Work

Excited-state dynamics of cinnamate-based UV filters: bringing decay pathways to light by photoelectron velocity map imaging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cinnamic acids and cinnamates are attracting considerable interest as starting point for the rational development of novel UV filters. Key to their optimization is a fundamental understanding of the nonradiative processes that occur after photon absorption. Here we employ kinetic-energy-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to uncover the deactivation mechanisms occurring after photoexcitation of a series of substituted cinnamates. We find that the recorded photoelectron spectra (i) confirm and extend conclusions on pathways involving the triplet manifold previously obtained indirectly, (ii) provide insight into the electronic structure of the excited singlet manifold, and (iii) elucidate the influence of substituents on their photodynamics. In addition, they have allowed for the determination of accurate ionization energies that so far had not been determined.

Source: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

DOI: 10.1039/d5cp02240a

Authors: Ivan Romanov, Wim Roeterdink, Yorrick Boeije, Hugo Maurer, Wybren Jan Buma

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, University of Cambridge, Radboud University Nijmegen, HFML-FELIX

Language: English

Topic: Photochemistry and Electron Transfer Studies

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: European Commission, H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies

Awards: Boosting Crop Growth using Natural Product and Synthesis Enabled Solar Harvesting, G434337789, Boosting Crop Growth using Natural Product and Synthesis Enabled Solar Harvesting