Building Functionality into 4′‐Hydrazone Derivatives of 2,2′: 6′,2″‐Terpyridine

The syntheses of the five 2,2′: 6′,2″‐terpyridine (tpy) ligands 5 – 9 functionalized in the 4′‐position with a hydrazone substituent RR′C?N? NH (R=R′=Me; R=H, R′=4‐BrC₆H₄, 4‐O₂NC₆H₄, 4‐MeOC₆H₄, or 3,5‐(MeO)₂C₆H₃) are described. Protonation of the tpy domain of the ligands is facile. Solution behaviour has been studied by NMR and electronic spectroscopies. Representative structural data are presented for neutral and monoprotonated ligands, and illustrate that H‐bonding involving the formal amine NH unit is a dominant structural motif in all cases.     

Two New Solvent‐modulated Zinc(II) Metal‐Organic Hybrid Materials based on Rigid Tripodal Carboxylate Ligand and 2,2′‐Bipy Co‐ligand: Crystal Structures and Luminescent Properties

The zinc(II) coordination polymers [Zn(Htatb)(2,2′‐bipy) · (NMP) · H₂O] ( 1 ) and [Zn₃(tatb)₂(2,2′‐bipy)₃ · H₂O] ( 2 ) (H₃tatb = 4,4′,4′′‐s‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl‐tribenzoic acid; 2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl, NMP = N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidon), were synthesized hydrothermally, and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both compounds 1 and 2 possess expectant low dimensional coordination structures, which further connected into interesting 3D networks by hydrogen bond and strong π–π interactions. Moreover, the thermal stabilities and fluorescent properties of 1 and 2 were investigated.     

Die Kristallstrukturen von Me3SiI · β-Picolin und Me3SiI · γ-Picolin Vergleich der Lewis-Basen Pyridin, β-Picolin und γ-Picolin

The Crystal Structure of Me₃SiI · β-Picoline and Me₃SiI · γ-Picoline A Comparison between the Lewis-Bases Pyridine, β-Picoline, and γ-Picoline The reaction of Iodinetrimethylsilane with β- und γ-Picoline (Pic) leads to solid 1 : 1 compounds Me₃SiI · β-Picoline 1 , Me₃SiI · γ-Picoline 2. The reaction was performed at room temperature. Yellow single crystals were obtained by sublimation. Single crystal X-ray investigations confirm that both compounds are ionic [Me₃SiPic]⁺I^?. The comparison of β-Picoline with γ-Picoline and Pyridine (Py) demonstrates that the presence of a methyl group and also its position has no significant influence on the Si? N bond length in compound 1, 2 and on the adduct Me₃SiI · Py.     

Syntheses,Structures and Characterization of Four Metal‐Organic Frameworks constructed by 2,2′,6,6′‐Tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic Acid

Four metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Mn_3.5L(OH)(HCOO)₄(DMF)] · H₂O} ( 1 ), {[In_2.5L₂O(OH)_1.5(H₂O)₂] · DMF · CH₃CN · 2H₂O} ( 2 ), {[Pb₄L₃O(DMA)] · CH₃CN} ( 3 ), and {[LaL(NO₃)(DMF)₂] · 2H₂O} ( 4 ) were synthesized by utilizing the ligand 2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H₂L) via solvothermal methods. All MOFs were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. In 1 , the Mn²⁺ ions are interconnected by formic groups in situ produced via DMF decomposition to form a rare 2D macrocyclic plane, which is further linked by L^2– to construct the final 3D network. In 2 , 1D zip‐like infinite chain is formed and then interconnected to build the 3D framework. In 3 , a [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂(O₂C)₁₀(DMA)₂] cluster with a centrosymmetric [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂]⁸⁺ octahedral core is formed in the 3D structure. In 4 , the La³⁺ ions are connected with each other through carboxylate groups of L^2– to generate 1D zigzag chain, which is further linked by L^2– to construct a 3D network with sra topology. Solid photoluminescence properties of 3 and 4 were also investigated.     

Effect of fluorinated/non‐fluorinated β‐diketones and side‐chain branching of N‐protected amino acids on the antibacterial potential of new heptacoordinated monobutyltin(IV) complexes

The effect of fluorinated/non‐fluorinated β‐diketones and side‐chain branching of N‐protected amino acids on the antibacterial potential of new heptacoordinated monobutyltin(IV) complexes was investigated. New heptacoordinated monobutyltin(IV) complexes having the general formulae BuSn(A)₂B and BuSnA(B)₂ [where AH = (1,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐dioxo‐α‐(substituted)‐2H ‐isoindole‐2‐acetic acids, N‐protected amino acids), R =  CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃: A₁H; R =  CH(CH₃)₂: A₂H; and BH = R'COCH₂COR″ (β‐diketones), R′ = R″ =  CH₃: B₁H; R′ =  CH₃, R″ =  C₆H₅: B₂H; R′ =  CF₃, R″ =  C₆H₅: B₃H] were synthesized. Complexes BuSn(A)₂B and BuSnA(B)₂ were generated by the reaction of sodium salts of the ligands AH and BH with BuSnCl₃ in 2:1:1 and 1:2:1 molar ratios, respectively. These newly generated complexes were characterized in physicochemical and spectroscopic studies. These complexes contain heptacoordinated tin centres as revealed by ¹¹⁹Sn NMR chemical shift values. Some of the newly generated complexes and their corresponding ligands were screened for their antibacterial activity to study the structure–activity relationship.     

Reaktionen von 1,1,3,3‐Tetrakis(dimethylamino)‐1 λ5, 3 λ5‐diphosphet mit 5‐Cyano‐1‐pentin und mit 2‐(Cyanmethyl)‐1‐methylpyrrol

Diphosphabenzenes. VII. Reactions of 1,1,3,3‐Tetrakis(dimethylamino)‐1 λ⁵, 3 λ⁵‐diphosphete with 5‐Cyano‐1‐pentine and 2‐(Cyanomethyl)‐1‐methylpyrrol 5‐Cyano‐1‐pentine reacts with the equimolar amount of the λ⁵‐diphosphete 1 to give the λ⁵‐diphosphinine (λ⁵‐diphosphabenzene) ( 3 ), while reaction with the double equimolar amount of 1 yields the λ⁵‐diphosphinine ( 4 ). The acyclic compount 6 is the main product of the reaction between 1 and 2‐(cyanomethyl)‐1‐methylpyrrol, 5 . Melting points of 4 · CH₃CN and 6 , and mass, nmr and ir spectra of 3 , 4 , and 6 are reported. The crystal structure of 4 · CH₃CN shows an open‐chain ylidic CPCP‐sequence, which is linked to a λ⁵‐diphosphinine via an ethylene bridge. The X‐ray structure analysis of 6 confirms the existence as an acyclic conjugated double ylid.     

π‐Plasmon absorbance films of carboxylic functionalized CNTs coupled with renewable PGP platforms

π‐Plasmon absorbance films of carboxylic functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coupled with renewable and recycled polycaprolactone grafted pectin (PGP) platforms as successful alternative for ordinary nondegradable platforms were investigated. Characterization of the synthesized carboxylic functionalized CNTs was performed using ¹H NMR and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared for structural identification, thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis for thermal stability, and X‐ray powder diffraction for crystal structure, whereas the characterization of prepared PGP was done by means of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared for chemical structure, differential scanning calorimetry for melting endotherms of polycaprolactone and high crystalline structure of PGP, and thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis for thermal stability of PGP. Fabrication of water‐dispersed carboxylic functionalized CNTs coupled with PGP films was performed by casting technique in the presence of Ca²⁺ as cross‐linker. The thin films were tested for π‐plasmon absorbance using UV‐Vis spectrometry. Different fractions of carboxylic functionalized CNTs and PGP films demonstrated π‐plasmon absorbance broad peaks at λ_max = 232 nm, which corresponded to 5.36 eV. The fabrication of novel films from renewable recycled PGP platform and advanced carboxylic functionalized CNTs properties will be the key features for many of next forthcoming technologies. The PGP considered as environment‐friendly and easily degradable platforms will be a successful alternative for conventional nondegradable electronic platforms, and water‐dispersed carboxylic functionalized CNTs with advanced properties will be finding accelerating executive applications.     

Flavonol Glycosides with α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and New Flavone C‐Diosides from the Leaves of Machilus konishii

Seventeen flavonoids, five of which are flavone C‐diosides, 1 – 5 , were isolated from the BuOH‐ and AcOEt‐soluble fractions of the leaf extract of Machilus konishii. Among 1 – 5 , apigenin 6‐C‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐2″‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 2 ), apigenin 8‐C‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐2″‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 4 ), and apigenin 8‐C‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐2″‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 5 ) are new. Both 4 and 5 are present as rotamer pairs. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR‐spectroscopic analyses and MS data. In addition, the ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR data of apigenin 6‐C‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐2″‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ) were assigned for the first time. The isolated compounds were assayed against α‐glucosidase (type IV from Bacillus stearothermophilus). Kaempferol 3‐O‐(2‐β‐D ‐apiofuranosyl)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranoside ( 12 ) was found to possess the best inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 29.3 μM .     

A rare occurrence of a β‐turn in an amyloid βA4 peptide

The fragment β(25–35) of the amyloid β‐peptide, like its parent βA4, has shown neurotrophic and late neurotoxic activities in cultured cells. The 3D structure of this important peptide was examined by ¹H and ¹³C 2D‐NMR and MD simulations in DMSO‐d₆ and water. The NMR parameters of chemical shift, ³J(N,Hα) coupling constants, temperature coefficients of NH chemical shifts and the pattern of intra and inter‐residue NOEs were used to deduce the structures. In DMSO‐d₆, the peptide was found to take up a type I β‐turn around the C‐terminal residues Ile⁸–Gly⁹–Leu¹⁰–Met¹¹, whereas in water at pH 5.5, it adopts a random coil conformation. This is only the second report of a β‐turn in the β‐amyloid class of peptides. The solution structures generated using restrained molecular dynamics were refined by MARDIGRAS to an R factor of 0.33 in the case of DMSO‐d₆ and to 0.56 for water. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dapholidins A – C,New Isomeric Biisoflavonoids From Daphne oleoides

Three new isomeric biisoflavonoids, dapholidins A–C ( 1 – 3 , resp.), have been isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the MeOH‐soluble extract of the roots of Daphne oleoides, along with the known compounds daphwazirin ( 4 ), daphnetin 8‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 5 ), daphnin ( 6 ), daphneticin 4″‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 7 ), and 6,7‐dihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐8‐[2‐oxo‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐7‐(O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)‐8‐yl]‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one ( 8 ). The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR.     

One‐dimensional CuII coordination polymers containing C2h‐symmetric 1,1′:4′,1′′‐terphenyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylate linkers

Two new one‐dimensional Cu^II coordination polymers (CPs) containing the C_2h‐symmetric terphenyl‐based dicarboxylate linker 1,1′:4′,1′′‐terphenyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylate (3,3′‐TPDC), namely catena‐poly[[bis(dimethylamine‐κN)copper(II)]‐μ‐1,1′:4′,1′′‐terphenyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O,O′:O′′:O′′′] monohydrate], {[Cu(C₂₀H₁₂O₄)(C₂H₇N)₂]·H₂O}_n, (I), and catena‐poly[[aquabis(dimethylamine‐κN)copper(II)]‐μ‐1,1′:4′,1′′‐terphenyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O³:O^3′] monohydrate], {[Cu(C₂₀H₁₂O₄)(C₂H₇N)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (II), were both obtained from two different methods of preparation: one reaction was performed in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as a potential pillar ligand and the other was carried out in the absence of the DABCO pillar. Both reactions afforded crystals of different colours, i.e. violet plates for (I) and blue needles for (II), both of which were analysed by X‐ray crystallography. The 3,3′‐TPDC bridging ligands coordinate the Cu^II ions in asymmetric chelating modes in (I) and in monodenate binding modes in (II), forming one‐dimensional chains in each case. Both coordination polymers contain two coordinated dimethylamine ligands in mutually trans positions, and there is an additional aqua ligand in (II). The solvent water molecules are involved in hydrogen bonds between the one‐dimensional coordination polymer chains, forming a two‐dimensional network in (I) and a three‐dimensional network in (II).     

Two Bulky Conjugated 4′‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridine‐based Layered Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity

Two new layered complexes with the formulas of {[Cu(H₂O)(HL)₂Cl](NO₃)}_n ( 1 ) and {[Cu(H₂O)₂(HL)₂](NO₃)₂}_n ( 2 ) were solvothermally synthesized by the reactions of the bulky conjugated 4′‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridine ligand (HL) with different Cu^II salts, which were further used as photocatalysts to achieve hydrogen production from water splitting. Single‐crystal structural analyses reveal that both complexes feature coplanar (4 4) layers with different connection manners between the HL extended Z‐shaped chains. More interestingly, 1 possessing more negative conduction band potential and higher structural stability exhibits a large hydrogen production rate of 2.43 mmol · g^–1 · h^–1, which is four times higher than that of 2 . Thus, the Cu^II‐based coordination polymers modified by the bulky conjugated organic ligand can become potentially promising non‐Pt photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting.     

Investigation of pharmacophore and antipharmacophore features of certain dimethyltin(IV) complexes of flexible N‐protected amino acids and fluorinated β‐diketone/β‐diketones

A set of pentacoordinated dimethyltin(IV) complexes of flexible N‐protected amino acids and fluorinated β‐diketone/β‐diketones was screened for their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus and Streptomyces griseus . These pentacoordinated complexes of the type Me₂SnAB (where : R = CH(CH₃)C₂H₅, A₁H; CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, A₂H; CH(CH₃)₂, A₃H; CH₂C₆H₅, A₄H; and BH = R'C(O)CH₂C(O)R″: R′ = C₆H₅, R″ = CF₃, B₁H; R′ = R″ = CH₃, B₂H; R′ = C₆H₅, R″ = CH₃, B₃H; R′ = R″ = C₆H₅, B₄H) were generated by the reactions of dimethyltin(IV) dichloride with sodium salts of flexible N‐protected amino acids (ANa) and fluorinated β‐diketone/β‐diketones (BNa) in 1:1:1 molar ratio in refluxing dry benzene solution. Plausible structures of these complexes were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical and spectral studies. ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectral data revealed the presence of pentacoordinated tin centres in these dimethyltin(IV) complexes.     

Sensitive and simultaneous quantitation of 6β‐hydroxycortisol and cortisol in human plasma by LC‐MS/MS coupled with stable isotope dilution method

CYP3A phenotyping provides a means for personalized drug therapy. We focused our attention on the plasma 6β‐hydroxycortisol (6β‐OHF) to cortisol ratio as an index for CYP3A phenotyping. In the present study, we developed a sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 6β‐OHF and cortisol in human plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry together with picolinylester derivatization or nonderivatization methods and 6β‐[9,11,12,12‐²H₄]hydroxycortisol and [1,2,4,19‐¹³C₄]cortisol as internal standards for in vivo CYP3A phenotyping in humans. The lower limits of quantification were 38.513 pg/mL for 6β‐OHF and 38.100 pg/mL for cortisol. The relative error and relative standard deviation of the lower limits of quantification were <5% for both methods. The intra‐day and inter‐day assay reproducibilities of the determined 6β‐OHF and cortisol concentrations were consistent with the actual amounts added as relative errors and relative standard deviations for both methods, which were <5.4% and <3.9%, respectively. Both methods were applied for the quantification of plasma 6β‐OHF and cortisol concentrations in healthy subjects taking oral contraceptives. The absolute concentrations and time course of 6β‐OHF and cortisol were found to be consistent when measured using the 2 methods. The ratio as an index for in vivo CYP3A activity decreased after 21 days of taking oral contraceptives for both methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the detailed investigation of accuracy and precision in the simultaneous measurement of 6β‐OHF and cortisol in human plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry coupled with stable isotope dilution method, which can be applied to CYP3A phenotyping.     

Ring Size Effects on Multi‐Stimuli Responsive Luminescent Properties of Cyclic Amine Substituted β‐Diketones and Difluoroboron Complexes

Emissive β‐diketones (bdks) and difluoroboron complexes (BF₂bdks) show multi‐stimuli responsive luminescence in both solution and the solid state. A series of bdk ligands and boron coordinated dyes were synthesized with different cyclic amine substituents in the 4‐position to explore ring size effects on various luminescent properties, including solvatochromism, viscochromism, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), mechanochromic luminescence (ML) and halochromism. Red‐shifted absorption and emission were observed in CH₂Cl₂ for both bdk ligands and boron dyes with increasing substituent ring size. The compounds displayed bathochromic emission in more polar solvents, and higher fluorescence intensity in more viscous media. The AIE compounds exhibited enhanced emission when aggregated. For solid‐state properties, a large emission wavelength shift was shown for the piperidine substituted bdk after melt quenching on weighing paper. Large blue‐shifted emissions were observed in all the boron dye spin cast films after trifluoroacetic acid vapor annealing, and the original emissions were partially recovered after triethylamine vapor treatment.     

Five Coordinated Zinc(II) and Tris‐Chelate Cadmium(II) Complexes with 2,2′‐Diamino‐5,5′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bithiazole – Syntheses,Spectroscopic Characterization,and Crystal Structure

The new synthesized ligand (DADMBTZ = 2,2′‐diamino‐5,5′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bithiazole), which is mentioned in this text, is used for preparing the two new complexes [Zn(DADMBTZ)₃](ClO₄)₂. 0.8MeOH.0.2H₂O ( 1 ) and [Cd(DADMBTZ)₃](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ). The characterization was done by IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray determination. In reaction with DADMBTZ, zinc(II) and cadmium(II) show different characterization. In 2 , to form a tris‐chelate complex with nearly C₃ symmetry for coordination polyhedron, DADMBTZ acts as a bidentate ligand. In 1 , this difference maybe relevant to small radii of Zn²⁺ which make one of the DADMBTZ ligands act as a monodentate ligand to form the five coordinated Zn²⁺ complex. In both 1 and 2 complexes the anions are symmetrically different. 1 and 2 complexes form 2‐D and 3‐D networks via N‐H···O and N‐H···N hydrogen bonds, respectively.     

NaHCO3‐Catalyzed Hihgly Regiospecific Aminobromination of ß,ß‐Dicyanostyrene Derivatives with 1,3‐Dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH)

The aminobromination of β,β‐dicyanostyrene derivetives with 1,3‐dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) has been systematic studied. The reaction afforded the vicinal haloamino products in good to excellent yields at room temperature (the highest yield was up to 94 %), and the full regiospecificity of all products were achieved catalyzed by NaHCO₃ in CH₃CN. A possible pathway involving a Michael Addition reaction for this aminobromination was proposed.     

Syntheses and properties of dumbbell‐shaped POSS derivatives linked by luminescent π‐conjugated units

Dumbbell‐shaped isobutyl‐substituted 1,2‐bis(4‐vinylphenyl)acetylene‐linked POSS (DA1), 9,10‐bis(4‐vinylphenyl)ethynyl)anthracene‐linked POSS (DA2), and 5,5″‐bis((4‐vinyl)phenyl)ethynyl)‐2,2′:5′2″‐terthiophene‐linked POSS (DA3), and corresponding model compounds were synthesized by cross metathesis and Sonogashira reaction, and their film formability, and thermal and optical properties were examined. The dumbbell structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and ²⁹Si‐NMR and MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. The dumbbell‐shaped POSS compounds gave optically transparent films. All the model compounds, however, formed opaque films. All the films were emissive under UV irradiation. The dumbbell structures minimize longer wavelength shifts and improve emission efficiency of the luminescent π‐conjugated linker units in their solid states compared with the model compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012.     

Synthesis,characterization and α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition studies of novel vanadyl chalcone complexes

A series of chalcone ligands and their corresponding vanadyl complexes of composition [VO (L^I–IV)₂(H₂O)₂]SO₄ (where L^I = 1,3‐Diphenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one, L^II = 3‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone, L^III = 3‐(3‐Nitro‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone, L^IV = 3‐(4‐Methoxy‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone) have been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic (Fourier‐transform infrared, electrospray ionization mass, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer) and physico‐analytic techniques. Antidiabetic activities of synthesized complexes along with chalcones were evaluated by performing in vitro and in silico α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition studies. The obtained results displayed moderate to significant inhibition activity against both the enzymes by vanadyl chalcone complexes. The most potent complexes were further investigated for the enzyme kinetic studies and displayed the mixed inhibition for both the enzymes. Further, antioxidant activity of vanadyl chalcone complexes was evaluated for their efficiency to release oxidative stress using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate assay, and two complexes (Complexes 2 and 4 ) have demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity. All the complexes were found to possess promising antidiabetic and antioxidant potential.     

Synthesis and characterization of main‐chain NLO oligomers and polymer that contain 4‐dialkylamino‐ 4′‐(alkylsulfonyl)azobenzene chromophores

An ω‐amino carboxylic acid monomer that contained a nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore was prepared by a convergent synthesis. Strategies for selective protection/deprotection of the amino and carboxylic acid functionalities were developed. The protected monomer, 4‐[N‐(4‐benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl‐N‐methylamino]‐4′‐[2″,5″‐bis(decyloxy)‐4″‐(phthalimidomethyl)benzylsulfonyl]azobenzene, could be deprotected selectively or sequentially to give HOOC‐monomer‐N‐phthaloyl, benzyl‐OOC‐monomer‐NH₂, or HOOC‐monomer‐NH₂. Sequential synthesis was performed to yield main‐chain NLO dimers and tetramers. This was accomplished by selective deprotection and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling. The HOOC‐monomer‐NH₂ was polymerized by treatment with diphenylphosphoryl azide to give a main‐chain NLO polyamide. The monomer, dimer, tetramer, and polymer NLO materials were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, IR, and UV–visible spectroscopy as well as by gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and elemental analysis. The NLO properties of these materials were measured. Thin films of the oligomers and polymer were prepared by spin casting on indium‐tin oxide coated glass. The second‐order NLO properties of the oligomers and polymer thin films were studied by in situ corona poling/second‐harmonic generation and attenuated total reflection methods. The optimal poling temperatures were significantly lower than the melting temperatures or glass‐transition temperatures of the oligomers and polymer. The poling efficiency increased in the following order: monomer, oligomers, and polymer. An electro‐optic coefficient of 4 pm/V at 1.06 μm was obtained for the polymer. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 546–559, 2000