Photo- and Collision-Induced Isomerization of a Charge-Tagged Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane System
Journal article, 2020

Molecular photoswitches based on the norbornadiene-quadricylane (NBD-QC) couple have been proposed as key elements of molecular solar thermal energy storage schemes. To characterize the intrinsic properties of such systems, reversible isomerization of a charge-tagged NBD-QC carboxylate couple is investigated in a tandem ion mobility mass spectrometer, using light to induce intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of NBD carboxylate to form the QC carboxylate and driving the back reaction with molecular collisions. The NBD carboxylate photoisomerization action spectrum recorded by monitoring the QC carboxylate photoisomer extends from 290 to 360 nm with a maximum at 315 nm, and in the longer wavelength region resembles the NBD carboxylate absorption spectrum recorded in solution. Key structural and photochemical properties of the NBD-QC carboxylate system, including the gas-phase absorption spectrum and the energy storage capacity, are determined through computational studies using density functional theory.

Author

Ugo Jacovella

University of Melbourne

Eduardo Carrascosa

University of Melbourne

Jack T. Buntine

University of Melbourne

Nicolai Ree

University of Copenhagen

Kurt V. Mikkelsen

University of Copenhagen

Martyn Jevric

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Kasper Moth-Poulsen

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Evan J. Bieske

University of Melbourne

Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

1948-7185 (eISSN)

Vol. 11 15 6045-6050

Subject Categories

Physical Chemistry

Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

Theoretical Chemistry

DOI

10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01198

PubMed

32539402

More information

Latest update

10/26/2020