An efficient reverse intersystem crossing process exploiting non-bonding states in an inverted singlet-triplet gap system

Abstract

Reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) is an essential process in organic light-emitting diodes to populate singlet excited states from non-emissive triplet states. A small or negative singlet-triplet energy gap and a large spin-orbit coupling between low-lying singlet and triplet states are key requirements to enhance the rISC rate. Here, we present a molecular design exploiting the n-π* excited state to maximize the efficacy of the rISC process for efficient light emitters using thermodynamic and kinetic calculations validated with high-level quantum chemical methods. Heptazine-based molecules with carbonyl groups attached are shown to possess a reasonable singlet energy gap for blue-light emission with the energy level of the n-π* triplet state modulated by addition of electron withdrawing or donating groups to achieve the optimal energy level ordering of T(π-π*) > T(n-π*) > S<inf>1</inf>, leading to enhanced spin-orbit coupling between the lowest triplet and singlet states with an inverted energy gap. © 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry.