People
Robert E. Connors
Professor
Associate Department Head
Faculty Listing
Office: Goddard Hall, 128C
Phone: +1-508-831-5394
Fax: +1-508-831-5933
rconnors@wpi.edu
Educational Background
- B.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, l967
- Ph.D., Northeastern University, l972
Research & Teaching Interests
Physical chemistry; electronic spectroscopy and photophysics; photochemistry; photobiology; molecular modeling
Research
Our research centers on the spectroscopy and photophysics of organic and inorganic systems. We are concerned with understanding the electronic and structural factors that govern the absorption of light by a molecule, the nature of the excited electronic states produced, and the rates and efficiencies of subsequent radiative and nonradiative decay processes. An understanding of ground and excited state potential energy surfaces is sought to explain photophysical and photochemical events observed in our laboratory. High-resolution spectroscopy and molecular modeling are important tools in our studies.
An area of recent interest involves the electronic structure, spectroscopy, and photochemistry of molecules containing cumulative double bonds (cumulenes). In spite of their fundamental importance in bonding theory, surprisingly little work has been reported on the photophysical and photochemical properties of these molecules. We have provided the first in-depth analysis of butatriene (three cumulative double bonds) electronic absorption spectra. In addition, we have found that the fluorescence quantum yields for aromatic substituted butatrienes show a dramatic dependence on temperature. We have used this thermal effect to measure excited state barriers to isomerization.
Another area of activity centers on a collaborative effort with members of the Organic Photochemistry Laboratory. Our contribution is to help understand mechanisms of the phototransposition reactions of aromatic heterocyclic molecules through spectroscopic measurements and applications of semiempirical, ab initio, and DFT molecular orbital techniques. Detailed investigations of the pyrazole and 1-phenylpyrazole transposition have been completed and a study of the 4-hydroxypyrylium cation transposition is in preparation.
Our interests also extend to biological areas. For example, through collaboration we have helped elucidate the role of carotenoids in photosynthesis. Molecular orbital methods have been used to investigate the molecular structure and excited state properties of carotenoids bound to photosynthetic reaction centers.
Current interests include studying excited state proton transfer reactions of diarylidene-cyclopentanones. Also, we have an ongoing collaboration with Ventana Research Company of Tucson, Arizona to develop novel catalytic materials.
Recent Publications
Years of Service at WPI
- Assistant Professor, l976-81
- Leonard P. Kinnicut Assistant Professor, l977-80
- Associate Professor, l981-94
- Professor, 1994-