Phenanthrene-bridged diarylethenes: Synthesis, photochromism and non-destructive readout

•We synthesized a group of newly designed phenanthrene-bridged photochromic diarylethenes.•We examined their absorption and fluorescence changes in various solvents.•Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the structure of one diarylethene derivative.•We found their fluorescent non-destructive readout capability.•DFT theoretical calculation results indicated the photocyclization of open forms was carried out at the second excited.

Here we report on the synthesis and photochromism of a group of newly designed phenanthrene-bridged diarylethenes. The structure of one diarylethene derivative was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The photochromic dyes cyclize smoothly in polar organic solvents and water upon UV light irradiation while undergo fading under visible light. These photochromic materials have non-destructive readout capability through fluorescent modulation. Fluorescent read-out lights of them are 390 and 385 nm respectively. The non-destructive read out capability of them was studied with density functional theory and the results indicated that the cyclization probably took place at the second rather than the first excited states.

Graphical abstractThese photochromic materials have non-destructive readout capability through fluorescent, modulation. Fluorescent read-out lights of them are 390 and 385 nm respectively. The, non-destructive read out capability of them was studied with density functional theory and the, results indicated that the cyclization probably took place at the second rather than the first excited, states.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide