Upon the intrinsic optical properties of oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)s (OPEs). Synthesis of OPE3 for experimental gas-phase absorption studies

A new oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene) (OPE3) was synthesized by step-wise Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The molecule incorporates an amine functionality, which allows for transfer of the protonated molecule to the gas phase by electrospray ionization leaving the OPE entity neutral. This method has allowed for the first experimental gas-phase absorption spectrum of an OPE3 by action spectroscopy, employing an electrostatic ion storage ring in combination with a laser system. The studies reveal the effect of having a positive charge in proximity to the conjugated backbone of OPE3 in the absence of any interfering solvent molecules. In addition, ionization energies and electron affinities of OPE2-OPE17 were calculated at the density functional theory (DFT) level.