Electronic and optical properties of chromophores from hexeneuronic acids

Abstract: We report a systematic computational investigation on the electronic and optical properties of chromophores derived from hexeneuronic acids (HexA). In particular, we focus on five chemical structures, which account up to 90% of HexaA-derived chromophores. We performed all-electrons density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations with a localized Gaussian basis set and the hybrid exchange correlation functional B3LYP. We quantified key molecular properties relevant as electron affinities, ionization energies, fundamental gaps, optical absorption spectra, and exciton binding energies. Furthermore, we modeled the HexA chromophores in the presence of peroxide (H2O2) solvent and evaluated the changes in the optical properties due to the solvent. Altogether, our results provide a complete description of molecular, electronic and optical properties of HexA derived chromophores, which can be useful to understand their role in bleaching mechanisms and also their potential application as organic conductors. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2018, Springer Nature B.V.