Synthesis and properties of a novel squaraine dye modified by ferrocene

A novel squaraine dye (SQ) modified by ferrocene has been synthesized through (E)-1-dodecyl-2-ferrocenyl vinyl-1H-pyrrole and squaric acid. The molecular structure of SQ was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. SQ is high soluble in common solvents. The maximum absorptions of SQ in different solvents are in the range of 708−734 nm, exhibiting positive solvatochromism with increasing solvent polarity. The optical and electrical properties of SQ indicate that it is a promising electron donor material for bulk-heterojunction organic solar cell.