New pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives with multiple-acceptor substitution: Efficient fluorescent emission and near-infrared two-photon absorption

Two new D-π-A organic chromophores, 1,2,4,5-tetra(4-cyanophenyl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole (4CNPP) and 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexa(4-cyanophenyl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole (6CNPP), were developed by modifying the electron-rich pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole (PP) unit with four and six 4-cyanophenyls respectively. The compounds exhibited bright blue emissions in low- to high-polarity solvents, with high Фfs of 88–90% in toluene, as well as impressive two-photon absorption cross-sections at the near-infrared (NIR) 700 nm.