Discuss the different types of electronic transitions possible in organic molecules.
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Sep 15
Electronic transitions in organic molecules refer to the movement of electrons between different energy levels within the molecule. These transitions can occur due to the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light. There are several types of electronic transitions that can occur in organic molecules, including:
1. π-π* transitions: In molecules with conjugated systems, such as double bonds or aromatic rings, π electrons can be excited from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). This type of transition is commonly observed in UV-Vis spectroscopy and is responsible for the absorption of light in the visible region.
2. n-π* transitions: In molecules with lone pairs of electrons (n electrons), such as carbonyl groups or heteroatoms, these electrons can be excited to the LUMO. This type of transition is often observed in carbonyl compounds and is responsible for the absorption of light in the ultraviolet region.
3. Charge transfer transitions: In molecules with donor-acceptor systems, such as push-pull conjugated systems, electrons can be transferred from the donor to the acceptor, resulting in a change in the electronic structure of the molecule. This type of transition is often observed in dyes and can result in a shift in the absorption spectrum.
4. Excited state reactions: In some cases, electronic transitions can lead to the formation of reactive intermediates in the excited state, which can undergo further chemical reactions. For example, photochemical reactions can be initiated by the absorption of light, leading to the formation of new chemical species.
Overall, electronic transitions in organic molecules play a crucial role in determining their optical and chemical properties, and understanding the different types of transitions can help in the design and synthesis of new materials with specific properties.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 15
Types of Electronic Transitions in Organic Molecules
Organic molecules absorb light in various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, causing electronic transitions. These transitions involve the promotion of electrons from lower energy orbitals to higher energy orbitals. The type of transition depends on the nature of the orbitals involved.
1. π → π- (Pi to Pi-Star) Transitions
- Occur in molecules with conjugated double bonds (C=C, C=O, etc.) - Involve the excitation of an electron from a bonding π orbital (π) to an antibonding π- orbital (π-) - Typically absorb light in the ultraviolet (UV) region (200-400 nm)
2. n → π- (Non-Bonding to Pi-Star) Transitions
- Occur in molecules with lone pairs of electrons (e.g., amines, ethers) - Involve the excitation of an electron from a non-bonding (n) orbital to an antibonding π- orbital - Absorb light in the near-UV or visible region (300-700 nm)
3. σ → σ- (Sigma to Sigma-Star) Transitions
- Occur in molecules with strong covalent bonds (e.g., C-H, C-C) - Involve the excitation of an electron from a bonding σ orbital (σ) to an antibonding σ- orbital - Require high energy and typically absorb light in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region (<200 nm)
4. Charge Transfer Transitions
- Occur in molecules with a significant separation of charge (e.g., ionic compounds, donor-acceptor complexes) - Involve the transfer of an electron from a donor group to an acceptor group - Absorb light in the visible or near-infrared (IR) region
5. Rydberg Transitions
- Occur in molecules with loosely bound electrons (e.g., alkali metals in organic ligands) - Involve the excitation of an electron to a diffuse, high-energy Rydberg orbital - Absorb light in the far-UV or visible region
6. Forbidden Transitions
- Some electronic transitions are forbidden by selection rules, such as the spin selection rule or the orbital symmetry rule. - These transitions are weak or absent in absorption spectra.
The type of electronic transition that occurs determines the wavelength of light absorbed by an organic molecule. This information is useful for identifying organic compounds using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy.