Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of a New Bis(salicylaldiminato)nickel(II) Metal Complex

Abstract

The synthesis, crystal structure, electronic and second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a new bis(salicylaldiminato)nickel(II) Schiff-base complex are reported. The compound crystallizes in the space group P1̄. The NLO properties are investigated by electric field induced second harmonic (EFISH) and by INDO/SCI-SOS calculation. This compound obtained by condensation of 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diamino-4,5-dinitrobenzene in the presence of nickel(II) chloride exhibits the largest second-order NLO response reported for this family of bis(salicylaldiminato)nickel(II) metal complexes, with a β × μ value of 1530 × 10-48 cm5 esu-1. In addition, a thermal stability up to 300 °C, indicates potential uses of metal−salen derivatives in poled polymers matrix with high Tg.