The relationship between structure and absorption spectra of symmetric trimethine cyanine dyes was investigated by means of the Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) MO method.
The results calculated on the basis of optimal parameters for hetero atoms reproduce well the values measured.
The calculation result reveals that a sulfur atom in the ring produces a batho-and/or a hypsochromic shift of λ
max. In the thiazolino cyanine, the sulfur atom acts as a donor _??_at the unstarred position to produce hypsochromic shift, while in the thiazolo cyanine, it enlarges the π-system to produce bathochromic shift.
The introduction of a methyl group at the meso position produces the hypsochromic shift of A max in thia and selena cyanines, and the bathochromic shift in oxa and thiazolino cyanines. The hypsochromic shift of the former may be produced mainly by the meso methyl group as a donor at the unstarred position, while the bathochromic shift of the latter may be caused by the steric hindrance of methyl group predicted by the decrease of ε values. The absorption spectra of cyanine dyes may be influenced by both the steric and the electronic effects of the methine substituent.
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