Through-Space and Through-Bond Effects on Exciton Interactions in Rigidly Linked Dinaphthyl Molecules

Abstract

Electronic absorption spectra of a series of dinaphthyl molecules, in which the naphthyl moieties are separated by a rigid polynorbornyl bridge, together with a corresponding model compound have been measured in n-hexane and acetonitrile solvents. Resonance (molecular exciton) splittings of the naphthalene 1Ag → 21B3u electronic transition are observed and found to be substantially greater than predicted by the usual dipole-dipole model. For the two-bond bridged compound a description of the exciton interaction requires consideration of direct through-space orbital overlap between naphthalenes. Through-space interchromophore orbital overlaps in the four-bond and the six-bond bridged compound..