Synthesis and characterization of 2H-pyrano[3,2-c]coumarin derivatives and their photochromic and redox properties

A series of 2H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromen-5-one derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Their photochromic and redox properties were investigated by the UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. While compounds with one or two phenyl groups incorporated at the 2-position were present in both ring-opened (5a and 10a) and ring-closed (6a and 11a) forms, the incorporation of an N,N-dimethylamino group on either side of the aromatic ring resulted in formation of the ring-opened (5b and 10b) forms only. The ring-closed forms 13 and 18 with a methyl substituent at the 3-position of the pyran moiety failed to exhibit photochromic behavior. Compound 23 with an N,N-dimethylamino group on the aromatic ring displayed increasing shoulder absorption in the visible region and a distinct change of color upon UV irradiation. The non-fluorescent 10b instantly changed from dark red to colorless, when treated with sodium borohydride. The reduced 28 was blue fluorescent with a quantum yield of 0.46 and could be returned to its original color via DDQ oxidation.

Graphical abstractThe prepared 23 with an N,N-dimethylamino group on the aromatic ring exhibited photochromic behavior with a distinct change of color upon UV irradiation. The non-fluorescent 10b instantly changed from dark red to colorless, when treated with sodium borohydride. The reduced form was blue fluorescent and could be reverted to 10b via DDQ oxidation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide