Dual excited state deactivation pathways in TPZ2: A centrosymmetric dye with both high fluorescence and triplet state quantum yield

In this letter, excited state dynamics of TPZ2, a centrosymmetric PRODAN dye, has been studied by using several time-resolved spectroscopy techniques. Fluorescence quantum yield of TPZ2 is found to be 0.50 in both acetonitrile and ethanol solution. The radiative decay rate of the excited state of TPZ2 is determined to be 2.0×10⁸ s⁻¹. Meanwhile, highly efficient triplet state and singlet oxygen generation have been observed in TPZ2 and the intersystem crossing (ISC) rate is determined to be 2.0×10⁸ s⁻¹. The almost identical ISC and non-radiative decay rates indicate that ISC is the only non-radiative decay pathway in TPZ2. Thus, dual excited state (S₁) deactivation mechanism (50/50, fluorescence/ISC) of TPZ2 is proposed. Because of this unique property, TPZ2 has the potential to be used as biocompatible imaging and photodynamic therapy agent in the same time.