A self-assembled, metallo-organic supramolecular frequency doubler.

The dimeric self-assembly program of a new, multidentate ligand with cuprous ions overcomes crystal packing forces, which leads to C(i) symmetry in the solid state, to form a no less than partially C(2)-symmetric structure in solution. The resulting tetranitro-substituted dicopper(i) metallocyclophane displays an exceptionally strong second harmonic frequency response (β = (3000 ± 600) × 10(-30) esu for a fundamental at 800 nm).