Revealing the Connection Between Electronic Structure and Nonlinear Optical Performance in Anthracene Chalcones
摘要
A new chalcone derivative, (E)-3-(anthracene-9-yl)- 1-(2-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (AFP), was synthesized via the Claisen–Schmidt condensation method. Its molecular structure was confirmed by x-ray single-crystal diffraction, revealing an s-cis configuration and crystallization in the monoclinic Cc space group. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level were performed to optimize the structure and analyze its electronic properties, including frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, dipole moment, polarizability, and hyperpolarizability. The calculated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap was 3.08 eV, indicating promising electronic characteristics. Photophysical studies showed a maximum excitation wavelength of 454 nm and an emission peak at 456 nm, corresponding to a π→π* electronic transition. A Stokes shift of 70 nm suggested a relatively rigid molecular framework. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy revealed a high absorption maximum at 399 nm, with experimental data closely matching theoretical DFT predictions. Additionally, thermal analysis via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated excellent stability, with an onset decomposition temperature of 298.63°C. These findings highlight a strong correlation between the electronic structure and nonlinear optical performance of AFP, underscoring its potential for advanced optical applications.
Graphical Abstract