Synthesis and properties of monolithic photorefractive carbazole-derived calix[4]arenes

As a new class of multi-functional compounds, three kinds of calix[4]arene molecules were newly synthesized: calix[4]arenes containing two 3-nitro-N-allyl carbazoles, two N- allyl carbazoles and one of each at the lower rim. These compounds take cone conformation in solution because of the 1,3-di-O-substitution at the lower rim. Those compounds take amorphous state as proved by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction and they can be made into films without supporting the polymer matrix. Second- harmonic generation signals were observed in the films of the two calix[4]arenes containing nitro groups after electric poling at a temperature above glass transition point. Enhancement of d33 in the calix[4]arene with nitrocarbazole derivatives compared with the calix[4]arene with both carbazole and nitrocarbazole derivatives was observed, which might be attributed partially to some extent to the conformational regulation between the two carbazole chromophores. Using two beam couple experiment, photorefractive effect was observed in the film of the calix[4]arene with both carbazole and nitrocarbazole derivatives doped with 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone. This is the first report on the photorefractive property of calix[4]arene compound.