Synthesis, optical, electrochemical, and computational investigation of new cyanopyridine-centered organic dyads

Herein we report the molecular design, synthesis, and inclusive investigation of four novel di-anchored symmetric dyes (CP1-4) centered on electron deficient cyanopyridine scaffold as possible photosensitizers for DSSC application. These new chromogens (CP1-4) comprise a powerful electron-withdrawing cyanopyridine moiety linked with additional electron attracting functionalities such as cyanoacetic acid (CP1), 3-(carboxymethyl) rhodanine (CP2), 2,4,6-pyrimidinetrione (CP3), and 2,6-dihydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine (CP4), as effective acceptor/anchoring units via biphenyl donor units. Their in-depth optical and electrochemical behaviour were investigated to assess their suitability as photosensitizers. Further, the molecular modeling calculations were undertaken to understand their ground state properties and energy level potentials. The comprehensive studies revealed that they own all the requisites to performance as a potential photosensitizer for DSSC application.