Synthesis, properties, and electrochemistry of a photochromic compound based on dithienylethene and ProDOT

The synthesis, photochromic features, and electrochemistry of a novel material based on dithienylethene (DTE) and 3,3-didecyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine (didecyl-ProDOT) units are described. It is noteworthy that 1,2-bis (5-(3,3-didecyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin-6-yl)-2-methylthiophen-3-yl)cyclopent-1-ene can be efficiently switched between open and closed states by light in both solution and in the solid poly(methyl metacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. It is also found that the emission of this novel compound can be switched on and off upon irradiation.