Solvent effects for fluorescence and absorption of tetra (fluoroalkyl) metallophthalocyanines: Fluorocarbon solvent cage

The UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of a series of tetra (fluoroalkyl) metallophthalocyanines were measured in CH3OH, ethyl acetate, THF, CH2Cl2, C6H6, perfluorooctane. Their absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were related not only to the peripheral substitutes, but also to the solvent environment. In the strong polar solvents, their maximum absorption and emission wavelengths were blue-shifted. However, in perfluorooctane, the blue shift was found for the absorption, and the red shift for the emission. The fluorocarbon solvent cage concept was put forward to explain this special phenomenon.