Light actuated stable radicals of the 9-anthracene carboxylic acid for designing new photochromic complexes

Abstract

The photogeneration of stable radicals is important but still challenging in the field of optical switching, displays, and other devices. Herein, crystalline 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9-AC) and a mononuclear complex constructed from this ligand were for the first time discovered to show radical-induced photochromism and photomagnetism after Xe lamp light irradiation. This study finds a simple radical-actuated photochromic molecule for constructing a novel system of photochromic materials.