New fast synthesis route for symmetric and asymmetric phenyl-substituted photochromic dithienylethenes bearing functional groups such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, or amines

This Letter describes an efficient three-step synthesis route of symmetric and asymmetric phenyl-substituted photochromic 1,2-dithienylethenes bearing unprotected functional groups (i.e., alcohols, carboxylic acids or amines). These products can be easily obtained by typical Suzuki cross-coupling between photochromic dichlorides and commercial available boronic acids or pinacol esters.

Graphical abstractProducts can be obtained by Suzuki coupling between photochromic dichlorides and commercial available boronic acids or pinacol esters.Download full-size image