D-π-A conjugated molecules for optoelectronic applications.

Dipolar chromophores consisting of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) groups connected through a conjugated π-bridge have been actively studied and integrated in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Generally, such π-conjugated molecules provide substantial delocalization of π-electrons over the molecules. Here, a brief overview of recent research on D-π-A dipolar chromophores including their syntheses and several promising applications is reported, especially in nonlinear optical devices and organic photovoltaics. Structure/property relationships are discussed in order to exploit the potentials by tuning the π-electron density, polarizability, and HOMO-LUMO band gap of the chromophores. Some of the examples may well set the stage for chip-scale integration of optoelectronics as well as the realization of an important array of new device technologies.