" A series of symmetric and asymmetric 2-arylidene and 2,5-diarylidene cyclopentanone dyes have been synthesized. Their electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra have been measured in a wide variety of nonpolar and polar, aprotic and protic solvents. Absorption and fluorescence spectral maxima have been correlated with the ET(30) empirical solvent polarity scale. Lippert-Mataga analysis (in aprotic solvents) demonstrates the increase in the electronic dipole moment from the ground singlet to excited singlet states, consistent with the internal charge transfer (ICT) nature of the S0 --> S1 excitation. TD-DFT spectral calculations support the ICT natures of these compounds. Photophysical properties of these compounds involved measuring both fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes in various solvents. Investigation of the deactivation kinetics involved determining the first-order radiative and nonradiative rates of decay upon knowledge of the quantum yield and lifetime data. Fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of the compounds studied varied depending on the nature of the solvent environments. Excited state protonation in acetic acid was observed for several 2,5-diarylidene cyclopentanones and deltapKa’s have been determined via the Forster Cycle. Thorough work on the photochemistry of (2E,5E)-2,5-bis(p-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-cyclopentanone (bis-dmab) was carried out, consisting of testing bis-dmab as a singlet oxygen photosensitizer, and examination of both the chemical reactivity of bis-dmab with singlet state oxygen (self-sensitized photooxidation) and (E,E) --> (E,Z) photoisomerization. "

The discovery of any new technology is usually accompanied by a need for new or improved materials which make that technology useful in practical applications. In the case of two-photon absorption (2PA) this has truly been the case. Since its first demonstration in 1961, there has been an ever increasing quest to understand the relationships between two-photon absorption and the structure of two-photon absorbing materials. This quest has been motivated by the many applications for 2PA which have been reported, including fluorescence bioimaging, 3D microfabrication, 3D optical data storage, upconverted lasing, and photodynamic therapy. The work presented in this dissertation represents another step in the effort to better understand the structure/property relationships of 2PA. In this work a new, squaraine-fluorenesquaraine molecule, proposed through a joint effort of quantum and synthetic chemists, was synthesized and its photophysical properties were measured. The measurements included linear and two-photon photophysical properties, as well as solvatochromic behavior. Quantum calculations were done to aid in understanding those photophysical and solvatochromic properties. A single squaraine dye was also synthesized and used as a model compound to assist in understanding this new structure. In Chapter 1 an introduction to 2PA and several of its applications is given. Chapter 2 gives a background of 2PA structure/property relationships that have been reported to date, based on work done with polymethine dyes. Chapter 3 gives a full account of the synthesis, characterization, and detailed quantum chemical analyses of this new squaraine-fluorenesquaraine molecule and the corresponding model compound squaraine dye. Chapter 4 gives some additional work and suggested future directions.

Yes / This study shows how highly branched poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (HB-PNIPAM) with a chain pendant solvatochromic dye (Nile red) could provide a fluorescence signal, as end groups bind to bacteria and chain segments become desolvated, indicating the presence of bacteria. Vancomycin was attached to chain ends of HB-PNIPAM or as pendant groups on linear polymers each containing Nile red. Location of the dye was varied between placement in the core of the branched polymer coil or the outer domains. Both calorimetric and fluorescence data showed that branched polymers responded to binding of both the peptide target (D-Ala-D-Aa) and bacteria in a different manner than analogous linear polymers; binding and response was more extensive in the branched variant. The fluorescence data showed that only segments located in the outer domains of branched polymers responded to binding of Gram-positive bacteria with little response when linear analogous polymer or branched polymer with the dye in the inner core was exposed to Staphylococcus aureus. / Innovate UK/Smith and Nephew Ltd. (UK) (TSB 103988) and by MRC (MR/N501888/2).

Solvent effects play diverse roles in myriads of chemical, physical and biological processes. The solvent interacts with the solute by: i) non-specific (Coulombic, van der Waals interactions) and ii) specific interactions (hydrogen bonding, etc.). These interactions are responsible for solvation of the solute and are collectively termed as “solvent polarity”. Differential solvation of ground and excited electronic states is manifested in the absorption spectrum as a change in the band position, intensity or shape, which is termed as “solvatochromism”. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) is a kind of specific solute-solvent interaction, which plays a key role in molecular or supramolecular photochemistry, as well as in photobiology. Solvation and its influence on various physico-chemical and biological processes can be understood by i) top-down; and ii) bottom-up approaches. In the top-down approach, the macroscopic properties like dielectric constant, refractive index are used to understand the microscopic solvation. This approach fails when specific interactions like hydrogen bonding interactions come into play, and furthermore it can reproduce only the macroscopic polarization of the solvent but fails miserably at the cybotactic region of solvation. With the recent advancements in the computational field, the molecular level description of solvation has been within reach for chemical physicists and experimentalists to corroborate their experimental results and in turn to visualize processes of fundamental or technologically relevant problems. The energy levels of the nπ* and ππ* singlet and triplet excited states of aromatic ketones are close-lying and therefore their energy levels can be altered by the substituents. The solvent polarity can be used as a surrogate to tune their energy levels. In certain cases, the lowest triplet or singlet excited states can switch their electronic character with increasing solvent polarity known as “electronic state switching” and thus modulate their photochemical or photophysical properties. Therefore, aromatic ketones were used as solvatochromic probes in this work. Comprehensive analyses of the solvent effects on xanthone (XT), 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) and benzophenone (Bzp) were carried out using steady-state and nanosecond time-resolved absorption, and resonance Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with ad hoc and classical-molecular dynamics and simulations generated supermolecule-continuum solvent model quantum mechanical calculations to corroborate the experimental outcomes and in turn to visualize the solvation process at the molecular level. The present thesis is divided into eight chapters and the summary of each chapter is described below: Chapter 1 provides a brief literature review of solvation effects and their influence on various physico-chemical and biological processes. Furthermore, the importance of understanding solvation at the molecular level and key concepts are discussed, which forms the heart of this thesis. Chapter 2 discusses the experimental and computational approaches used to study the solvation processes at the molecular level. A detailed explanation of spectroscopic techniques like resonance Raman (RR) and nanosecond-time resolved resonance Raman (ns-TR3) spectroscopy and their experimental and theoretical aspects are discussed, followed by a discussion on the fundamental concepts of computational methods like ab initio calculations density functional theory (DFT), and classical molecular dynamics and simulations (c-MDS) utilized in this study. Chapter 3 focuses on microscopic understanding of solvatochromic shifts observed for 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in protic solvents using UV-Vis and RR spectroscopy in conjunction with an ad hoc explicit solvation model and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The hypsochromic shift and bathochromic shift of the singlet nπ* and ππ* electronic transitions in protic solvents are due to hydrogen bond weakening and strengthening in the excited state for the corresponding electronic transitions, respectively as indicated by TD-DFT calculations and Kamlet-Taft linear solvation energy relationships. The hydrogen bond strengthening in the singlet ππ* excited state is further confirmed by Raman excitation profile (REP) analysis of PQ in different solvents. Furthermore, with increasing solvent polarity the two lowest singlet excited states undergo different hydrogen bonding mechanisms, leading to a decreasing energy gap between them. Therefore, hyperchromism of the nπ* transition has been hypothesized to be due to an increasing vibronic coupling between the lowest singlet nπ* and ππ* excited states. In Chapter 4, a real time observation of the thermal equilibrium between the lowest triplet excited states of PQ in acetonitrile solvent was carried out using ns-TR3 spectroscopy and this can explain its high reactivity towards H-atom abstraction, despite the fact that the lowest triplet excited state has ππ* character. Furthermore, extending the concept of hydrogen bonding mechanisms of the lowest singlet to the triplet excited states, the different hydrogen bonding mechanisms exhibited by them can lead to alteration of the intersystem crossing mechanisms in PQ. Chapter 5 highlights the very different role of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the reduced reactivity of the xanthone (XT) triplet towards H-atom abstraction in protic solvents. The different hydrogen bonding mechanisms exhibited by the two lowest triplet excited states in protic solvents are derived from an ad hoc explicit solvation model, TD-DFT calculations and ns-time resolved absorption (ns-TRA): they separate them further in energy and thereby the nearest T2(nπ*) triplet state to the T1(ππ*) excited state plays an insignificant role in the reactivity towards H-atom abstraction, in contrast to the PQ triplet discussed in Chapter 4. Chapter 6 discusses the structure of XT triplet states using TR3 spectroscopy in combination with TD-DFT studies. The TR3 spectrum of the XT in acetonitrile identified a vibronic coupling mode responsible for the reactivity of XT towards H-atom abstraction, despite the fact that the lowest triplet excited state (T1) has ππ* character. This vibronic active mode is absent in the TR3 spectra of XT in protic solvents (methanol and ethanol). Furthermore, the REP analysis suggests that the nanosecond triplet-triplet absorption spectrum of XT in acetonitrile involves two different species, while in methanol it involves only one species. This observation is in agreement with the previous chapter (Chapter 5) which proposes a different hydrogen bonding mechanisms for the two lowest triplet excited states and their influence on the reduced reactivity towards H-atom abstraction. Chapters 3-6 emphasize the need for a proper solvation model at the molecular level to describe the various photophysical and photochemical processes of aromatic ketones. Therefore, Chapter 7 includes discussions on the bottom-up solvation methodology applied to benzophenone (Bzp) to understand its vibrational and electronic solvatochromic behaviour at the molecular level. Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques were used in conjunction with a c-MDS-generated supermolecule continuum solvation model DFT calculation to corroborate and to visualize the experimental outcome. The carbonyl stretching frequency of Bzp in protic solvents has two bands, corresponding to free carbonyl and hydrogen bonded carbonyl. Despite the fact that the macroscopic polarity of acetonitrile and methanol solvents are similar, the free carbonyl stretching of Bzp in methanol solvent was blue-shifted by 4 cm-1 with respect to the carbonyl stretching in acetonitrile solvent. The Gutmann’s acceptor number plot for carbonyl stretching frequencies indicates that the free carbonyl group is neighboured by a hydrophobic environment. The c-MDS-generated supermolecule-continuum solvation model DFT calculations suggest that the extended hydrogen bonding network of methanol solvent is responsible for the hydrophobic solvation around the free carbonyl. Furthermore, a linear correlation was obtained for the vibrational and electronic solvatochromism of the carbonyl frequency and energy of the singlet nπ* transition, respectively, which indicates that a variation in excitation wavelength for the singlet nπ* transition can arise from different solvation states. This can have implications for ultrafast processes associated with electron transfer, charge-transfer and also the photophysical aspects of excited states.Finally, Chapter 8 contains overall conclusions of the thesis and future directions for the present research area.

A molécula 5-fluorouracil (5FU) é muito utilizada em tratamentos de câncer. Seu espectro de absorção é caracterizado por duas bandas de diferentes intensidades, as transições n-p* e p-p*, e seu estudo em diferentes solventes é de considerável importância para compreender a fotofísica do estado excitado. Este é o primeiro passo essencial para obter a caracterização da dinâmica de emissão. Neste trabalho, nós estudamos teoricamente o espectro de absorção da 5FU em dois solventes, água e acetonitrila, usando o método Sequential Quantum Mechanics/ Molecular Mechanics (SQM/MM). Uma etapa importante para uma simulação realista é a polarização do soluto pelo solvente. Neste estudo, esta polarização foi obtida usando dois modelos: Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), que é uma alternativa simples e um método iterativo usando Average Solvent Electrostatic Configuration (ASEC). Após isso, simulações usando Monte Carlo Metrópolis no ensemble NVT em condições normais de temperatura e pressão foram realizadas e configurações estatisticamente descorrelacionadas separadas para subsequentes cálculos de Mecânica Quântica usando diversos métodos: Configuration Interaction (CI), Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) e um método semi-empírico (INDO/CIS). Os espectros calculados em ambos os solventes foram obtidos em mais de uma aproximação: contínua, discreta e explícita. Os resultados estão em boa concordância com os valores experimentais e enfatizam a importância da inclusão de moléculas de solvente explícitas nos cálculos. Nós especialmente notamos que em solventes, a transição n-p* é deslocada para o azul enquanto a transição p-p* é deslocada para o vermelho, indicando uma tendência para reversão dessas duas bandas se comparadas à fase gasosa. Isto aponta para diferenças na fotofísica, dependendo da polaridade do solvente. Os resultados também permitem uma avaliação dos diferentes procedimentos teóricos utilizados. / The 5-fluorouracil molecule is very used in cancer treatment. Its absorption spectrum is characterized by two broad bands of different intensities, the n-p* and p-p* transitions, and its study in different solvents is of considerable importance for the understanding of the photophysics of the excited state. It is the first essential step for obtaining the characterization of the emission dynamics. In this work we have theoretically studied the absorption spectrum of 5FU in two solvents, water and acetonitrile, using the Sequential Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics method (SQM/MM). An important step for a realistic simulation is the polarization of the solute by the solvent. In this study, this polarization was obtained by using two models: Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), which is a simple alternative, and an iterative method using the Average Solvent Electrostatic Configuration (ASEC). After this, Monte Carlo Metropolis simulations in the NVT ensemble in normal conditions of temperature and pressure were made and statistically uncorrelated configurations sampled for the subsequent Quantum Mechanics calculations using several methods: Configuration Interaction (CI), Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) and a semiempirical method (INDO/CIS). The calculated spectra in both solvents were obtained using more than one approach: continuum, discrete and explicit. The results are in good agreement with experimental values and emphasize the importance of explicitly including solvent molecules. We specially note that in solvents, the n-p* is blue-shifted and the p-p* transition is red-shifted leading to a tendency for reversal of these two bands compared to gas phase. This points to differences in the photophysics, depending on the solvent polarity. The results also allow an evaluation of the different theoretical procedures used.

Neste trabalho estudamos as propriedades estruturais e eletrônicas do CO2 supercrítico, iniciando com a avaliação de campos de força balizados por aplicações anteriores de simulação quântica do tipo Dinâmica Molecular de Born-Oppenheimer (BOMD). A aplicação principal é a descrição do espectro de absorção da paranitroanilina (pNA) em CO2 supercrítico. O CO2 supercrítico pode ser considerado como uma ``alternativa verde para os solventes orgânicos convencionais e a busca por solventes mais seguros, juntamente com a crescente consciência sobre a questão ambiental, tem levado a uma ``química verde com o intuito de se buscar soluções sustentáveis. A princípio estudamos três campos de força tradicionais para o CO2, aplicados na região supercrítica. Estes campos de força podem ser validados por meio de simulação de primeiros principios. Iniciamos considerando a condição supercrítica para o CO2 como T = 315 K, = 0.81 g/cm³ e o campo de força clássico de Zhang e Duan. Depois fizemos uma análise consistindo de uma alteração de cargas e também da geometria do CO2, que seria um caso não linear no qual foi considerado um ângulo (O-C-O) = 176° . O estudo do solvatocromismo da pNA em CO2 supercrítico foi feito considerando todas estas situações descritas para o campo de força, avaliando os resultados experimentais e teóricos já existentes. A simulação gera estruturas usando Monte Carlo e são usadas em cálculos de Mecânica Quântica do tipo DFT (CAM-B3LYP). Por fim, para verificar a importância da geometria do sistema, ou seja, a propriedade estrutural, consideramos uma outra geometria para a pNA, diferente da geometria que utilizamos a princípio nas simulações com o CO2 supercrítico. Essa ``geometria modificada\" da pNA foi obtida de uma simulação existente de Born-Oppenheimer e a utilizamos numa simulação Monte Carlo com o caso não linear para o CO2 supercrítico. Os resultados de todas essas simulações nos indicaram que a alteração das cargas e por consequência a alteração da polarização do solvente, não possui muita importância na mudança do espectro de absorção da pNA. Ao se considerar o CO2 não linear, obtivemos resultados um pouco melhor, mas não muito, comparados com a previsão teórica. Mas os resultados mais significativos são os obtidos para a situação em que utilizamos a geometria modificada da pNA. Uma parte do deslocamento do máximo da banda de absorção no espectro da pNA vem com a contribuição eletrostática da interação soluto-solvente e a outra parte vem da mudança estrutural. / In this work we study the structural and electronic properties of CO2 supercritical starting with the evaluation of force fields based on previous ab initio Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD). The main application is the description of the absorption spectrum of paranitroanilina (pNA) in supercritical CO2. The supercritical CO2 is considered a ``green alternative\" to conventional organic solvents and the search for safer solvents, along with the increasing awareness of environmental issues has led to the interest in ``green chemistry\", seeking sustainable solutions. At first we studied three traditional force fields for CO2, applied in the supercritical region. These force fields can be validated by first principles simulation. We considered the supercritical condition for CO2 as T=315K, =0.81g/cm³ and the classical force field of Zhang and Duan. We also did an analysis consisting of a change of the atomic point charges and the geometry of CO2, including a non-linear case in which an angle (O-C-O)=176° was considered. The study of the solvatochromism of pNA in supercritical CO2 was made considering all these situations, evaluating the theoretical outcome and the experimental results. The simulation generates structures using Monte Carlo and are used in quantum mechanics calculations of DFT (CAM-B3LYP). To verify the importance of geometry in the system, that is, the structural property, we considered another geometry for the pNA geometry different from that we used initially in the simulations with supercritical CO2. This ``modified geometry\" of pNA was obtained from a previous Born-Oppenheimer simulation and was used in a Monte Carlo simulation with the non-linear case for supercritical CO2. The results of all these simulations indicated that the alterations of charge and thus the change in the polarization of the solvent, has no great importance in the change of the absorption spectrum of the pNA. When considering the nonlinear CO2, we obtained slightly better results. But the most significant results are obtained for the situation in which we use the modified geometry of pNA. Part of the shift in the absorption spectrum of the pNA comes with the electrostatic contribution of solute-solvent interaction and the other part comes from the structural change.

Neste trabalho estudamos as propriedades estruturais e eletrônicas do CO2 supercrítico, iniciando com a avaliação de campos de força balizados por aplicações anteriores de simulação quântica do tipo Dinâmica Molecular de Born-Oppenheimer (BOMD). A aplicação principal é a descrição do espectro de absorção da paranitroanilina (pNA) em CO2 supercrítico. O CO2 supercrítico pode ser considerado como uma ``alternativa verde para os solventes orgânicos convencionais e a busca por solventes mais seguros, juntamente com a crescente consciência sobre a questão ambiental, tem levado a uma ``química verde com o intuito de se buscar soluções sustentáveis. A princípio estudamos três campos de força tradicionais para o CO2, aplicados na região supercrítica. Estes campos de força podem ser validados por meio de simulação de primeiros principios. Iniciamos considerando a condição supercrítica para o CO2 como T = 315 K, = 0.81 g/cm³ e o campo de força clássico de Zhang e Duan. Depois fizemos uma análise consistindo de uma alteração de cargas e também da geometria do CO2, que seria um caso não linear no qual foi considerado um ângulo (O-C-O) = 176° . O estudo do solvatocromismo da pNA em CO2 supercrítico foi feito considerando todas estas situações descritas para o campo de força, avaliando os resultados experimentais e teóricos já existentes. A simulação gera estruturas usando Monte Carlo e são usadas em cálculos de Mecânica Quântica do tipo DFT (CAM-B3LYP). Por fim, para verificar a importância da geometria do sistema, ou seja, a propriedade estrutural, consideramos uma outra geometria para a pNA, diferente da geometria que utilizamos a princípio nas simulações com o CO2 supercrítico. Essa ``geometria modificada\" da pNA foi obtida de uma simulação existente de Born-Oppenheimer e a utilizamos numa simulação Monte Carlo com o caso não linear para o CO2 supercrítico. Os resultados de todas essas simulações nos indicaram que a alteração das cargas e por consequência a alteração da polarização do solvente, não possui muita importância na mudança do espectro de absorção da pNA. Ao se considerar o CO2 não linear, obtivemos resultados um pouco melhor, mas não muito, comparados com a previsão teórica. Mas os resultados mais significativos são os obtidos para a situação em que utilizamos a geometria modificada da pNA. Uma parte do deslocamento do máximo da banda de absorção no espectro da pNA vem com a contribuição eletrostática da interação soluto-solvente e a outra parte vem da mudança estrutural. / In this work we study the structural and electronic properties of CO2 supercritical starting with the evaluation of force fields based on previous ab initio Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD). The main application is the description of the absorption spectrum of paranitroanilina (pNA) in supercritical CO2. The supercritical CO2 is considered a ``green alternative\" to conventional organic solvents and the search for safer solvents, along with the increasing awareness of environmental issues has led to the interest in ``green chemistry\", seeking sustainable solutions. At first we studied three traditional force fields for CO2, applied in the supercritical region. These force fields can be validated by first principles simulation. We considered the supercritical condition for CO2 as T=315K, =0.81g/cm³ and the classical force field of Zhang and Duan. We also did an analysis consisting of a change of the atomic point charges and the geometry of CO2, including a non-linear case in which an angle (O-C-O)=176° was considered. The study of the solvatochromism of pNA in supercritical CO2 was made considering all these situations, evaluating the theoretical outcome and the experimental results. The simulation generates structures using Monte Carlo and are used in quantum mechanics calculations of DFT (CAM-B3LYP). To verify the importance of geometry in the system, that is, the structural property, we considered another geometry for the pNA geometry different from that we used initially in the simulations with supercritical CO2. This ``modified geometry\" of pNA was obtained from a previous Born-Oppenheimer simulation and was used in a Monte Carlo simulation with the non-linear case for supercritical CO2. The results of all these simulations indicated that the alterations of charge and thus the change in the polarization of the solvent, has no great importance in the change of the absorption spectrum of the pNA. When considering the nonlinear CO2, we obtained slightly better results. But the most significant results are obtained for the situation in which we use the modified geometry of pNA. Part of the shift in the absorption spectrum of the pNA comes with the electrostatic contribution of solute-solvent interaction and the other part comes from the structural change.

A molécula 5-fluorouracil (5FU) é muito utilizada em tratamentos de câncer. Seu espectro de absorção é caracterizado por duas bandas de diferentes intensidades, as transições n-p* e p-p*, e seu estudo em diferentes solventes é de considerável importância para compreender a fotofísica do estado excitado. Este é o primeiro passo essencial para obter a caracterização da dinâmica de emissão. Neste trabalho, nós estudamos teoricamente o espectro de absorção da 5FU em dois solventes, água e acetonitrila, usando o método Sequential Quantum Mechanics/ Molecular Mechanics (SQM/MM). Uma etapa importante para uma simulação realista é a polarização do soluto pelo solvente. Neste estudo, esta polarização foi obtida usando dois modelos: Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), que é uma alternativa simples e um método iterativo usando Average Solvent Electrostatic Configuration (ASEC). Após isso, simulações usando Monte Carlo Metrópolis no ensemble NVT em condições normais de temperatura e pressão foram realizadas e configurações estatisticamente descorrelacionadas separadas para subsequentes cálculos de Mecânica Quântica usando diversos métodos: Configuration Interaction (CI), Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) e um método semi-empírico (INDO/CIS). Os espectros calculados em ambos os solventes foram obtidos em mais de uma aproximação: contínua, discreta e explícita. Os resultados estão em boa concordância com os valores experimentais e enfatizam a importância da inclusão de moléculas de solvente explícitas nos cálculos. Nós especialmente notamos que em solventes, a transição n-p* é deslocada para o azul enquanto a transição p-p* é deslocada para o vermelho, indicando uma tendência para reversão dessas duas bandas se comparadas à fase gasosa. Isto aponta para diferenças na fotofísica, dependendo da polaridade do solvente. Os resultados também permitem uma avaliação dos diferentes procedimentos teóricos utilizados. / The 5-fluorouracil molecule is very used in cancer treatment. Its absorption spectrum is characterized by two broad bands of different intensities, the n-p* and p-p* transitions, and its study in different solvents is of considerable importance for the understanding of the photophysics of the excited state. It is the first essential step for obtaining the characterization of the emission dynamics. In this work we have theoretically studied the absorption spectrum of 5FU in two solvents, water and acetonitrile, using the Sequential Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics method (SQM/MM). An important step for a realistic simulation is the polarization of the solute by the solvent. In this study, this polarization was obtained by using two models: Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), which is a simple alternative, and an iterative method using the Average Solvent Electrostatic Configuration (ASEC). After this, Monte Carlo Metropolis simulations in the NVT ensemble in normal conditions of temperature and pressure were made and statistically uncorrelated configurations sampled for the subsequent Quantum Mechanics calculations using several methods: Configuration Interaction (CI), Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) and a semiempirical method (INDO/CIS). The calculated spectra in both solvents were obtained using more than one approach: continuum, discrete and explicit. The results are in good agreement with experimental values and emphasize the importance of explicitly including solvent molecules. We specially note that in solvents, the n-p* is blue-shifted and the p-p* transition is red-shifted leading to a tendency for reversal of these two bands compared to gas phase. This points to differences in the photophysics, depending on the solvent polarity. The results also allow an evaluation of the different theoretical procedures used.

No presente trabalho utilizamos as espectroscopias eletrônica e vibracional, com o apoio de simulação computacional de líquidos para estudar o comportamento solvatocrômico e ionocrômico de diaminoantraquinonas. Adicionalmente estudamos a potencialidade da 1,2-diaminoantraquinona (1,2-DAAQ) no reconhecimento de ânions em superfícies de prata. Utilizando espectroscopia de absorção obtivemos espectros da 1,2-DAAQ e alguns isômeros em diversos solventes. Estes resultados foram analisados por métodos empíricos de solvatocromismo, principalmente, pela escala solvatocrômica de Kamlet-Taft. Esta análise nos propiciou um conhecimento preciso sobre o comportamento da 1,2-DAAQ em meio solvente e serviu de suporte para o estudo do ionocromismo, e da interação com as superfícies. Através da simulação computacional geramos estruturas de soluções da 1,2-DAAQ em três solventes e analisamos a estrutura destas soluções via análise das Funções de Distribuição Radial de pares, o que nos possibilitou uma visão no nível microscópico do efeito das interações com o solvente. As estruturas geradas serviram de base para o cálculo do espectro de absorção para comparação com os valores experimentais. Baseado nesta comparação foi possível especular que a estrutura da 1,2-DAAQ é afetada pelo solvente no estado excitado. Utilizando espectroscopia no infravermelho e eletrônica foi possível caracterizar o tipo de interação entre a 1,2-DAAQ e o ânion fluoreto, como sendo por ligação de hidrogênio de força moderada. A atribuição vibracional da 1,2-DAAQ foi realizada com base nos espectros Raman, auxiliada por cálculos de freqüência. A atribuição foi utilizada para a determinação da orientação da 1,2-DAAQ nas superfícies de prata e principalmente para estudar a natureza desta interação. A análise destes resultados nos permitiu traçar um panorama bastante claro sobre esta interação além de auxiliar no entendimento do uso da 1,2-DAAQ como sonda aniônica de superfícies. Finalmente, através da espectroscopia Raman ressonante foi possível confirmar e detalhar a atribuição da transição eletrônica observada na região do visível, característica das diaminoantraquinonas. / In the present work, the ionochromic and solvatochromic behavior of several diaminoantraquinones were investigated by means of optical and vibrational spectroscopies, alongside computational simulation. The UV-Vis spectra of 1,2- diaminoantraquinone (1,2-DAAQ) were analyzed using empirical solvatochromic scales, like the Kamlet-Taft. Such analysis enabled an accurate description of its solvatochromic behavior that was instrumental to understand its interaction with anions and metallic surfaces. Computational simulation provided the structures of 1,2-DAAQ solutions in three different solvents, and the analyses of the radial distribution functions revealed a microscopic view of its interactions with the solvents. The obtained structures were the departing points for the calculation of the electronic spectrum, then compared with the experimental one. The results suggest that the structure of 1,2-DAAQ is substantially affected by the solvent in the excited state. Infrared spectroscopy clearly indicates that the interaction of the 1,2-DAAQ and fluoride involves a hydrogen bonding of moderate strength. Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations provided the means for the vibrational assignment that was instrumental to understand the orientation of the molecule in its interaction with silver surface.

Developing greener, more efficient, and less energy-intensive processes will lead the chemical industry into a more sustainable future. Gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) form a unique class of environmentally benign and tunable solvents that can be used in a variety of applications. Through the series of studies presented in this thesis, we have investigated both the properties and applications of GXLs. We have developed a more complete understanding of the interactions between the gas, the organic liquid, and solutes at the molecular level through kinetic and solvatochromic experiments. We have examined a Diels-Alder reaction and an SN2 reaction and have described the kinetic results in terms of intermolecular interactions and local composition enhancement. We have also demonstrated the use of Organic-Aqueous Tunable Solvents, a special case of GXLs, to recycle homogeneous hydroformylation catalysts. The results of this research can be used to guide future applications of GXLs as green reaction solvents.