Dipolar chromophores consisting of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) groups connected through a conjugated -bridge have been actively studied and integrated in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Generally, such -conjugated molecules provide substantial delocalization of -electrons over the molecules. Here, a brief overview of recent research on D--A dipolar chromophores including their syntheses and several promising applications is reported, especially in nonlinear optical devices and organic photovoltaics. Structure/property relationships are discussed in order to exploit the potentials by tuning the -electron density, polarizability, and HOMO-LUMO band gap of the chromophores. Some of the examples may well set the stage for chip-scale integration of optoelectronics as well as the realization of an important array of new device technologies. image

Keywords:conjugated molecules;dipolar chromophores;molecular engineering;nonlinear optical materials;photovoltaics