence decay are examined in a wide range of solvents. For preferential solvation in aqueous mixtures, absorption results are compared with 1H NMR spectra. Inclusion properties were also explored. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of ANF and derivatives follows after these "classical" studies. The transient spectra are analyzed and, in most cases, the stimulated-emission band can be obtained as function of time. Ultrafast solvation relaxation functions (50 fs resolution) for many solvents are constructed from these data and discussed by comparison with a well-studied probe, Coumarin 153. Most importantly, the solvation relaxation of the ANF nucleoside in water is obtained and compared with a simulated relaxation of the chromophore in a DNA duplex. It follows that chromophores stacked inside DNA can be distinguished from chromophores which extend into the aqueous boundary layer. The cyanine dye Thiazole Orange (TO) is used by other groups to monitor the hybridisation of DNA strands. Its fluorescence is strongly quenched by intramolecular twisting in the excited state S1. In this thesis the twisting process is characterized by femtosecond transient absorption and fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy, combined, for the first time. The transient spectra are compared to stationary spectra in a PNA/DNA duplex where the degree of twisting is restricted. A high-frequency mode is shown to play an important role in the structural reorganisation of TO following S0 to S1 excitation. Its vibrational activity is correlated with twisting. Therefore the shape of the emission band may be used to estimate the available volume in DNA constructs.

The subject of this thesis is the design and development of a unified set up for femtosecond transient absorption and ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy and demonstrate its potential in capturing the ultrafast photophysical and photochemical processes with excellent time and frequency resolution. Ultrafast spectroscopy has been serving as a powerful tool for understanding the structural dynamical properties of molecules in the condensed and gas phase. The advent of ultrashort pulses with their high peak power enables the laser spectroscopic community to study molecular reaction dynamics and photophysics that happen at extremely short timescales, ranging from picosecond to femtosecond. These processes can be measured with extremely high time resolution, which helps to resolve the under-lying molecular process. But in order to understand the global mechanism of the underlying molecular processes, we have to resolve the nuclear dynamics with the proper frequency resolution. However, achieving both, time and frequency resolutions simultaneously is not possible according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Later, this limitation was overcome by femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS), a third order non-linear Raman spectroscopy. In this thesis we introduced the ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopic (URLS) technique which is analogous to FSRS, offering the modern ultrafast community to resolve molecular processes with better signal-to-noise ratio along with proper time and frequency resolution. We demonstrate the experimental procedure including the single shot detection scheme to measure whitelight background, ground state Ra-man, transient absorption and transient Raman in shot-to-shot detection fashion. URLS has been applied to understand the excited state planarization dynamics of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene (BPEB) in different solvents. In addition, excitation wavelength dependent conformational reorganization dynamics of different sub-sets of thermally activated ground state population of BPEB are also discussed. Using the same techniques along with femtosecond transient absorption, we demonstrate the ultrafast vibrational energy transfer and the role of coherent oscillations of low frequency vibrations on the solution phase photo-isomerization of trans-stilbene from an optically excited state. The effects of solvents on the coherent nuclear motion are also discussed in the context of reaction rates. 2