Effect of Energy Transfer on UV Spectra of “H-shaped” Azobenzene Derivatives

A series of “H-shaped” organic dimers (azobenzene derivatives) exhibit linear absorption red shift compared with their corresponding monomers experimentally. Dipolar interaction model is not appropriate for the azobenzene derivatives due to the small distance between two “D-π-A” chains. Energy transfer model is suggested for explanation of the absorption red shift. Two necessary conditions for energy transfer were verified. In addition, bi-exponential florescence-delay behavior of the dimer as well as Bella's quantum chemistry calculation shows evidence of energy transfer.