Synthesis of hetero-bi-functional dye having photochromism and electrochromism. Part 1: Characteristics and its sensing properties

In this study, we prepared a novel hetero-bi-functional chromic dye and evaluated the photochromic and electrochromic properties. With based on spiroxazine as a photochromic part and 4,4′-bipyridinyl derivative, namely, viologen as an electrochromic part within the single dye molecular structure, this novel multi-functional chromic dye showing both photochromism and electrochromism was synthesized and characterized. The absorption spectra of the colored viologen part after electrocoloration are shown: the prominent peak appeared at 610 nm and was colored blue. Further absorption spectral increases were determined using successive UV irradiation.