V-shaped pyranylidene/triphenylamine-based chromophores with enhanced photophysical, electrochemical and nonlinear optical properties

We report the synthesis and comprehensive study of two chromophores based on 4H-pyranylidene moiety as a part of the π-conjugated spacer. Triphenylamine (TPA) acts as donor and tricarbonitrile-based electron-accepting groups complete these V-shaped D–A–D architectures (A, acceptor; D, donor). Their electrochemical, photophysical and nonlinear optical properties are analyzed in detail by using a joint experimental and theoretical approach. The two chromophores exhibit near-infrared fluorescence, large Stokes shift, enhanced emission in tetrahydrofuran/water mixtures and good photostability. Additionally, the dimerization of triphenylamine groups to tetraphenylbenzidine (TPB) takes place upon electrochemical and chemical oxidation showing their peculiar electrochemical behavior and film formation capabilities. Interestingly, high molecular first hyperpolarizabilities and two-photon absorption cross-sections were found, highlighting their potential applications in electro-optical devices. Overall, our work demonstrates that these near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent chromophores are versatile materials with a myriad of applications ranging from optoelectronics to biological applications.