Singlet oxygen photosensitizing properties of bithiophene and terthiophene derivatives

An extensive set of thiophene derivatives has been evaluated to determine their sensitized quantum yields for singlet oxygen generation in solution. The values have been determined using laser excitation and time-resolved detection of the near-IR phosphorescence from singlet oxygen. Values determined in this work, cited in earlier publications and thesis dissertations, as well as those in the literature have been combined in an extensive set of tables providing an up-to-date compilation of these efficiencies. These values are independently being used to derive quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) whereby an optimum set of physical parameters for the phototoxicity to a desired target organism may be ascertained.