Two inorganic-based photosensitizer dyes of rhenium(I) attached to carotenoid-based ligands have been synthesized. Ligands were prepared via Knoevenagel condensation of all-trans-retinal and β-apo-8’-carotenal with cyanopyridyl. Electronic absorption spectroscopy show that the complexes absorb visible light efficiently. Absorption wavelengths are within 450 to 600 nm range. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations reveal that frontier molecular orbitals involved during transition occur from the HOMO to low-energy LUMOs of the metal center. Theoretical treatments also show that these orbitals are centered primarily on the polyene chain π to π* transition, and the energy gap between them is consistent with the observed optical spectrum. Photosensitizer dyes are attached to CdSe nanoparticles for enhanced photosensitization and long-lived charge separation excited states.<br/>

Synthesis and characterization of new photoactive and solvatochromic retinoid/carotenoid-based complexes of rhenium(I) attached to CdSe quantum dots

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.