Synthesis of H-shaped chromophores with diallyl groups

Two novel H-shaped chromophores with diallyl groups using 9,10-dihydroanthracene as molecular backbone were synthesised by a six-step reaction including Claisen rearrangement, Rieche formylation reaction and Knoevenagel condensation. Crystal structures of two intermediates 4 and 6 were measured, which demonstrate that the two D-?-A units in a single chromophore molecule are closely arranged in the same direction. Therefore, they will exhibit much higher first molecular hyperpolarisability, which will be used in the preparation of polymeric non-linear optical materials. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2015.