Chemoexcited Formation and Radiationless Decay Dynamics of Firefly Chromophore

Multistate nonadiabatic dynamics combined with Mixed-Reference Spin-Flip Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (MRSF-TDDFT) were performed to investigate the chemoexcitation dynamics of firefly dioxetanone (FDO^- in S₀) to oxyluciferin (OxyLH^- in S₁) and its subsequent decay dynamics. The formation of oxyluciferin occurs within approximately 100 fs and is primarily controlled by oscillatory CO₂ decarboxylation. Unexpected radiationless decay from oxyluciferin was also observed, facilitated by intramolecular rotation. Simulations under three thermal conditions reveal that higher initial thermal energy not only enhances the formation of oxyluciferin but also increases radiationless decay by surpassing barriers to the ground state. Conversely, lower thermal energy conditions reduce oxyluciferin formation but suppress radiationless decay. These findings suggest that optimal conditions for higher chemiluminescence quantum yield involve initial high thermal energy to accelerate CO₂ decarboxylation and gradual thermal dissipation to prevent intramolecular rotation of oxyluciferin. This approach could enhance the chemiluminescence quantum yield beyond the current limit of 40%, offering significant potential for applications in biological imaging and analytical chemistry.