Synthesis and electron-transfer efficiency of oligopeptide-bridged donor–acceptor molecules

The synthesis of anthracene–oligopeptide–N,N-dimethylaniline molecules is described. As the oligopeptide link, sequential oligomers, -(Gly-Aib)n-(n= 0–11) were used because they were easily prepared and highly soluble. A photoinduced intramolecular electron-transfer process in the oligopeptide bridged donor–acceptor molecules is described. The dependency of the estimated electron-transfer rate on the oligomerization number n supported the possible mediation of amido and/or hydrogen in the electron-transfer process.