Stability and reaction dynamics of trifluorinated indolylfulgides

Chem Phys Lett. 2009 Aug 6;477(4-6):298-303. doi: 10.1016/j.cplett.2009.07.013.

Abstract

Quantum efficiencies and ultrafast dynamics of the ring-closure and ring-opening reaction of a trifluorinated dicyclopropyl indolylfulgide with improved photostability are investigated by stationary and ultrafast absorption spectroscopy. The ring-closure reaction occurs on the time scale of 200 fs and is found to be temperature independent (T = 287 - 333 K). However, an activated behaviour is observed for the ring-opening reaction. A comparison with the corresponding non-substituted indolylfulgide shows that the dicyclopropyl group favours the open isomer via lower cyclisation and higher cycloreversion quantum efficiencies and faster dynamics of the ring-opening reaction.