A wide range of important processes ranging from photosynthesis to charge transport in organic semiconductors depend on movement of electrons between molecules and within materials. For example, we have used complex, covalent molecular systems comprising chromophores, electron donors, and electron acceptors to mimic both the light-harvesting and the charge separation functions of photosynthetic proteins. These synthetic systems have been used to study the dependencies of electron transfer rate constants on donor-acceptor distance and orientation, electronic interaction, and the free energy of the reaction. The most useful and informative systems are those in which there are structural constraints to control both the distance and the orientation between the electron donors and acceptors. We have extended this approach to understanding how long distance charge transport occurs in systems as diverse as self-assembling organic charge transport materials and DNA. Using modern time-resolved spectroscopic techniques and the strategies of physical organic chemistry, significant progress has been made in understanding electron transfer reactions in chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Understanding electron transfer reactions: A case study in physical organic chemistry

247th National Meeting (2014)

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