Symmetrical bis(fulvene) chromophores: model compounds for acceptor–donor–acceptor dye architectures

Abstract

Four model bis(pentafulvene) chromophores have been prepared with a (fulvene)A–D–A(fulvene) architecture. Conjugation of the central donor group with the pendant fulvene rings was apparent from a single crystal X-ray study of the bis(pentafulvene) with 2,5-dihexyloxyphenyl as the central donor group. UV-Vis results indicated a tunable bandgap in the range of 400–700 nm by varying the nature of the central donor in this series of dyes.