Push-pull molecules bearing a hydrazonocyclopentadiene acceptor moiety: from the synthesis to organic photovoltaic applications

First representatives of a novel class of compounds containing an electron-accepting hydrazonocyclopentadiene moiety, π-conjugated phenylene spacer, and electron-donating triphenylamine moiety have been synthesized. Investigation of their optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties revealed a high potential of the hydrazonocyclopentadiene acceptor moiety in the design of donor-acceptor compounds for organic photovoltaics.