Synthesis, characterization and calculated non-linear optical properties of two new chalcones

Two new chalcones viz 3-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (2) have been prepared and characterized by micro analyses, 1H NMR, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray. The first static hyperpolarizability (β) for both the compounds has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Also, the solvent-induced effects on the non-linear optical properties (NLO) were studied by using self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) method. As the solvent polarity increases, the β value increases monotonically. The electronic absorption bands of both 1 and 2 have been assigned by time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Both the compounds displayed better non-linear optical (NLO) responses than the standard p-nitroaniline (pNA).

► Two new chalcones synthesized.
► NLO responses of these chalcones are found to be better than p-nitroaniline.
► With increase in solvent polarity, the β value increases monotonically.
► NLO responses are because of the charge transfer axis.