Photochromism of a novel asymmetrical diarylethene with a (formyloxyethoxy)ethyl-linked naphthalimide moiety

Abstract

A novel asymmetrical diarylethene with a (formyloxyethoxy)ethyl-linked naphthalimide unit was synthesized, and its photochromic and fluorescence properties were systematically investigated in both solution and a poly(metyl methacrylate) film. The diarylethene showed significant photochromism and notable fluorescence switching properties upon irradiation with ultraviolet/visible light. Compared with the parent diarylethene, introduction of the naphthalimide moiety was effective to increase the molar absorption coefficient, the fluorescence quantum yield, and fluorescent modulation efficiency of the diarylethene. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.