Synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of organic NLO material: 4-Bromo-4′-hydroxybenzylidene aniline

One of the novel benzylidene aniline derivatives, 4-bromo-4′-hydroxybenzylidene aniline (BHBA) was synthesized and single crystal of BHBA was grown from solution following slow evaporation method at room temperature. Unit cell parameters of the grown crystal were determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Functional groups of BHBA were identified from Fourier transform infrared spectral study. UV–vis-NIR analysis of BHBA showed that the crystal is transparent between wavelengths 400 and 1100 nm. Thermal stability of the title compound was examined by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric studies. Fluorescence spectrum of the grown crystal recorded using spectrofluorometer shows emission peak at 450 nm. The second harmonic generation efficiency of BHBA estimated by Nd:YAG pulsed laser employing the Kurtz powder technique is ∼1.3 times that of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate. Microhardness studies reveal that BHBA possesses high Vickers hardness value. The dielectric measurements were carried out at different temperatures and frequencies and the results are discussed.