Picosecond transient absorption measurement of anthrylphenoxide anions in solution phase

By using picosecond transient absorption and fluorescence spectral measurement techniques, we have investigated fluorescence state of 3-(9-anthryl)phenoxide and 3-(9-anthryl)-5-(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl)phenoxide anions in 1,4-dioxane and acetonitrile. The fluorescence spectra of these compounds are broad and structureless and show strong solvatochromic shift. Since the Sn ← S1 absorption spectra of the anions are similar to the absorption band of the anthracene radical anion, the negative charge of the anions in the S1 state is essentially localized in the anthracene moiety. On the contrary, in the T1 state the anthracene moiety is neutral and the negative charge may be localized in the phenoxy moiety.