Synthesis, characterisation and structure-property analysis of derivativesof the non-linear optical material 5-nitro-N-(1-phenylethyl)pyridin-2-amine

The effects of a series of small structural changes to (S)-5-nitro-N-(1-phe nylethyl)pyridin-2-amine on its solid state non-linear optical properties, including the phenomenon of rotating dielectric axes, have been investigate d. Installation of a methyl group in the 3-position of the heterocyclic rin g or at the amino nitrogen atom gave the most promising materials, though n either of these materials showed rotating dielectric axes. Details of the c rystal structure analyses of a family of these compounds illustrate the del icate interplay between molecular conformation and intermolecular interacti ons in determining the packing arrangements.