Redox-Switchable Chromophores Based on Metal (Ni, Pd, Pt) Mixed-Ligand Dithiolene Complexes Showing Molecular Second-Order Nonlinear-Optical Activity

The synthesis and full characterization of the redox-active nickel triad mixed-ligand dithiolene complexes based on Bz2pipdt = 1,4-dibenzylpiperazine-3,2-dithione and dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate ligands are reported. These complexes show a reversibly bleacheable solvatochromic peak and a remarkably high negative molecular first hyperpolarizability, whose values depend on the metal being highest for the platinum(II) compound.