Nonlinear optical properties of pyrimidine chromophores.

The large library of nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores based on pyrimidine scaffold is discussed in this review. Since the first examples described thirteen years ago, the interest in pyrimidine push-pull NLO chromophores has increased dramatically, especially for second harmonic generation and two photon absorption. More than 130 properly selected chromophores are presented to demonstrate fundamental structure-property relationships and to highlight key applications of pyrimidine-derived materials. • The large library of pyrimidine NLO chromophores has been reviewed. • Fundamental structure-property relationships were elucidated. • Methylpyrimidinium push-pull chromophores are superior second-order NLOphores. • 4,6-Distyrylpyrimidine derivatives proved to be well-established organic chromophores for two-photon absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]