Benzoxanthones derivatives: insight into oxalic acid catalyzed synthesis, crystallographic analysis and potential application in dye-sensitized solar cell

This study reports the synthesis of benzoxanthone derivatives by employing oxalic acid as a catalyst under ultrasonic irradiations and grinding techniques. Results show that the ultra-sonication method is much more reliable and gives better yields in lesser time. A detailed crystallographic analysis of the previously reported structures reveals that dispersive forces primarily drive crystal packing. Additionally, a theoretical understanding of the mechanism was performed, followed by applying such benzoxanthones as donor moieties for Donor-π-spacer-Acceptor type dye sensitizers for Dye Sensitizer solar cells. Graphical abstract: The article describes a novel way of synthesizing Benzoxanthones Derivatives using: Oxalic Acid Catalyst. The work also sheds light on the energetics associated with the crystal structure of Benzoxanthones Derivatives along with their potential application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC).[Figure not available: see fulltext.]