Two-photon absorption properties of push–pull oxazolones derivatives

Abstract

New fluorescent oxazolone derivatives with high two-photon absorption cross-section were synthesized. Electron donor (phenyl, dimethylaniline and furanyl) and acceptor (nitrobenzene and ethenyl-phenyl-benzimidazol) groups have been appended to the methylene end of 4-(methylidene)-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-one in order to produce an highly conjugated π-system with push–pull geometry. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of the oxazolones have been determined. The compounds with a high charge transfer from the substituent group to the oxazolone ring have relatively high two-photon absorption cross-sections (80–100 GM). The best performing nonlinear fluorophore being the benzimidazol derivative with a two-photon absorption cross-section of 80 GM and a relatively high emission quantum yield , ϕ = 0.31. ► Nonlinear optical properties of oxazolone derivatives were studied. ► Several Push–pull molecules were synthesized. ► Two-photon excited fluorescence has been observed. ► Two-photon absorption cross-sections of 80–100 GM were measured.