Photophysical characterization of new and efficient synthetic sunscreens

The photoprotective capabilities of a family of compounds have been investigated. Their relaxation mechanisms have been explored by fluorescence and transient absorption measurements, and the minimum energy relaxation pathways were modeled by CASSCF/CASPT2 methods. This study demonstrates their excellent properties as sunscreens, and provides novel mechanistic insights for the rational design of new species. The photoprotective capabilities of a family of synthetic MAA analogues have been investigated.