Comparative DFT study of Raman spectra of phosphorus-containing dendrimers built from thiophosphoryl, cyclotriphosphazene and phthalocyanine cores

•The FT Raman spectra of dendrimers with different cores were studied.•The structural optimization and normal mode analysis were performed for dendrimers.•The lines of the cores, repeating units and benzaldehyde terminal groups were defined.

The FT Raman spectra of the zero and first generations of phosphorus-containing dendrimers built from thiophosphoryl, cyclotriphosphazene and phthalocyanine core with terminal oxybenzaldehyde groups have been recorded and analyzed. The structural optimization and normal mode analysis were performed for dendrimers on the basis of the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated geometrical parameters, harmonic vibrational frequencies and Raman scattering activities are predicted in a good agreement with the experimental data. The experimental Raman spectra of dendrimers were interpreted by means of potential energy distribution. Relying on DFT calculations the lines of the cores, repeating units and terminal groups of dendrimers were assigned.The influence of the encirclement on the line frequencies and intensities was studied and due to the predictable, controlled and reproducible structure of dendrimers the information, usually inaccessible is obtained. The strong line at 1600 cm−1 show marked changes of intensity in dependence of aldehyde (CHO) or azomethyne (CHN) substituents in the aromatic ring. The polarizabilities and lipophilicity of dendrimers were estimated.