The Ionization Potentials of Butadiene,Hexatriene, and their Methyl Derivatives: Evidence for through space interaction between double bond π-orbitals and non-bonded pseudo-π orbitals of methyl groups?

It is shown that the correlation of the π-ionization potentials of ethylene ( 1 ), butadiene ( 2 ) and trans-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 4 ) favours the orbital sequence π, π, σ in butadiene and π, π, σ, π in the hexatriene in excellent agreement with the results of SPINDO calculations. Within the experimental error the π-ionization potentials of cis-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 3 ) and trans-1,3,5-hexatriene ( 4 ) are the same. Methyl-substitution of 2 lowers the π-ionization potentials I₁(π) and I₂(π). For 1 and/or 4 substitution the difference I₂(π)?I₁(π) remains constant (≈ 2.5 eV). On the other hand 2 and/or 3 substitution leads to a smaller gap of I₂(π)–I₁(π) ≈ 1.6 to 2.0 eV without changing the mean π-ionization potential I (π) relative to the corresponding 1,4 substituted derivatives. This result is rationalized in terms of a through space interaction between double bond π-orbitals and non-bonded pseudo-π-orbitals of the substituting methyl groups. The reduced split I₂(π)–I₁(π) in cyclopentadiene is attributed to hyperconjugation across the methylene group.     

The consequences of σ and π conjugative interactions in mono-, di- and triacetylenes. A photoelectron spectroscopic investigation

The HeI photoelectron spectra of mono-, di-, and triacetylenes are presented. In these compounds the two-centre π-orbitals of the ethynyl groups conjugate with the π-orbitals of double bonds or benzene moieties, or with the Walsh orbitals of three-membered ring systems. Assuming the validity of Koopmans' approximation, the observed energies of the radical cation states reached by electron ejection from π-orbitals can be rationalized in terms of a simple LCBO-MO model in those cases, where the molecule is planar. The corresponding numerical results for the ionization energies are in excellent agreement with experiment, if the three parameters of the model are properly calibrated. In contrast, the bands assigned to ejection from in plane π-orbitals are shifted to lower energies by ca. 0.5 eV with respect to the expectation values derived from the above model, due to ‘through-bond’ interaction with lower lying σ-orbitals. Extensive σ/π mixing occurs in the non planar compounds for all orbitals. The assignments of the spectra of diethynylmethane, 1,4-hexadiyne, 1,2-diethynylethane and of cis- and trans-diethynylcyclopropane are backed by semiempirical SCF calculations. The spectra of the cis and trans isomers of diethynylethyleneoxide and diethynylethylenesulfide are discussed by comparison with the corresponding hydrocarbons and with oxirane and thiirane respectively. Finally, the following topics are considered in detail: (a) The effect of spin orbit coupling on the spectrum of 1-iodo-1-butyne-3-ene; (b) the effect of the essentially free internal rotation in divinylacetylene on the band shapes of its photoelectron spectrum and (c) the relationship between the conjugative properties of ethylenic π-orbitals and of the Walsh-orbitals of cyclopropane.     

Die konjugative Wechselwirkung zwischen π- und Walsh-Orbitalen: Das Photoelektron-Spektrum des Homofulvens

Analysis of the photoelectron spectrum of homofulvene ( 1 ) (spiro [2.4] hepta-4,6-diene) confirms the conclusions previously drawn concerning the direct conjugation between π-and Walsh-orbitals. It is shown that the resonance integral (4) appropriate for the semi-quantitative interaction of these orbitals amounts to ?1.9 eV, i.e. nearly the value for conjugating π-orbitals (β = ?2.4 to ?2.5 eV). This explains the close analogy between the photoelectron spectrum of 1 and that of fulvene.     

Photoelectron Spectra of Unsaturated Oxides. I. 1,4-Dioxin and related systems

The He (Iα) photoelectron spectra of the four unsaturated oxides 3,4-dihydropyran ( 6 ), γ-pyran ( 7 ), 2, 3-dihydro-1, 4-dioxin ( 9 ) and 1, 4-dioxin ( 10 ) are reported and analysed. Band assignments are based on ab-initio calculations, using the STO-3G basis set. The proposed orbital sequences (with reference to the coordinate systems given in Table 1) are, for the top three orbitals: 6 , π, nσ, nπ; 7 , 3b₁(π), 1a₂(π), 11a₁(σ); 9 , 11b(π), 12a(σ), 11a(π); 10 , 2b_3u(π), 1b_1g(π), 6a_g(σ). Finally the (almost) localized π-orbitals have been computed by the Foster-Boys localization procedure.     

Near Cancellation of Through Space and Through Bond Interaction in bicyclo[3.2.2]nona-6,8-diene

The photoelectron spectra of bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane and its five dehydrogenated analogues are reported. Analysis of the π-bands reveals that the unsymmetrical diene 5 retains the ‘natural order’ of the π-orbitals present in the lower homologues, i. e. the in-phase below the out-of-phase combination of the basis π-orbitals π_a and π_c. The isomeric diene 4 is the first member of the symmetrical homologous series (I), which inverts this order, so that a ₁(π) (in phase!) lies above b ₂(π) (out-of-phase!).     

MNDO calculations on borazine derivatives. The substitution of one [HNBH] fragment for one [HCCH] fragment in benzene to form the azaborines and the nature of the cyclotrimer of the 1,2-isomer

The three azaborine isomers with the formula C₄H₆BN, 1,2-, 1,4-, and 1,3-azaborine ( I , II , and III ), have been examined using MNDO (m odified n eglect of d iatomic o verlap) calculations. The most stable azaborine was I (heat of formation -8.147 kcal/mol), followed by II (+11.60 kcal/mol) and III (+16.64 kcal/mol). Qualitatively, although the π- and π*-orbitals calculated for the azaborines exhibited an ordering similar to that in benzene and borazine, the HOMO/LUMO energy differences (9.27, 9.68, and 8.44 eV, respectively) were smaller than was the difference calculated for borazine (12.81 eV), but of the same magnitude as the difference for benzene (9.76 eV). With the exception of borazine, each molecule had a π-orbital for the HOMO and a π*-orbital for the LUMO ; borazine's LUMO was a π*-orbital. The calculated shapes and atomic contributions for the π-and π*-orbitals of the azaborines were best described as “hybrids” of the π- and π*-orbitals of benzene and borazine. As was observed for the π- and π*-orbitals of borazine, the azaborines exhibited increased orbital density at the nitrogen atom in the π-bonding orbitals and at boron in the π-antibonding orbitals, as would be predicted from electronegativity considerations. Although I and II exhibited significant double- and single-bond localization, all of the ring bonds in III were delocalized. The delocalization in III was not uniform but, rather, resembled two inequivalent fused allyl systems. The cyclotrimer ( IV ) of 1,2-azaborine (heat of formation -44.07 kcal/mol), based purely on thermodynamic considerations, was predicted to form spontaneously from three monomer molecules with the concurrent loss of three molecules of dihydrogen. The cyclotrimers that could theoretically be produced from 1,2-azaborine without the loss of dihydrogen ( IVc and IVt ) were each calculated to be less stable (heats of formation +24.45, and +33.29 kcal/mol, respectively) than was the experimentally observed IV . The carbon molecules triphenylene ( TP ) and cis- and trans-4a,4b,8a,8b,12a,12b- hexahydrotriphenylene ( TPc and TPt ) (heats of formation +76.79, +101.6, and +103.1 kcal/mol, respectively) were each calculated to be less stable than were the azaborine cyclotrimer analogs, as was observed in comparisons of benzene with the azaborines and borazine.     

The π-Orbital Sequence in Norbornadiene and Related Hydrocarbons

A method outlined previously [1] is used to show that in norbornadiene ( 3 ) the b ₂(π) orbital lies above a ₁(π), as predicted by theory. This indicates that in 3 through-space interaction between the two basis π-orbitals π_a and π_b is more important than through-bond interaction. Analysis of the PE.-spectra of 8-isopropylidene-tricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]-octane ( 13 ) and the corresponding octene ( 15 ) confirms that the π-orbital π_c of the exocyclic double bond conjugates more strongly with the symmetric Walsh-orbital e _s of the cyclopropano moiety than with the π-orbital π_a of a double bond in the same position.     

Die Photoelektronen-Spektren des Tricyclo[4.2.1.02,5]nonadiens und seines 3,4-Diaza-Analogons. Ein Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Wechselwirkung zwischen den einsamen Elektronenpaaren der cis-konfigurierten Azogruppe

A comparative photoelectron spectroscopical investigation of the title compound ( 11 ) and its 3,4- and 7,8-dihydro derivatives ( 9 and 10 ) indicates that a considerable ‘through bond’ interaction exists between the π-orbitals in 11 . The PE. spectra of the 3,4-diaza-analogue of 10 and 11 , which contain a cis azo group in a four-membered ring, yield a splitting Δ_n (4-memb. ring) = 1.55–1.60 eV between the nitrogen lone-pair orbital energies. This value contrasts with those obtained for a three-membered ring analogue (3,3-dimethyldiazirine ( 5 ), Δ_n (3-memb. ring) = 3.55 eV) and for a five-membered ring analogue (2,3-diazanorbornene ( 7 ) Δ_n(5-memb. ring) = 3.10 eV). The sequence Δ_n (3-memb. ring) > Δ_n (4-memb. ring) Δ_n (5-memb. ring) is satisfyingly reproduced by MINDO/2- and EHT-calculations for the model systems with n = 3,4,5. A similar trend can be deduced from MINDO/2-calculations for cis-diimid where Δ_n becomes minimal for a N?N? H angle φ ≈ 100°, whereas Δ_n for the corresponding trans-structure goes through a maximum in this region. The experimental finding as well as the calculated results confirm the predictions made by Gimarc [15] who attributes the behaviour of Δ_n for cis-azo groups to a ‘through-bond’ interaction of the n ₊-orbital with a lowerlying N? N σ-orbital; this interaction becomes maximal for N?N? R angles of the size present in a fourmembered ring, e.g. in 12 or 13 .     

The Interaction of π-Orbitals in Barrelene

The photoelectron spectrum (PE. spectrum) of barrelene (bicyclo[2.2.2]octatriene, 4 ) is recorded and the first four bands are correlated with orbitals obtained with the MINDO/2-SCF procedure. The structural changes accompagnying the ionisation process 4 → 4 ⁺ are qualitatively derived from the features of the top-occupied a′₂ (π) MO of 4 , which shows complete σ-π separation. The vibrational pattern of the corresponding PE. band 1. as well as complete energy-minimisation of the geometries of 4 and 4 ⁺ support the conclusion that 4 is a rather strained molecule. The interaction of the three π? bonds in 4 are discussed in terms of ‘through-space’ and ‘through-bond’ interaction with lower lying σ-orbitals. It is found that the latter is far from being negligible.     

Electronic States of 1,5-Cyclooctadiyne Radical Cation and of Related Systems: The electronic structure of cis-bent carbon-carbon triple bonds

The photoelectron spectra of 1,5-cyclooctadiyne ( 2 ) and of 1,6-dithiacyclodeca-3,8-diyne ( 3 ) have been recorded. The first four ( 2 ) or six ( 3 ) PE. bands have been assigned as follows; in increasing order of ionization potentials: The relative sequence and the positions of the PE. bands are explained in terms of through-bond and through-space interactions between the basis π-orbitals and σ-orbitals of appropriate symmetry behaviour. An analysis of the PE. spectroscopic data for cyclooctyne ( 1 ) and for ( 2 ) indicates that a cis-bend of the acetylene moiety by θ < 20° leads to a split in energy of the in-plane and out-of-plane basis π-orbitals which is smaller than ∽ 0.2 eV. This is in agreement with the predictions derived from semiempirical models (MINDO/2, SPINDO) and qualitative orbital arguments. However, it is shown by using orbital localization procedures, that the rationales underlying the two semiempirical models differ significantly.     

Die Wechselwirkung zwischen Walsh- und π-Orbitalen im 7-Cyclopropyliden-norbornadien

The qualitative analysis of the PE.-spectrum of 7-cyclopropylidene-norbornadiene ( 3 ) shows that the ‘through-space’ interaction of the e _A-Walsh orbital with the antisymmetric linear combination \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ {{\pi _ - = (\pi _a - \pi _b)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\pi _ - = (\pi _a - \pi _b)} {\sqrt 2}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt 2}} $\end{document} of the two π-orbitals in 3 is of the same order as the analogous interaction between π- and the π-orbital of the exocyclic double bond in 7-isopropylidene-norbornadiene ( 2 ).     

Are Unsaturated Isocyanides so Different from the Corresponding Nitriles?

Simple unsaturated and cyclopropylic isocyanides are synthesized by an efficient and simple approach. These compounds with gradually increasing distance between the unsaturated moiety and the isonitrile group are studied by UV photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, and also compared to the corresponding nitriles. The first photoelectron band of the unsaturated compounds is linked to removal of an electron from the HOMO, which corresponds to CC multiple-bond ionization in antibonding interaction with the π-isocyanide bond (in the same plane) for conjugated systems, or in antibonding interaction with the pseudo-π-CH(2) group for isolated systems. For the 1-ethenyl derivatives, both cyano and isocyano groups act as a π-electron acceptor from the vinyl group, but the isocyano π system is much more strongly destabilized (ionization energies (IEs) shift to smaller values) by vinyl (3.12 eV) than the cyano π system is (2.70 eV). In comparison with the 1-ethynyl derivatives, a less pronounced destabilization (2.69 eV) of π(NC) by the ethynyl system (1.86 eV for π(CN)), and nearly the same order of magnitude of the energetic gap between the total antibonding (π(CC)-π(NC)) and the total bonding (π(CC)+π(NC)) IEs for ethenyl and ethynyl compounds are noted. The huge values of these last-named data for H(2)C=CH-NC (3.85 eV) and for HC≡C-NC (4.04 eV) reflect the strong interaction between the unsaturated carbon-carbon moiety and the isocyanide group, and thus more efficient conjugation than for the corresponding nitriles.     

A Quantitative Assessment of „Through-space”︁ and „Through-bond”︁ Interactions. Application to Semi-empirical SCF Models

The scheme of ‘through-space’ and ‘through-bond’ interaction of (semi)localized orbitals, originally proposed by Hoffmann, is reexamined in terms of SCF many-electron treatments. It is shown that the two types of interaction can be characterized by examining the corresponding off-diagonal matrix elements of the Hartree-Fock matrices of the localized or the symmetry adapted localized orbitals and of the partially diagonalized Hartree-Fock matrices referring to ‘precanonical orbitals’. The procedure outlined is applied to three practical examples using the semiempirical many-electron treatments SPINDO, MINDO/2 and CNDO/2:

• a A reassessment of ‘through-space’ and ‘through-bond’ interaction in norbornadiene indicates, that the latter type of interaction is also of importance for the orbital based mainly on the antisymmetric combination of the localized x-orbitals. The differences in the predictions derived from the three models are critically examined.
• b The competition between ‘through-space’ and ‘through-bond’ interaction in the series of bicyclic dienes from norbornadiene to bicyclo[4.2.2]-dcca-7,9-diene and in cyclohexa-1,4-diene, i. e. their dependence on the dihedral angle UI is reexamined. It is found that the rationalization for the orbital crossing near ω = 130° deduccd from PE. spectroscopic data can not be as simple as originally suggested and that the relay’ orbitals responsible for ‘through-bond interaction affecting both the symmetric and the antisymmetric combination of the π-orbitals extend over the whole CC-σ-system of the six membered ring.
• c ‘Through-bond’ interaction of the two lone pair orbitals in 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane is found to be large for their symmetric and the antisymmetric linear combination.

The analysis quoted, draws attention to some of the dangers involved in using semiempirical treatments for the interpretation of PE. data in terms of Koopmans′ theorem, without due caution.     

The ionization energies of bridged [14]annulenes and of dicyclohepta[cd,gh] pentalene

The ionization energies J_J, of 1,6;8,13-alkanediylidene-[14]annulenes ( 2 to 5 ) and of dicyclohepta[cd,gh]pentalene ( 1 ) have been determined by photoelectron spectroscopy, using HeI radiation. The data are interpreted in terms of Koopmans' theorem (J_J = ?ε_J) on the basis of correlation diagrams and with the help of simple molecular orbital models. If the bridge is an ethane-, propane- or butane-diylidene group, the π-orbital sequence, in descending order of orbital energies, is (in C_2v): b₁, b₂, a₂, a₁. The sequence is due to a complicated and not uniquely definable interplay of inductive, conjugative and homoconjugative effects. A detailed analysis of these effects suggests that the effective angle of twist between two consecutive basis-AOs 2p_μ, 2p_ν of the peripheral π-system should be smaller than the twist angles θ_μν determined by X-ray analysis, i.e. that the pi;-ribbon adjusts elastically and is no longer locally orthogonal to the σ-frame. In the non-alternant hydrocarbon 1 of symmetry D_2h, the sequence is 2b_2g, 3b_1u, 2b_3g, 1a_u, 2b_1u. The sequence 3b_1u above 2b_3g, _i.e. the reverse of b₂ above a₁ in the bridged [14]annulenes, is explained as being due to the interaction of the semilocalized perimeter orbitals b_1u and b_3g with the bonding (π(B_1u))and antibonding (π*(B_3g)) orbital of the central double bond. In 2 the replacement of the two latter orbitals by the Walsh-orbitals of the cyclopropane moiety leads to the sequence b₁, b₂, a₁, a₂. From the data observed for 1 to 5 and for 1,6-methano-[10]annulene [11], a crude estimate for the orbital energies of the hypothetical all-cis D_10h-[10]- and D_14h-[14]annulenes can be derived.     

Emission spectra of the radical cations of 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene in the gas phase

Emission spectra of the radical cations of 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene-h₄ (and -d₄), and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, excited in the gas phase by controlled electron impact, are presented. The band systems, which lie in the 500–750 nm wavelength region, are attributed to the B?(π^?1) → X?(π^?) electronic transition of the cations on the basis of photoelectron spectroscopic data. The NeI excited photoelectron spectra and the ionisation energies of chloro-,o-,m-,p-dichloro- and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene have been obtained. The information acquired from the emission and photoelectron spectra is discussed and compiled to deduce the symmetry of the B? states. Emission, with quantum yield > 10^?5, could not be detected with electronically excited radical cations of chloro-,o-dichloro-, 1,2,4- and 1,2,3-trichloro- and tetrachloro-benzenes. This is attributed to the nature of the B? states, which arise by σ^?1 ionisation processes. The lifetimes of the zeroth and some vibrationally excited levels of the B?(π^?1) states were also measured and found to be 22 ± 2 ns for 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene cation and < 6 ns for 1,3- and 1,4-dichlorobenzene cations. The lifetimes of the latter two electronically excited cations are estimated to be two orders of magnitude shorter than 6 ns from the measurement of the relative emission intensities of the B? → B? band systems of the three title cations.     

Consequences of Substitution in the Photoelectron Spectra of [2, 2]Paracyclophanes: Separation of ‘through-space’ and ‘through-bond’ interactions as a consequence of fluorosubstitution

The PE. spectra of [2, 2]paracyclophane ( 1 ), 4-amino[2, 2]paracyclophane ( 2 ) and 1, 1, 2, 2, 9, 9, 10, 10-octafluoro[2, 2]paracyclophane ( 3 ) are presented. The bands corresponding to ejection of the photoelectron from the five highest occupied π-orbitals have been assigned. The ‘observed’ orbital energies (i.e. the negative ionization potentials) are discussed in terms of ‘through space’ and ‘through-bond’ interactions between the semi-localized π-orbitals ( e_1g ) of the benzene moieties and the C, C-σ-orbitals of the ethylene bridges. The PE. spectrum of 3 shows that the fluorine-induced lowering of the C, C-σ-orbital energy effectively ‘turns-off’ the ‘through-bond’ interaction. The resulting pattern of the first four bands confirms the assignment given for 1 . Finally the band shifts induced by an amino group in position 4 are again in agreement with this assignment. Attention is drawn to the phenomenon of ‘orbital switching’ as a consequence of substitution in loosely coupled systems such as 1 .     

Spectres photoélectroniques He(I) et He(II) du benzo[b]sélénophène et du benzo[b]tellurophène

He(I) and He(II) photoelectron spectra of benzo[b]selenophene and benzo[b]tellurophene The photoelectron spectra of benzo[b]selenophene ( 2 ) and benzo[b]tellurophene ( 1 ) have been recorded with He(I) and He(II) radiation and been compared to those of benzo[b]thiophene ( 3 ), benzo[b]furan ( 4 ), indole ( 5 ) and indene ( 6 ). The first four bands are correlated with π-orbitals, of which the highest occupied one is strongly localized on the heteroatom in the case of 1 . The results are in agreement with semi-empirical PPP-calculations.     

The influence of the negative hyperconjugation is relevant for the analysis of the π-π<Superscript>*</Superscript> conjugation with the mono-substitution and di-substitution of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>C= by O= and/or HN= in <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-buta-1,3-diene?

We have studied prop-2-en-1-imine (1), prop-2-enal (2), ethane-1,2-diimine (3), ethanedial (4), and 2-iminoacetaldehyde (5) to investigate the influence of the negative hyperconjugation in π-π^* interaction with the substitution of =CH₂ by =NH and/or =O in trans-buta-1,3-diene (6). The analyzes of the π-π^* interaction performed from evaluation of the π molecular orbital diagrams and electron localization function method demonstrated, that compared to 6, the substituted compounds 1-5 presented lower electron conjugation, especially in the structures bearing =O. The geometric parameters, natural bond orders, and topological analysis realized by quantum theory of atoms in molecules method indicated a predominant C-C and C=C character for the simple and double C-C bonds in the substituted compounds, 1-5, as compared to 6. Compound 4 had the highest enthalpy of formation, which reflected the lowest π-π^* interaction, maintained by the two =O conjugated groups. The natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural resonance theory (NRT) methods revealed that the π-π^* electron delocalization in substituted compounds, 1-5, is lower than in 6 from, firstly, of the less favorable interactions: π(X=C) ? π^*(C=C) and π(X=C) ? π^*(C=X), despite of the larger π(C=C) ? π^*(C=X) conjugation, with X = N and/or O, of 1-5 than π(C=C) ? π^*(C=C) of 6. But, most importantly, the weight of the interaction: n_π(O) ? σ^*(C-C), was determined from NBO and NRT methods as proportional to the π-π^* conjugation and thus demonstrating be decisive to establish the level of π electronic delocalization.     

Electronic and Molecular Structure of Simple 3,3′-Bicyclopropenyls. Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Model Calculations

The electronic and molecular structure of 3,3′-bicyclopropenyl ( 1 ) and its alkyl derivatives 3,3′-dirnethyl-3,3′-bicyclopropenyl ( 2 ), dispiro [2.0.2.3]nona-1,5-diene ( 3 ), dispiro[2.0.2.4]deca-1,5-diene ( 4 ), dispiro [2.0.2.5]undeca-1, 5-diene ( 5 ), and dispiro [2.0.2.6]dodeca-1, 5-diene ( 6 ) are studied by means of photoelectron spectroscopy and model calculations. Through-bond' effects in model compound 1 are analyzed in detail, illustrating a general difficulty with NDO models. Low-energy photoelectron bands of 2–6 can be assigned to ejection of electrons from cyclo-propenyl π- and Walsh-orbitals. Strong ‘through-bond’ coupling leads to splitting of the π-bands in the range 1.0–1.5 eV, while the strongly conformation-dependent splitting of the Walsh-bands allows conclusions concerning the preferred torsional angles. The preference of a gauche-conformation is predicted for 2 in the gas phase.     

EXCITED STATES OF SIX-MEMBERED N-HETEROCYCLES. FLUORESCENCE, PHOSPHORESCENCE AND ACID—BASE EQUILIBRIA OF ELECTRONICALLY EXCITED PHENAZINE

Abstract— An account of a systematic study of the acid-base equilibria of phenazine in the two lowest excited (π,π) states is presented. Pure electronic levels of the free base and of both its protonated forms have been located by spectroscopic methods. Fluorescence, phosphorescence and corresponding absorption spectra have been measured. The O-O energies of the free base, of the singly-protonated species and of the doubly protonated form in the lowest triplet state (³L_α(π, π)) are: 15, 475 cm^-1, 14, 175 cm^-1 and about 9300cm^-1, respectively. This last value has been estimated from the experimentally determined S-T splitting in the other two forms. Corresponding energies of the lowest singlet state (^IL_α(π,π)) are: 23,500 cm^-1, 21,250cm^-1 and 17,300 cm^-1. The fluorescence of the free base has been found in polar as well as in non-polar solvents and has been checked by the fluorescence excitation spectrum. Fluorescence quantum yields for the free base have been measured: 8.6 times 10^-4 and 3.0 × 10^-5 in ethanol and hexane solutions, respectively. Emission in ethanol has been ascribed to (π,π), that in hexane —to (π, π). fluorescence. The changes of pK_α's under excitation, calculated from the Forster's cycle, are equal: δpK_a¹=+2.8±0.3; δpK_a¹¹?+10±1.5 in the lowest (π, π) triplet state and δpK_a¹=+4.8±0.5; δpK_a¹¹=+8.4 ± 0.5 in the lowest (π,π) singlet state. The δpK_a¹¹ in the triplet state is at least as high as that in the ¹L_a(π, π) state. P P P calculations of the electronic levels and of the molecular diagrams have been performed. The energies obtained exceed experimental values by not more than 0.5 eV. An increase of the net charge on nitrogen δp under excitation has been found to be +50, +70 and +19 per cent in the ¹L_a, ¹L_b and ³L_a states, respectively. A good correlation has been found between δpK_a¹ and δp in both excited states, which have been studied experimentally.