An iterative approach toward the synthesis of discrete oligomeric p-phenylene vinylene organic dyes employing aqueous Wittig chemistry

Photovoltaic research has become increasingly prominent as the search for alternatives to fossil fuels are actively sought. A novel process for the iterative synthesis of discrete donor/acceptor-flanked oligostilbenes, key constituents in dye-sensitized solar cells, is described. The aqueous Wittig process is high yielding, proceeds with high (E)-stereoselectivity and allows facile product purification.