Marc MacKinnon

Thanks Rik!

Thanks Thomas!

Thanks Alex!

Thanks Marcus!

Stay tuned!

Excimer-Suppressed and Oxygen-Tolerant Photophysics of “Arm-like” Substituted Pyrene Derivatives Pyrene-functionalized materials are extensively employed in photoluminescent applications, owing to their extended π-conjugation and favorable photophysical properties. However, their luminescent performance is often attenuated by π–π stacking-driven excimer formation and molecular oxygen quenching. To mitigate these undesirable effects, a novel class of 7-tert-butylpyren-2-ol derivatives with extended “arm-like” substituents at the 1,3-positions have been synthesized and their luminescent properties in solution have been thoroughly investigated. While the 2- and 7-positions of the pyrene core are frequently modified with hydroxyl and tert-butyl groups, this work presents the first introduction of “arm-like” substituents at the 1,3-positions. The stretched-out “arm-like” substituents not only introduce steric bulk to suppress excimer formation but also change the symmetry class of pyrene and modulate electron density at its 1,2,3,7-positions. These effects tune pyrene’s energy levels and result in moderate (0.4) to high (0.7) fluorescence quantum yields and shorter-lived fluorescence lifetimes ranging from ca. 20 to 40 ns. These shorter lifetimes lead to a reduction of the pyrene derivatives’ susceptibility to energy scavenging by molecular oxygen. In addition, the specific form of the “arms” are important. Alkyl-containing arms and alkenyl-containing arms exhibit different decay pathways, which is reflected by their disparate nonradiative rates. Thus, the introduction of “arm-like” modifications represents a promising approach to modulate the photophysical behavior of an important class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, highlighting their applicability in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic systems.

Exciting day, the first paper from my lab at the University of Regina in collaboration with the Steven lab at USask. Appearing in J. Phys. Chem. A @pubs.acs.org. We looked at excimer suppression in decorated pyrene derivatives.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

a man in a suit and tie is talking into a microphone while a crowd looks on . ALT: a man in a suit and tie is talking into a microphone while a crowd looks on .

Blue Jays, it continues

Duchamp Flies, by Carmen Cicero, 2009, 📸 by Frank Franklin II

Teams that Trey Yesavage has beaten in professional baseball this year:

- Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Clearwater Threshers
- Tri-City Dust Devils
- Hartford Yard Goats
- the New York Yankees in the MLB Postseason

Crystals viewed by microscopy.

Acetaminophen crystals viewed by polarized microscopy. #tylenol #science

A hot dutch oven lid looks the same as a cool dutch oven lid!

Congrats Dusty!

Welcome to the provincial chemical community!

Runnin' down a dream - Tom Petty (total synthesis)

Does your panel have candy? Liz and Jonn's panel has candy. Emerging scholars. 204. #csc2025 #chemsky #now

I made it, and I'm now enjoying a beer!

Hey Eli, I'm in!

It's a good one!

Congrats Shira

What happens to science under autocracy? The rise of the National Socialist Party in 1930s Germany provides an (admittedly extreme) example. Prior to the early 1930s, scientists at German institutions won a third of Nobels. 10 years later, that number was 5%, and has never recovered.

Congrats to Steve! His effective teaching is evident in the makeup of several chem departments across the country

Congrats André, excited to see you again at CSC this year!

My talk is 840-9 am and my students' talk is at the 9 the same day!

I join researchers from Coast to Coast to Coast to demonstrate and exercise my voting power. In #Elxn45, I will vote for the Member of Parliament who recognises the importance of research to Canada’s success and prioritizes excellence in research. #ResearchersVote #VotonsRecherche #CdnPoli

Good luck!

Family includes everyone! ❤️

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for a Tenure Track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in Physical Chemistry. Applications will be accepted until March 28th, 2025. #chemjobs
careers.wlu.ca/job/Waterloo...

Diversity is our greatest asset, even if the government disagrees… They not like us! POC in STEM are here to stay.

They tried to rig the game but you can’t fake influence!
Mustard on the [Be][At] bro.

Happy Black History Month!

We've got ice crystals!

Last winter, the humidity in my office was below the detection limit of my hygrometer (and dryer than the Sahara that day)! Bought a humidifier ASAP