Theoretical investigations on the excited state hydrogen bonding dynamics and proton transfer behavior for novel DHDA-23-00 system

In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, we theoretically explore the excited state dynamical process about a novel DHDA-23-00 system [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 19 (2017) 28641-28646]. Combining electrostatic potential surface (EPS) and the reduced density gradient (RDG) methods, we can affirm the two intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1-H2⋯O3 and O4-H5⋯O6) should be formed in the S₀ state for DHDA-23-00. Exploring primary chemical structural changes (bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bonds) upon the photo-excitation, we verify these two hydrogen bonds are strengthening in the S₁ state. In view of the infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, the phenomenon of strengthening O1-H2⋯O3 and O4-H5⋯O6 can be confirmed once again. Analyses about frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) in the excitation process, it can be found charge redistribution around hydroxide radical moiety could play important roles in enhancing intramolecular hydrogen bonds O1-H2⋯O3 and O4-H5⋯O6. Given this kind of charge transfer may facilitate excited state proton transfer (ESPT) process, we construct the potential energy surfaces (PESs) along with two hydrogen bonds to provide the excited state dynamical overall perspective. For DHDA-23-00, even though the charge transfer supports the ESPT process in acetonitrile solvent, excited state potential energy barriers confirm ESPT reaction does not occur for DHDA-23-00 system that is consistent with experimental phenomenon.