Covalent self-assembly of an energy cascade in one step

Abstract

Light harvesting mechanisms include absorption of energy by donor and transfer of the absorbed energy to acceptor. The aim of this process is the channeling of the light at certain wavelength. In this study, energy transfer process was sustained by BODIPY based Förster type light harvesting cascade. The donor and acceptor units of the cascade were synthesized to be combined by self-assembly. Passerini reaction was used in the assembly of the three units. Designed molecule consists of three moieties: BODIPY, monostyryl- BODIPY and distyryl-BODIPY. The expected process of energy transfer starts with the absorption of light at around 502 nm and ends with the emission at around 674 nm. The spectral overlap between donors and acceptors were shown. Under the light of the results, the designed molecule is promising to work as an effective energy transfer cascade.