77 % Photothermal Conversion in Blatter-Type Diradicals: Photophysics and Photodynamic Applications

Diradicals based on the Blatter units and connected by acetylene and alkene spacers have been prepared. All the molecules show sizably large diradical character and low energy singlet-triplet gaps. Their photo-physical properties concerning their lowest energy excited state have been studied in detail by steady-state and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. We have fully identified the main optical absorption band and full absence of emission from the lowest energy excited state. A computational study has been also carried out that has helped to identify the presence of a conical intersection between the lowest energy excited state and the ground state which produces a highly efficient light-to-heat conversion of the absorbed radiation. Furthermore, an outstanding photo-thermal conversion 77.23 % has been confirmed, close to the highest in the diradicaloid field. For the first time, stable diradicals are applied to photo-thermal therapy of tumor cells with good stability and satisfactory performance at near-infrared region.A conical intersection between the lowest energy excited state and the ground state of the Blatter-type diradical is responsible for highly efficient light-to-heat conversion of the absorbed radiation. Also, it is first applied to photothermal therapy of tumor cells, demonstrating good stability and the highest photo-thermal conversion in the diradicaloid field.image