In this paper we report a synthesis of a series of nonlinear optical donor-acceptor chromophores, derivatives of bisphenol A. The studied compounds contain azo bonds with substituted thiazole ring as side groups. Their molecular first hyperpolarizablities were measured by solvatochromic method. The experimental values were compared with the results of semi-empirical calculations. The structures of obtained compounds were confirmed by infrared, H-1 NMR and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Design of nonlinear-optical polymers with included chromophores was also performed. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.