Remote functionalized nonlinear optical chromophore: Optimal assembly in crystals for second harmonic generation

Abstract

Structural investigations of salts of 4-nitroaniline (pNA) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-4-nitroaniline (AENA) with S-10-camphorsulfonic acid reveal that the introduction of the remote amino functionality in AENA facilitates intermolecular interactions that lead to molecular orientations optimally suited for second harmonic generation. The salt of AENA shows appreciable solid-state second harmonic generation whereas the control case of the pNA salt shows no measurable effect. This study highlights the utility of a remote functionality in steering the molecular assembly and achieving nearly the maximum second harmonic generation capability for the given nonlinear optical chromophore. © 2005 American Chemical Society.