A series of nonlinear optical chromophores containing a single substit
uted thiazole ring has been synthesized and characterized. Selected im
idazole, oxazole, and phenyl analogues have also been prepared and cha
racterized for comparison. All experimental hyperpolarizabilities have
been extrapolated to zero frequency for purposes of comparison using
the well-established two-level model. The thiazoles are superior to ox
azoles and imidazoles from a nonlinear point of view. The reasons for
their superiority and the implications for their use in optoelectronic
devices are discussed.