Synthesis, growth, optical, mechanical, dielectric and thermal properties of 4-chloro-4′-chlorobenzylidene aniline single crystal

The organic material 4-chloro-4′-chlorobenzylidene aniline (CCBA) was synthesized and confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectral analyses. CCBA crystal was grown from chloroform by slow evaporation at room temperature and the single crystal cell parameters were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The perfection of the grown crystal was analyzed by high resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve analysis. Fluorescence spectrum indicated violet emission at 428 nm. The range of optical absorbance was ascertained by recording UV–vis–NIR spectrum. Load dependant microhardness measurements on this crystal revealed the mechanical behavior of the material. Stiffness constant, Meyer index and yield strength of CCBA crystal were calculated. Dielectric studies were carried out to estimate the dielectric parameters of the grown crystal in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. The thermal behavior of CCBA was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and no phase transition was identified in the temperature region 30–100 °C. Further, the CCBA crystal was subjected to open aperture Z-scan studies in order to investigate the third order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of CCBA crystal.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► 4-chloro-4′-chlorobenzylidene aniline (CCBA) was grown by slow evaporation method. ► Unit cell parameters were determined by single crystal XRD. ► Molecular structure was confirmed by NMR spectral analysis. ► Functional groups were identified by FTIR spectral analysis. ► Crystalline perfection was studied using high resolution X-ray diffraction.