Growth and characterisation of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde diacetate single crystals

The 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde diacetate (NFD) single crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique. By single crystal XRD analysis it was found that, NFD single crystal belongs to monoclinic crystal system. Powder XRD spectrum revealed the crystallinity of the sample. Fourier transform infrared red spectral analysis gave idea regarding the vibrations of functional groups. The transparency of the crystal in the visible region is clearly depicted in the UV–Vis spectrum. Thermo gravimetric/differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed the thermal stability and Vicker’s microhardness test showed the mechanical stability of the crystal. From the scanning electron microscopic images, the crystal morphology was analysed. By Kurtz–Perry powder technique, the second harmonic generation efficiency of the NFD crystal is obtained as 15 times greater than that of standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and the laser damage threshold value of the crystal is 4.2 GW/cm², which implies that the sample has got better laser damage withstanding capacity. The studies revealed that, the title compound is a potential candidate for opto-electronic applications.