An in-depth quantum chemical investigation of INVEST TADF dyes

The design of organic emitters with inverted singlet-triplet (INVEST) gaps presents a promising route to enhance triplet harvesting in optoelectronic applications, yet reliable descriptors for predicting this phenomenon remain scarce. Here, we introduce a wavefunction-based descriptor, Q_a^t, derived from the transition density matrix, to quantify the short-range charge transfer (SRCT) character and transition charges localization on atomic-sites, critical for singlet-triplet inversion. Through a systematic computational study of N-triangulenes, extended π-systems, and non-alternant hydrocarbons, we demonstrate that Q_a^t≥1.4 correlates with negative singlet-triplet gap values computed at the SCS-CC2 level, offering a reliable and universal metric for inversion prediction. The trend in the Q_a^t values remain consistent at the TDA-DFT level, with the descriptor exhibiting small variations across ground- and excited-state geometries, enabling efficient screening with a cost-effective procedure. Our findings underscore Q_a^t as a versatile tool for INVEST design, bypassing the need for high-level correlated methods while providing insights into the relationship between electronic structure and inversion. We further analyze the excited state decay kinetics of INVEST dyes by computing their fluorescence (k_f), intersystem crossing (k_ISC), and reverse intersystem crossing (k_RISC) rate constants, revealing that Herzberg-Teller effects dominate the spin conversion processes. For the investigated INVEST dyes, larger k_ISC values are systematically calculated with respect to the k_RISC values. However, several dyes exhibit k_RISC values exceeding 105 s−1, indicating promising potential for efficient delayed fluorescence. This work advances both the theoretical framework of excited-state dynamics in INVEST systems and the design of efficient organic emitters.