title: Dithienylethenes with a novel photochromic performance.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Kentaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morimitsu
authors.forename: Katsunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shibata
authors.forename: Seiya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kobatake
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Irie