From pirazoloquinolines to annulated azulene dyes: UV-VIS spectroscopy and quantum chemical study

Paper reports UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra of 6-R derivatives (R=CH3, O-CH3, C(C6H5)3, C6H5-N-C10H7) of 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline, belonging to pyrazoloquinoline (PQ) family, likewise its regioisomeric products 10-R derivatives of 6-phenyl-6H-5,6,7-triazadibenzo[f,h]naphtho[3,2,1-cd]azulene representing cyclized seven-membered annulated azulene (AA) dyes. Cyclization of PQs into AAs is accompanied by a significant red shift of the first optical absorption band. This finding agrees with the results of quantum-chemical calculations performed by means of the semiempirical method PM3. As the solvent polarity rises all the dyes exhibit a blue shift of the first absorption band and a red shift of the fluorescence band. Such opposite trends in solvatochromic behavior have been reproduced within the semiempirical calculations in combination with the Lippert-Mataga dielectric polarization model. Depending on solvent polarity AA dyes emit light in the green, green-yellow or orange range of the visible spectrum what may be of interest for potential luminescent or electroluminescent applications.