Dithienylethenes with a novel photochromic performance.
Dithienylethenes with low decoloration quantum yields and thermal reversibility at high temperature above 100 degrees C were prepared. Introduction of bulky alkoxy substituents at 2- and 2'-positions of the thiophene rings strongly suppressed the cycloreversion quantum yields. The quantum yields were lower than 10(-3), and the photogenerated color remained stable enough under room light. On the other hand, the bulky alkoxy substituent decreased the thermal stability of the colored closed-ring isomers at high temperature. The color of the dithienylethene with cyclohexyloxy substituents faded out in less than 1 min at 160 degrees C.
Morimitsu
Kentaro
K
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, and CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
Shibata
Katsunori
K
Kobatake
Seiya
S
Irie
Masahiro
M