Six thiophene-based chalcone derivatives were synthesized, and their structure–property relationship was investigated systematically. Small molecules as they are, they have showed favorable Φ and σ values in the near-IR region.
Two imidazole–pyrimidine hexafluorophosphate derivatives (6P and 10P) are synthesized. The 2PA cross-section values (σ) were obtained by Z-scan and two-photon excited fluorescence methods. 6P and 10P can be used to quantify and image organelles in living cells and tissues.