Efficiency of the photoprocesses leading to singlet oxygen (1 delta g) generation by alpha-terthienyl: optical absorption, optoacoustic calorimetry and infrared luminescence studies.

The triplet energy of alpha-terthienyl has been determined by heavy atom-induced optical absorption: the value of 39.7 +/- 1.5 kcal/mol is consistent with earlier energy transfer work. Combining this result with calorimetric data from optoacoustic calorimetry indicates that intersystem crossing occurs with at least 90% efficiency in polar and non-polar solvents. The quantum yields for singlet oxygen formation via energy transfer from triplet alpha-terthienyl have been obtained from time-resolved measurements of its IR phosphorescence: these yields are in the 0.6-0.8 range in non-polar and polar (hydroxylic and non-hydroxylic) solvents.