Excitation dynamics in hetero-bichromophoric calixarene systems

In this work, the dynamics of electronic energy transfer (EET) in bichromophoric donor-acceptor systems, obtained by functionalizing a calix[4]arene scaffold with two dyes, has been experimentally and theoretically characterized. The investigated compounds are highly versatile, due to the possibility of linking the dye molecules to the cone or to the partial cone structure of the calix[4]arene, which directs the two active units to the same or to opposite side of the scaffold, respectively. The dynamics and efficiency of the EET process between the donor and acceptor units is investigated and discussed through a combined experimental and theoretical approach, involving ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and a DFT based characterization of the energetic and spectroscopic properties of the system. Our results suggest that the external medium strongly determines the particular conformation adopted by the bichromophores, with a direct effect on the extent of excitonic coupling between the dyes and hence on the dynamics of the EET process itself.