O câncer de pele se apresenta como um sério problema de saúde pública mundial, sendo incidente nos cinco continentes. As ações relacionadas à prevenção dessa doença envolvem, entre outras coisas, a utilização de protetores solares e a educação em saúde. Em virtude do aumento do número de indivíduos com câncer de pele a cada ano, é de grande valor estudos de entendimento e desenvolvimento de filtros solares melhores e mais seguros. Os produtos utilizados com a finalidade de proteger a pele dos raios solares ultravioletas (UV) possuem em sua composição filtros solares, que podem ter ação física, refletindo e dissipando a radiação UV; ou ação química, absorvendo a radiação UV. Os filtros químicos podem apresentar absorção em UVB (290-320 nm), UVA (320-400 nm) ou em ambas as faixas, sendo considerados de amplo espectro. . Dentre as várias classes de compostos com perfil de filtro solar UVB, os cinamatos destacam-se por apresentarem boa eficácia e excelente custo-benefício. A aplicação de cálculos teóricos tornou-se indispensável no planejamento de fármacos e nos estudos de mecanismo de ação de moléculas bioativas, visto a diminuição de tempo e custos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento. O desenvolvimento de métodos quânticos robustos, como o TD-DFT, permitiu a simulação de propriedades experimentais in silico, tais como espectros de RMN e UV. Diante deste panorama, aplicamos tal método na simulação de espectros UV para os cinamatos com perfil de filtros solares. Realizou-se uma busca do melhor funcional para simulação dos espectros, na qual se determinou que os funcionais B3LYP e B3P86 apresentaram melhores resultados quando comparados ao espectro experimental do composto p-metoxicinamato de etilexila determinado em metanol. Foram simulados os espectros de UV para sete compostos derivados do ácido cinâmico, os quais apresentaram λ máximo próximo a 310 nm, como descrito na literatura. Observou-se que a energia média para que ocorra a principal transição eletrônica, de HOMO para LUMO, é de 3,95 eV. O método mostrou-se adequado para a determinação de espectros UV para a classe dos cinamatos e pode ser utilizado na busca de novos compostos dessa classe a serem empregados como filtros solares. / Skin cancer presents itself as a very serious world public health problem, being incident all over the five continents. Using sunscreen and receiving health education, among other factors, are related to prevent the disease. The number of people with skin cancer increases every year, therefore, studies for better knowledge and development for better and safer sunscreens are crucial. Products used with the intention to protect the skin from ultraviolet sunrays (UV) are partially composed by sunscreen, which may lead to two different reactions, a physical reaction, that reflects and ceases the UV radiation; or a chemical reaction, that absorbs the UV radiation. Chemical filters may present absorption in UVB (290-320 nm), UVA (320 400 nm) or in both, which is considered as broad spectrum. Among the various types of compound forms with sunscreen UVB profile, cinnamates stand out for presenting good efficiency and excellent cost-benefit. The application of theoretical calculations became essential for drug design and bioactive molecules action mechanism studies, considering time saving and costs in research and development. The development of robust quantum method, such as TD-DFT allowed the simulation of experimental properties in silico, like RMN and UV spectra. Given this overview, this method was applied to simulate UV spectra of cinnamates with sunscreen profile. A search was done to define the best functional to simulate all spectrum, where the functionals B3LYP and B3P86 showed the best results when compared to experimental spectra of the compound ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate determined in methanol. An UV spectrum simulation for seven compounds derived from cinnamic acid showed maximum wavelength around to 310 nm, as described in the literature. It was observed that the average energy for the main electronic transition, HOMO to LUMO, is 3,95 eV. The method proved to be adequate for the determination of UV spectra for cinnamate class and it can be used as a tool on the search for new compounds from this class to be used as sunscreen.

Neste trabalho estudamos o espectro de absorção da clorofila d, incluindo os efeitos do solvente metanol, utilizando a Teoria do Funcional da Densidade Dependente do Tempo em combinação com o método s-QM/MM. Diferentes abordagens para a descrição do meio solvente, que vão desde o modelo contínuo polarizável até a inclusão de moléculas explícitas do solvente, são utilizadas. Observamos que a inclusão do solvente desloca o espectro, em relação ao calculado em vácuo, para o vermelho. A inclusão de 20 moléculas explícitas de metanol e 880 representadas como as cargas pontuais do seus átomos para a descrição do meio solvente foi a que melhor concordou com os valores experimentais. Mediante cálculos de mecânica quântica obtivemos para o complexo composto por a molécula de clorofila d e apenas uma de metanol explícita um deslocamento do átomo de magnésio da clorofila d em relação ao anel de 0,31 Å. Mediante a analise da função de distribuição radial de pares obtida da simulação clássica comprovamos que esse átomo de magnésio é penta-coordenado. Além disso, é usada uma estrutura simplificada da clorofila d baseado na localização dos orbitais moleculares participantes das transições eletrônicas com o objetivo de diminuir o custo computacional dos cálculos de mecânica quântica. Os espectros calculados para a clorofila d não apresentaram diferenças significativas com os calculados para a simplificação proposta. Como complementação o espectro Raman da clorofila d isolada é calculado mediante DFT e alguns dos modos normais são caracterizados. / In this work we study the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll d, including the effects of the solvent methanol, using the Time Dependent Density Functional Theory in combination with the method s-QM/MM. Different approaches for the description of the solvent medium, ranging from the polarizable continuum model to the inclusion of explicit solvent molecules, are used. We note that the inclusion of solvent shifts the spectrum, relative to that calculated in vacuum, to the red side of the spectrum. The inclusion of 20 explicit molecules of methanol and 880 represented as point charges of their atoms for the description of the solvent medium was the one that best agreed with the experimental values. By quantum mechanics calculations we obtained for the complex composed of the molecule of chlorophyll d and only one explicit methanol molecule a displacement of the magnesium atom of chlorophyll d in relation to the ring of 0,31 Å. By means of the analysis of the radial distribution function obtained from the classic simulation we can see that this atom of magnesium is penta-coordinated. In addition, a simplified structure of chlorophyll d is used based on the location of the molecular orbitals involved in the electronic transitions in order to reduce the computational cost of quantum mechanics calculations. The spectra calculated for chlorophyll d did not show significant differences with those calculated for the proposed simplification. As a complement the Raman spectrum of isolated chlorophyll d is calculated by DFT and some of the normal modes are characterized.

Les travaux effectués durant cette thèse ont eu pour objectif le développement de chromophores fonctionnels à base de sels de styrylpyrylium et styrylpyridinium. Les divers composés synthétisés ont montré une très grande flexibilité concernant leurs propriétés optiques, avec notamment des longueurs d’onde d’absorption et d’émission couvrant la quasi-totalité du spectre visible. Associée à la variabilité structurelle inhérente à ce type de chromophore, il est possible d’obtenir des composés aux propriétés modulables, et intégrables dans une large gamme d’applications.Ce manuscrit est constitué de trois parties principales. La première décrit la synthèse et les propriétés photophysiques de divers chromophores obtenus durant cette thèse. La seconde décrit l’approche théorique, utilisée pour faciliter la conception et l’analyse des composés étudiés. Finalement, la troisième partie décrit les applications pour lesquelles certaines variations de sels de styrylpyrylium et styrylpyridinium ont étés spécialement développés. / The work done during this thesis aimed to develop functional chromophores based on styrylpyrylium and styrylpyrylium salts. The compounds synthesized have shown a great flexibility regarding their optical properties, including maximum wavelength of absorption and emission covering almost the entire visible spectrum. Combined to their structural adaptability, it was possible to design various compounds compatible with a wide range of applications.This manuscript is composed of three main parts. The first part describes the synthesis and the photophysical properties of some chromophores obtained during this thesis. The second describes the theoretical approach, used to assist the design and the analysis of the studied compounds. Finally, the third part describes various applications for which some styrylpyrylium and styrylpyridinium salts have been specially designed.

O câncer de pele se apresenta como um sério problema de saúde pública mundial, sendo incidente nos cinco continentes. As ações relacionadas à prevenção dessa doença envolvem, entre outras coisas, a utilização de protetores solares e a educação em saúde. Em virtude do aumento do número de indivíduos com câncer de pele a cada ano, é de grande valor estudos de entendimento e desenvolvimento de filtros solares melhores e mais seguros. Os produtos utilizados com a finalidade de proteger a pele dos raios solares ultravioletas (UV) possuem em sua composição filtros solares, que podem ter ação física, refletindo e dissipando a radiação UV; ou ação química, absorvendo a radiação UV. Os filtros químicos podem apresentar absorção em UVB (290-320 nm), UVA (320-400 nm) ou em ambas as faixas, sendo considerados de amplo espectro. . Dentre as várias classes de compostos com perfil de filtro solar UVB, os cinamatos destacam-se por apresentarem boa eficácia e excelente custo-benefício. A aplicação de cálculos teóricos tornou-se indispensável no planejamento de fármacos e nos estudos de mecanismo de ação de moléculas bioativas, visto a diminuição de tempo e custos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento. O desenvolvimento de métodos quânticos robustos, como o TD-DFT, permitiu a simulação de propriedades experimentais in silico, tais como espectros de RMN e UV. Diante deste panorama, aplicamos tal método na simulação de espectros UV para os cinamatos com perfil de filtros solares. Realizou-se uma busca do melhor funcional para simulação dos espectros, na qual se determinou que os funcionais B3LYP e B3P86 apresentaram melhores resultados quando comparados ao espectro experimental do composto p-metoxicinamato de etilexila determinado em metanol. Foram simulados os espectros de UV para sete compostos derivados do ácido cinâmico, os quais apresentaram λ máximo próximo a 310 nm, como descrito na literatura. Observou-se que a energia média para que ocorra a principal transição eletrônica, de HOMO para LUMO, é de 3,95 eV. O método mostrou-se adequado para a determinação de espectros UV para a classe dos cinamatos e pode ser utilizado na busca de novos compostos dessa classe a serem empregados como filtros solares. / Skin cancer presents itself as a very serious world public health problem, being incident all over the five continents. Using sunscreen and receiving health education, among other factors, are related to prevent the disease. The number of people with skin cancer increases every year, therefore, studies for better knowledge and development for better and safer sunscreens are crucial. Products used with the intention to protect the skin from ultraviolet sunrays (UV) are partially composed by sunscreen, which may lead to two different reactions, a physical reaction, that reflects and ceases the UV radiation; or a chemical reaction, that absorbs the UV radiation. Chemical filters may present absorption in UVB (290-320 nm), UVA (320 400 nm) or in both, which is considered as broad spectrum. Among the various types of compound forms with sunscreen UVB profile, cinnamates stand out for presenting good efficiency and excellent cost-benefit. The application of theoretical calculations became essential for drug design and bioactive molecules action mechanism studies, considering time saving and costs in research and development. The development of robust quantum method, such as TD-DFT allowed the simulation of experimental properties in silico, like RMN and UV spectra. Given this overview, this method was applied to simulate UV spectra of cinnamates with sunscreen profile. A search was done to define the best functional to simulate all spectrum, where the functionals B3LYP and B3P86 showed the best results when compared to experimental spectra of the compound ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate determined in methanol. An UV spectrum simulation for seven compounds derived from cinnamic acid showed maximum wavelength around to 310 nm, as described in the literature. It was observed that the average energy for the main electronic transition, HOMO to LUMO, is 3,95 eV. The method proved to be adequate for the determination of UV spectra for cinnamate class and it can be used as a tool on the search for new compounds from this class to be used as sunscreen.

Neste trabalho estudamos o espectro de absorção da clorofila d, incluindo os efeitos do solvente metanol, utilizando a Teoria do Funcional da Densidade Dependente do Tempo em combinação com o método s-QM/MM. Diferentes abordagens para a descrição do meio solvente, que vão desde o modelo contínuo polarizável até a inclusão de moléculas explícitas do solvente, são utilizadas. Observamos que a inclusão do solvente desloca o espectro, em relação ao calculado em vácuo, para o vermelho. A inclusão de 20 moléculas explícitas de metanol e 880 representadas como as cargas pontuais do seus átomos para a descrição do meio solvente foi a que melhor concordou com os valores experimentais. Mediante cálculos de mecânica quântica obtivemos para o complexo composto por a molécula de clorofila d e apenas uma de metanol explícita um deslocamento do átomo de magnésio da clorofila d em relação ao anel de 0,31 Å. Mediante a analise da função de distribuição radial de pares obtida da simulação clássica comprovamos que esse átomo de magnésio é penta-coordenado. Além disso, é usada uma estrutura simplificada da clorofila d baseado na localização dos orbitais moleculares participantes das transições eletrônicas com o objetivo de diminuir o custo computacional dos cálculos de mecânica quântica. Os espectros calculados para a clorofila d não apresentaram diferenças significativas com os calculados para a simplificação proposta. Como complementação o espectro Raman da clorofila d isolada é calculado mediante DFT e alguns dos modos normais são caracterizados. / In this work we study the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll d, including the effects of the solvent methanol, using the Time Dependent Density Functional Theory in combination with the method s-QM/MM. Different approaches for the description of the solvent medium, ranging from the polarizable continuum model to the inclusion of explicit solvent molecules, are used. We note that the inclusion of solvent shifts the spectrum, relative to that calculated in vacuum, to the red side of the spectrum. The inclusion of 20 explicit molecules of methanol and 880 represented as point charges of their atoms for the description of the solvent medium was the one that best agreed with the experimental values. By quantum mechanics calculations we obtained for the complex composed of the molecule of chlorophyll d and only one explicit methanol molecule a displacement of the magnesium atom of chlorophyll d in relation to the ring of 0,31 Å. By means of the analysis of the radial distribution function obtained from the classic simulation we can see that this atom of magnesium is penta-coordinated. In addition, a simplified structure of chlorophyll d is used based on the location of the molecular orbitals involved in the electronic transitions in order to reduce the computational cost of quantum mechanics calculations. The spectra calculated for chlorophyll d did not show significant differences with those calculated for the proposed simplification. As a complement the Raman spectrum of isolated chlorophyll d is calculated by DFT and some of the normal modes are characterized.

Nous proposons de développer une méthodologie théorique pour étudier l’influence de stimuli externes sur les cristaux organiques. On s’intéresse en particulier au mécanochromisme, aggregation-induced emission, et le transfet des protons. Ces phénomènes, récemment observés expérimentalement, sont encore mal compris et il n’existe pas à l’heure actuelle de méthodologie bien définie pour les comprendre. Cette thèse développera les outils de modélisation des couplages des propriétés optiques aux phénomènes d’aggregation, réactivité et de déformation á l'etat solide. / To develop a theoretical methodology to study the influence of external stimuli on fluorescent crystals. We are particularly interested in excited state reactivity, aggregation-enhanced fluorescence and responses to mechanical stimuli. Such phenomena are often not yet understood at a molecular level, a problem exacerbated by the absence of adequate and cost-efficient computational models. This thesis counters this problem by developing a method capable of describing the solid state environment in the context of excited-state calculations at the quantum level.

Le premier chapitre de cette thèse concerne l'étude théorique des propriétés optiques linéaire et non linéaires de cibles organiques et organométalliques expérimentales de l'équipe, en particulier de dérivés carbo-benzéniques quadrupolaires. Les méthodes de calcul et d'analyse standard des états excités sont tout d'abord présentées, ainsi que deux outils d'analyse développés dans ce travail concernant : (i) le caractère transfert de charge en termes de densité de " trou " et de " particule ", et (ii) la visualisation du moment dipolaire de transition à partir de la densité de transition tronquée (TTD) aux principales mono-excitations. Les premiers états excités des chromophores calculés au niveau TD-DPT, ainsi qu'au niveau CAS-PT2 pour certains chromophores modèles, sont ensuite analysés. Les spectres d'absorption UV-visible à 1 photon des dérivés carbo-benzéniques s'inscrivent dans le cadre du modèle de Gouterman proposé pour les porphyrines, où les quatre premiers états excités mettent en jeu des combinaisons linéaires de mono-excitations impliquant les quatre mêmes orbitales moléculaires frontières. Les moments dipolaires calculés à partir des TTD rendent bien compte des intensités relatives des bandes d'absorption. Une analogie entre porphyrines et carbo-benzènes est ainsi argumentée. Les densités de " trou " et de " particule " ont été utilisées pour étudier le caractère transfert de charge des premiers états excités de complexes de palladium(II), construits à partir de ligands carbonés riches en électrons et de ligands phosphorés pauvres en électrons. L'efficacité d'absorption à deux photons (ADP), une propriété optique non linéaire du troisième ordre, est ensuite étudiée, Les sections efficaces d'ADP (sADP) ont été calculées, en utilisant la méthode " sum-over-state " (SOS), qui prend en compte la contribution de tous les états excités intermédiaires possibles. La plupart des dérivés carbo-benzéniques étudiés s'inscrivent dans le cadre du " modèle à trois niveaux ", c'est à dire que la contribution d'un état excité intermédiaire domine largement celle des autres. sADP ˜ (µ0i2*µif2)/?E2, où ?E est la différence entre l'énergie de l'état excité intermédiaire (autorisé à un photon) et la moitié de l'énergie de l'état excité final (autorisé à deux photons). Les propriétés d'ADP peuvent alors être analysées à partir des moments dipolaires de transition (µ0i et µif), qui peuvent être calculés à l'aide des TTD, et des énergies de ces deux transitions. Le second chapitre concerne des études du caractère bi- ou poly-radicalaire de molécules organiques réalisées dans le cadre d'une collaboration avec Georges Trinquier et Esmail Alikhani, animée par Jean-Paul Malrieu. Parmi les différents systèmes envisagés, notamment des carbo-benzènes de première, deuxième ou troisième génération ainsi que de nouveaux motifs dont le caractère bi- ou poly-radicalaire singulet à couches ouvertes est tout d'abord étudié par des calculs en symétrie de spin brisée. La décontamination de la solution MS = 0 de symétrie brisée a été ensuite effectuée soit (i) à géométrie constante selon la procédure de Labanowski et al., soit (ii) en optimisant la géométrie de l'état de spin singulet à couches ouvertes selon la " recette " proposée par Malrieu et al.. La stabilité de cet état pour des systèmes oligoacétyléniques de type carbo-mère a été comparée à celle obtenue pour des systèmes oligobenzéniques parents. Les résultats sont analysés en termes structuraux en faisant appel aux concepts de " motifs isolants de spin " et de " motifs stabilisants de spin ". La qualité des premiers est corrélée à l'aromaticité des motifs (1,4-phénylène > 1,2-éthynylène). Le radical trialcynylméthyle (TAM) est proposé comme un motif stabilisant de spin particulièrement performant. Sur la base de ces résultats, diverses cibles de synthèses sont proposées en série carbo-mère. / The first chapter of this thesis reports on the theoretical study of linear and nonlinear optical properties of organic and organometallic experimental targets developed in the group, especially quadrupolar carbo-benzene derivatives. Standard methods for the calculation and the analysis of excited states are presented first, as well as two theoretical tools developed in this work addressing: (i) the charge transfer character in terms of "hole" and "particle" densities and (ii) the visualization of the transition dipole moment from the transition density truncated to the main mono-excitations (TTD). The first excited states of the chromophores calculated at the TD-DFT level, and at the CAS- PT2 level for a few model chromophores, are then analyzed. The one-photon UV-visible absorption spectra of carbo-benzene derivatives fit with the Gouterman model originally proposed for porphyrins, where the four first excited states involve linear combinations of mono-excitations of the same four frontier molecular orbitals. The relative intensities of the absorption bands are analyzed from the transition dipole moments calculated from the TTDs. An analogy between porphyrins and carbo-benzenes is then argued. The "hole" and "particle" densities are used to study the charge transfer character of the first excited states of palladium(II) complexes, built from electron-rich carbon ligands and electron-poor phosphorus ligands. The two-photon absorption (TPA) efficiency, a third order nonlinear optical property, is then studied. For each two-photon allowed excited state, a TPA cross-section (sTPA) has been calculated, from the contribution of all possible intermediate excited states, using the "sum-over-state" (SOS) method. Most of the carbo-benzene derivatives fit with the "three level model", with a major contribution of one intermediate state to the TPA cross-section. sTPA ˜ (µ0i2*µif2)/?E2, where ?E is the difference between the energy of the intermediate state (one-photon allowed) and half the energy of the final state (two- photon allowed). The TPA efficiency can thus be analyzed from the transition dipole moments (µ0i and µif), which can be calculated from the TTDs, and the energies of the two transitions. In the second chapter, the stability of organic di- or poly-radicals was studied in collaboration with Jean-Paul Malrieu, Georges Trinquier and Esmail Alikhani. The di- or poly-radical open-shell singlet spin state of carbo-benzenes of first, second and third generation, and of related acyclic motifs, is first studied using broken-symmetry calculations. The spin-decontamination of the MS = 0 broken-symmetry solution is then performed either (i) at constant geometry according to the procedure of Labanowski et al. or (ii) following the "recipe" of Malrieu et al., yielding the optimized geometry of the open-shell singlet spin state. The stability of the latter for oligoacetylenic systems of the carbo-mer type has been compared to the one of parent oligobenzenic systems. A structural analysis of the results is discussed in terms of "spin insulating moieties" and "spin stabilizing moieties". The former may be related to aromaticity (1,4-phenylene > 1,2-ethynylene), while the latter may be related to spin delocalization. The trialkynylmethyle radical (TAM) is suggested as a particularly efficient spin stabilizing pattern. On the basis of these results, several carbo-meric synthesis targets are suggested.

<p>Bilirubin is a degradation product of haem, which is constantly formed in all</p><p>mammals. Increased levels of bilirubin in humans lead to jaundice, a condition</p><p>that is very common during the first days after birth. This neonatal</p><p>jaundice can routinely be treated by phototherapy without any serious side</p><p>effects. During this treatment, bilirubin undergoes a photoreaction to isomers</p><p>that can be excreted. The most efficient photoreaction is the isomerisation</p><p>around a double bond (Z-E-isomerisation), which results in more soluble</p><p>photoproducts.</p><p>The work presented in this thesis shows results of a femtosecond optical</p><p>spectroscopy study, combined with quantum-mechanical investigations, of</p><p>the mechanism of isomerisation of bilirubin. The spectroscopic research was</p><p>conducted with bilirubin in organic solvents, and in buffer complexed by</p><p>human serum albumin. This albumin complex is present in the blood, and</p><p>has thus medical importance. Quantum-chemical calculations (CASSCF) on</p><p>a bilirubin model were used to explain experimental results.</p><p>The fluorescence decay observed with femtosecond spectroscopy shows an</p><p>ultrafast component (~120 fs), which is explained by exciton localisation,</p><p>followed by processes with a lifetime of about 1-3 ps. These are interpreted</p><p>as the formation of a twisted intermediate, which decays with a lifetime of</p><p>10-15 ps back to the ground state, as observed by absorption spectroscopy.</p><p>CASSCF calculations, in combination with the experimental results, suggest</p><p>the ca. 1-3 ps components to be relaxation to the twisted S1 minimum, followed</p><p>by the crossing of a barrier, from where further relaxation takes place</p><p>through a conical intersection back to the ground state.</p><p>Time-dependent DFT calculations were utilised to analyse the absorption</p><p>spectrum of bilirubin. Good agreement with the measured spectrum was</p><p>achieved, and low-lying states were observed, that need further investigation.</p><p>The theoretically obtained CD spectrum provides direct evidence that</p><p>bilirubin preferentially binds to human serum albumin in the enantiomeric</p><p>P-form at neutral pH.</p> / <p>Bilirubin är en nedbrytningsprodukt av hem som ständigt bildas hos alla</p><p>däggdjur. En förhöjd bilirubinkoncentration i den mänskliga kroppen kan</p><p>leda till gulsot, något som är mycket vanligt under de första dagarna efter</p><p>födelsen (neonatal gulsot). Fototerapi används rutinmässigt som säker behandlingsmetod,</p><p>under vilken bilirubin genomgår en fotoreaktion till en</p><p>isomer som kan utsöndras. Den mest effektiva fotoreaktionen är en Z-Eisomerisation,</p><p>vilken leder till lösligare fotoprodukter.</p><p>Arbetet som presenteras i denna avhandling visar resultaten av en kombinerad</p><p>femtosekund optisk-spektroskopisk och kvantmekanisk undersökning</p><p>av mekanismen bakom bilirubins isomerisation. Den spektroskopiska</p><p>studien genomfördes med bilirubin, löst i organiska lösningsmedel och i</p><p>buffert i komplex med humant serumalbumin. Detta albuminkomplex finns i</p><p>blodet, och är därför av medicinskt intresse. Kvantmekanistiska CASSCFberäkningar</p><p>på en bilirubinmodell användes för att förklara de experimentella</p><p>resultaten.</p><p>Det uppmätta fluorescence sönderfallet visar ultrasnabba komponenter</p><p>(~120 fs). Dessa tolkas som excitonlokalisering, som följs av bildandet av</p><p>ett vridet intermediat med en hastighetskonstant på ca. 1 ps-1(beroende på</p><p>lösningsmedlet). Absorptionsmätningar visar att detta intermediat sönderfaller</p><p>tillbaka till grundtillståndet med en livstid på 10-15 ps.</p><p>CASSCF beräkningar, i kombination med de experimentella resultaten, tyder</p><p>på att sönderfallet med livslängden på ca. 1 ps är en relaxation till det</p><p>vridna S1-tillståndet. Reaktionsvägen därifrån antas passera en barriär till en</p><p>konisk genomskärning, som möjliggör snabb relaxation till grundtillståndet.</p><p>Tidsberoende DFT-beräkningar användes för att analysera bilirubins absorptionsspektrum,</p><p>vilket gav bra överensstämmelse med uppmätta data. Dessutom</p><p>hittades ett tillstånd med låg excitationsenergi, som kräver ytterligare</p><p>studier. Med hjälp av det beräknade CD-spectret kunde det visas att bilirubin</p><p>binder till albumin i P-formen vid neutralt pH.</p>

Bilirubin is a degradation product of haem, which is constantly formed in all mammals. Increased levels of bilirubin in humans lead to jaundice, a condition that is very common during the first days after birth. This neonatal jaundice can routinely be treated by phototherapy without any serious side effects. During this treatment, bilirubin undergoes a photoreaction to isomers that can be excreted. The most efficient photoreaction is the isomerisation around a double bond (Z-E-isomerisation), which results in more soluble photoproducts. The work presented in this thesis shows results of a femtosecond optical spectroscopy study, combined with quantum-mechanical investigations, of the mechanism of isomerisation of bilirubin. The spectroscopic research was conducted with bilirubin in organic solvents, and in buffer complexed by human serum albumin. This albumin complex is present in the blood, and has thus medical importance. Quantum-chemical calculations (CASSCF) on a bilirubin model were used to explain experimental results. The fluorescence decay observed with femtosecond spectroscopy shows an ultrafast component (~120 fs), which is explained by exciton localisation, followed by processes with a lifetime of about 1-3 ps. These are interpreted as the formation of a twisted intermediate, which decays with a lifetime of 10-15 ps back to the ground state, as observed by absorption spectroscopy. CASSCF calculations, in combination with the experimental results, suggest the ca. 1-3 ps components to be relaxation to the twisted S1 minimum, followed by the crossing of a barrier, from where further relaxation takes place through a conical intersection back to the ground state. Time-dependent DFT calculations were utilised to analyse the absorption spectrum of bilirubin. Good agreement with the measured spectrum was achieved, and low-lying states were observed, that need further investigation. The theoretically obtained CD spectrum provides direct evidence that bilirubin preferentially binds to human serum albumin in the enantiomeric P-form at neutral pH. / Bilirubin är en nedbrytningsprodukt av hem som ständigt bildas hos alla däggdjur. En förhöjd bilirubinkoncentration i den mänskliga kroppen kan leda till gulsot, något som är mycket vanligt under de första dagarna efter födelsen (neonatal gulsot). Fototerapi används rutinmässigt som säker behandlingsmetod, under vilken bilirubin genomgår en fotoreaktion till en isomer som kan utsöndras. Den mest effektiva fotoreaktionen är en Z-Eisomerisation, vilken leder till lösligare fotoprodukter. Arbetet som presenteras i denna avhandling visar resultaten av en kombinerad femtosekund optisk-spektroskopisk och kvantmekanisk undersökning av mekanismen bakom bilirubins isomerisation. Den spektroskopiska studien genomfördes med bilirubin, löst i organiska lösningsmedel och i buffert i komplex med humant serumalbumin. Detta albuminkomplex finns i blodet, och är därför av medicinskt intresse. Kvantmekanistiska CASSCFberäkningar på en bilirubinmodell användes för att förklara de experimentella resultaten. Det uppmätta fluorescence sönderfallet visar ultrasnabba komponenter (~120 fs). Dessa tolkas som excitonlokalisering, som följs av bildandet av ett vridet intermediat med en hastighetskonstant på ca. 1 ps-1(beroende på lösningsmedlet). Absorptionsmätningar visar att detta intermediat sönderfaller tillbaka till grundtillståndet med en livstid på 10-15 ps. CASSCF beräkningar, i kombination med de experimentella resultaten, tyder på att sönderfallet med livslängden på ca. 1 ps är en relaxation till det vridna S1-tillståndet. Reaktionsvägen därifrån antas passera en barriär till en konisk genomskärning, som möjliggör snabb relaxation till grundtillståndet. Tidsberoende DFT-beräkningar användes för att analysera bilirubins absorptionsspektrum, vilket gav bra överensstämmelse med uppmätta data. Dessutom hittades ett tillstånd med låg excitationsenergi, som kräver ytterligare studier. Med hjälp av det beräknade CD-spectret kunde det visas att bilirubin binder till albumin i P-formen vid neutralt pH.

Polyoxoniobates (PONbs) are a small family of highly electron-rich clusters. The development of new solids composed of these clusters have applications in green energy and electronics. However, the high charge environment of PONbs typically requires alkaline synthetic conditions that are unsuitable for introducing other metals and organic molecules, making synthesis of new systems difficult. To date, very few transition metals and organic ligands have been incorporated into these PONb solids, and lanthanide metal inclusion, which generally improves photoconductivity due to longlived f-orbital excitations, has not yet been fully realized. Here, the synthesis of a new class of lanthanide niobate cluster [Ln4(H2O)8(SO4)5(NbO3)2]·3H2O; Ln= Dy, Tb under acidic conditions is reported. Structures were determined by crystallography and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) was used to provide insight into photo-induced electronic transitions. Supporting computational methods that are currently being developed for modeling these emerging cluster systems are described.