Crystal growth of a stable nonlinear optical organic material: 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium monohydrogen L-tartrate

Abstract

We report on the optimization of synthesis, solubility and crystal growth from solution of 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium l-tartrate (labelled 2A5NPLT). This newly engineered guest-host hydrogen-bonding salt exhibits a quasi-perfect polar alignment of the nonlinear chromophores in the crystalline lattice which is promising for optimized Pockels electrooptic properties. In addition, the dense and 3D-intermolecular framework built up by short hydrogen bonds leads to improved thermal, mechanical and chemical stability compared with that of organic molecular crystals. The solvent selection allowed the elaboration of bulky crystal by the temperature lowering method. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction topography experiments carried out on uncut crystals revealed a high crystalline perfection.

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