A reaction sequence involving microwave-assisted Suzuki cross-coupling steps and bromination with N-bromosuccinimide was used to synthesize 4-{4-[4’,5’-bis(4-diphenylaminophenyl)-3’-hexyl-2,2’-bithiophen-5-yl]pyrimidin-5-yl}benzonitrile. The optical properties of the obtained compound were studied to evaluate it for possible applications as a sensor of nitroaromatic compounds in acetonitrile solutions and gas phase.