To better understand the optical and electronic properties of thiophene- and pyrrole-based organic compounds on a molecular level, several aromatic compounds and their corresponding monocations were analyzed by a variety of solution-based spectroscopic techniques. The derivatives were initially synthesized using palladium-catalyzed amination reactions, condensation reactions, Horner-Emmons reactions, and Stille coupling reactions. Once isolated, the neutral compounds were analyzed by UV-visible-NIR absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and / or differential pulse voltammetry. Monocations were generated by chemical oxidation and were analyzed by visible-NIR absorption spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. By quantifying the extent of the electron-donor abilities of some chromophores and the electron delocalization of positive charge in the monocations, a more thorough understanding of the optical and electronic properties of the compounds was obtained.