Enhanced NLO properties of molybdenum push–pull coordination compounds with tridentate ONO organic ligands

•Five molybdenum coordination compounds were obtained in high yields using multicomponent reaction.•NLO response has been evaluated by the EFISH technique.•Theoretical studies support the enhanced NLO activity showed by the push–pull coordination compounds.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of push–pull Mo complexes with ONO tridentate ligands have been studied. The compounds were obtained in high yields using multicomponent reactions and their structures were confirmed by NMR, IR and HRMS analysis. Furthermore, TGA studies revealed good thermal stability of the Mo complexes. The linear and NLO properties evidenced enhanced responses compared with their boron and tin analogs, indicating that Mo complexes should be further investigated as robust building blocks for NLO materials.

Graphical abstractNLO properties of Mo complexes with tridentate ONO push–pull ligands have been studied theoretically and experimentally by the EFISH technique. The results show that push–pull Mo-compounds are promising building blocks for NLO materials.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide