The focus of this work is the preparation of benzopyranones, benzothiopyranones, benzoquinolines and benzacridines, compounds with potential for intramolecular proton transfer in the electronic excited state. Many of the proposed target molecules have potential as radiation scintillators, luminescent solar concentrators and laser dyes. The students working on the project will have the experience of conducting organic synthesis and carrying out steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic studies on many of the compounds prepared. With this Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Drs. Charles F. Beam and Shannon S. Martinez of the Department of Chemistry at the College of Charleston. Work will focus on the preparation and photophysical study of heterocyclic compounds with the goal of understanding intramolecular proton transfer in the electronic excited state. The research will serve to enhance the education of a number of undergraduate participants
