Isophorone‐based organometallic chromophores: Synthesis, characterization and investigation of electro‐optical properties

A series of hybrid donor–acceptor complexes with a ferrocene moiety and isophorone derivatives were synthesized. Data from 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, Fourier transform infrared, atomic absorption and mass spectroscopies and CHN analysis supported the predicted structure of the products. A comparative investigation was performed using UV–visible, cyclic voltammetry and fluorescence measurements. Density functional theory was used to optimize the chromophore structure and calculation of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels. The ferrocene/isophorone hybrids show useful properties for further development and studies as electro‐optic materials.