Work

Insights Into Symmetry and Substitution Patterns Governing Singlet–Triplet Energy Gap in the Chemical Space of Azaphenalenes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Molecules that violate Hund's rule by exhibiting an inverted singlet–triplet gap (STG), where the first excited singlet () lies below the triplet (), are rare but hold great promise as efficient fifth‐generation light emitters. Azaphenalenes (APs) represent one of the few known molecular classes capable of such inversion of the / energy ordering, yet a systematic exploration of all unique APs is lacking. Here, we investigate 104 distinct APs and classify them based on their adherence to or deviation from Hund's rule using – gaps computed with the second‐order coupled‐cluster method employing the Laplace transform (L‐CC2). To capture substitution‐dependent pseudo–Jahn–Teller distortions that are inadequately described by MP2 and DFT methods, we employ a focal‐point extrapolation scheme to obtain near‐CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ‐quality geometries. We find 3 APs to undergo and 10 to show symmetry lowering, leading to a total of 117 configurations of 104 unique APs. Our study identifies top candidates with inverted STGs, revealing how substitution and symmetry‐lowering modulate these gaps to uncover new stable AP cores that provide promising targets for designing molecular light‐emitters.

Source: Chemistry - A European Journal

DOI: 10.1002/chem.202503557

Authors: Atreyee Majumdar, Raghunathan Ramakrishnan

Institution: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Chemical Physics Studies

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,640

Funders: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India