Synthesis, characterization, linear and non-linear optical (NLO) properties of some Schiff’s bases

The synthesis and linear and non-linear optical properties of a suite of chromophores containing imine linkers between the donor and acceptor are described. The synthetic methodology allows for the smooth condensation of the precursor molecule N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline with a variety of acceptors to afford the target chromophores in yields ranging from 52% to 85%. These molecules yield static first hyperpolarisability values, β(0), of between 115 and 255 × 10−30 esu. As expected these values are influenced by both the strength of the acceptor unit as well as the likelihood of out of plane twisting within the chromophores.