Journal of the American Chemical Society · 2003 · 62 citations · 14 references
Natural SciencesChemistryPhysicsInterface SciencePhysical ChemistrySpectroscopyIntermolecular ForcesLiquid-liquid InterfacesSolid-liquid InterfacesSolution ChemistrySolvation EffectsSolvation TheoryMolecular ChromophoresNonpolar SolventsOrganic SolvationSolute-solvent InteractionsSolvent Effects On Electronic SpectraSolvent Effects On SpectraSolvent InteractionsSolvent Polarity
Resonance-enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) has been used to probe the solvatochromic behavior of two small, aromatic chromophores adsorbed to the aqueous/cyclohexane, liquid/liquid interface. SHG spectra of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and 2,6-dimethyl-PNP (dmPNP) indicate that these two chromophores sample markedly different environments. PNP sees a polar, waterlike environment, whereas solvent polarity surrounding dmPNP is dominated by the nonpolar, organic phase. Results suggest that subtle changes in solute structure can change the distribution of solutes across an interface and thus change a solute's local solvation environment.
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