Photochemistry: Jablonski Diagram & Selection Rules

Added:

Jablonski Intro
Spin Multiplicity
Triplet Lifetime
Selection Rules
Symmetry Rules
Diagram Setup
Vibrational Relax
Internal Conversion
Intersystem Crossing
Emission Paths

Jablonski Intro

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Playing Section
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    Explains the Jablonski diagram for understanding excited molecule relaxation.

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    Focuses on electronic transitions like π to π* and n to π* in photochemistry.

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    Ground state has singlet multiplicity, leading to S1 and T1 excited states.

Understanding of molecular orbital theory, specifically the concept of HOMO-LUMO transitions.
Basic quantum mechanics principles, including electron spin states (singlet vs. triplet states) and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Fundamentals of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and how light energy is absorbed by molecules.
Basic group theory and symmetry concepts to comprehend how symmetry dictates transition probabilities.
Kinetics of excited-state decay, including calculations of quantum yields and lifetime measurements.
Intermolecular energy transfer mechanisms, such as Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Dexter electron transfer.
Specific photochemical reaction pathways, including photoisomerization, Norrish reactions, and photo-induced electron transfer.
Practical applications of photophysics in technology, such as the design of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), photovoltaics, and bio-imaging.
1.2K views29likes36:26@pgchemistrylectures177Original Release: 2022-11-27

The Jablonski diagram illustrates how excited molecules relax through various processes including vibrational relaxation (10⁻¹² s), internal conversion (10⁻⁹ s), and intersystem crossing (spin-forbidden, 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁵ s). Two main electronic transitions in photochemistry are π→π* (symmetry-allowed, higher energy) and n→π* (symmetry-forbidden, lower energy). Selection rules dictate that electronic transitions are spin-allowed only when total spin multiplicity remains unchanged (ΔS=0), and symmetry-allowed only when orbital symmetry doesn't change. The triplet state (T₁) is crucial for photochemistry due to its long lifetime (10⁻³ to 10⁻⁵ s), enabling most photochemical reactions to occur via this state. Intersystem crossing efficiency varies significantly between compound classes—carbonyl compounds show nearly 100% ISC efficiency due to small S₁-T₁ energy gaps (~5 kcal/mol), while olefins have inefficient ISC due to large energy gaps (~50 kcal/mol).