Efficient Synthesis and Photosensitizer Performance of Nonplanar Organic Donor–Acceptor Molecules

Nonplanar organic donor-acceptor molecules bearing a carboxylic acid group were synthesized by the formal [2+2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization reaction between aniline-substituted alkynes and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) or 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). This reaction offers an atom-economic one-step approach to donor-acceptor chromophores in satisfactory high yields. The resulting donor-acceptor molecules were characterized by...