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Synthesis and Application of New Fluorescent Dyes
Team: Dr. Keith Pannell & Laura Saucedo
BODIPY dyes have been extensively studied and possess applications in the areas of protein taggers, laser dyes, metal sensors, and probes for anions. This range of utility is due to the capacity to substitute the many positions of the core structure. We propose to use the amino BODIPY system to investigate the ability of amino groups to interact with main group elements via intramolecular secondary bonding. This well-established mode of bonding results from the Lewis acidity of main group metals/metalloids and we are particularly interested in the Group 14 elements Si, Ge and Sn. In the solid state inter-nuclear E..N distances are reliable determinants of the strength of this interaction; however, in solution there are no truly accurate methods. Using the reaction sequence which we have published for the formation of the various 8-amino BODIPYs,1a we plan to create a series of such Group 14 element compounds and examine their emission characteristics in a variety of solvents. In general we hope to tease out the N..E interactions as a function of the R group on the element E.
The combined Periodic Table class and laboratory is one of the unique mandatory courses within the U. T. El Paso Chemistry, and Biochemistry, UG BS degree core. In the theory course, we cover structure and bonding as a function of electronic configuration and provide a pedagogic framework for predicting chemical reactivity. Thus, a student learning objective involves her/his ability to predict from the electronic configuration a known chemistry, e.g. the relationship between the Noble gases and the halogen elements, IF5 equivalent to [XeF5]+, etc.. With respect to the Group 14 elements higher than C, a clear objective is to understand their capacity to be involved in chemical secondary bonding.
In addition, within the course we place a specific emphasis upon the ability of molecules to use energy, i.e. via rotation, vibration, translation and electronic excitation (EA), often illustrating, for example, fluxional behavior. With respect to EA a class session on fluorescence will be employed using our materials as examples and illustrating the capacity to transform from emission to non-radiative emission as a function of solvation, and/or dynamic equilibria.
