Imidazole as a parent Π-conjugated backbone in charge-transfer chromophores

Abstract

Research activities in the field of imidazole-derived push-pull systems featuring intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) are reviewed. Design, synthetic pathways, linear and nonlinear optical properties, electrochemistry, structure-property relationships, and the prospective application of such D-π-A organic materials are described. This review focuses on Y-shaped imidazoles, bi-and diimidazoles, benzimidazoles, bis(benzimidazoles), imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitriles, and imidazole-derived chromophores chemically bound to a polymer chain. © 2012 Kulhánek and Bureš; licensee Beilstein-Institut.