Photochromic Dithienylethene‐Containing Boron(III) Ketoiminates: Modulation of Photo‐Responsive Behavior through Variation of Intramolecular Motion

A series of dithienylethene‐containing boron(III) ketoiminates, as well as their corresponding β‐ketoimine ligands, have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical, electrochemical, and photochromic properties of the compounds have been studied. Photocyclization has been found to be suppressed upon introduction of a phenyl substituent on the nitrogen atom of the β‐ketoiminate core, whereas photochromism could be observed by replacement of the phenyl substituent with a bulky mesityl group. It is believed that the steric effect of the mesityl unit restricts molecular rotation, resulting in such a prominent difference in the photochromic properties.     

Assembly of π‐Conjugated Phosphole Azahelicene Derivatives into Chiral Coordination Complexes: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Aza[n]helicene phosphole derivatives have been prepared from aza[n]helicene diynes by the Fagan–Nugent route. Their photophysical properties (UV/Vis absorption and emission behavior) have been evaluated. Their behavior as P,N chelates towards coordination to Pd^II and Cu^I has been investigated: metal–bis(aza[n]helicene phosphole) assemblies are formed by a highly stereoselective coordination process, as demonstrated by X‐ray crystallography. An aza[6]helicene phosphole bearing an enantiopure helicene part has been obtained, which allows the preparation of enantiopure Pd^II and Cu^I complexes with original topologies and high molar rotation (MR) and circular dichroism (CD). The structure–property relationship established from the experimental data has been studied in detail by theoretical studies (TDDFT calculations of UV/Vis, CD, and MR). Aza[n]helicene phosphole derivatives show π conjugation extended over the entire molecule, and its influence on the MR of aza[6]helicene phosphole 5 c has been demonstrated. Finally, it has been shown that the nature of the metal (coordination geometry and electronic interaction) can have a great impact on the amplitude of the chiroptical properties in metal–bis(aza[n]helicene phosphole) assemblies.     

Synthesis,Photochromic, and Computational Studies of Dithienylethene‐Containing β‐Diketonate Derivatives and Their Near‐Infrared Photochromic Behavior Upon Coordination of a Boron(III) Center

A series of dithienylethene‐containing 1‐thienyl‐3‐aryl‐propane‐1,3‐diones (aryl=phenyl (Ph), thienyl (Th), and 4,5‐bis(2,5‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl (DTE‐Th)) and the corresponding boron(III) diketonates, (O^O)BR₂ (R=F, C₆F₅, and Ph), have been designed and synthesized. Their photophysical, electrochemical, and photochromic properties have been studied. Upon coordination of a boron(III) center, the closed forms of the dithienylethene‐containing β‐diketonates show near‐infrared response and the photochromic behavior was also found to be affected by the aryl substituents at the 3‐position of the β‐diketonates. Moreover, computational studies have been performed that help to provide an understanding of the effect of substituents on the photophysical and photochromic properties.     

Photochromic Benzo[b]phosphole Alkynylgold(I) Complexes with Mechanochromic Property to Serve as Multistimuli‐Responsive Materials

A series of novel benzo[b]phosphole alkynylgold(I) complexes has been demonstrated to display photochromic and mechanochromic properties upon applying the respective stimuli of light and mechanical force. Promising multistimuli‐responsive properties of this series of gold(I) complexes have been successfully achieved through judicious molecular design, which involves incorporation of the photochromic dithienylethene‐containing benzo[b]phosphole into the triphenylamine‐containing arylethynyl ligand that is susceptible to mechanical force‐induced color changes via gold(I) complexation. With excellent thermal irreversibility and robust fatigue resistance of this series of gold(I) complexes, multicolor states controlled by the photochromism and mechanochromism have been realized. Repeatable photochromic and mechanochromic cycles without apparent loss of reactivity have also been observed under ambient conditions. The present work provides important insight and an alternative strategy for the molecular design of multistimuli‐responsive materials, paving the way for further development of the underexplored photoresponsive gold(I) complexes and the multistate photocontrolled system.     

A Versatile Dithienylethene‐Functionalized Ph‐Diazabutadiene (DAB) Ligand: From Photoswitchable Main‐Group Molecules to Photochromic Polymers

Within the past decade photochromic materials, specifically dithienylethenes (DTEs), have received increased interest because of their ability to function as potential photoswitchable molecular devices and optical memory storage systems. Current research in this area has focused on incorporating organic architectures to functionalize the DTE framework and alter the resulting photophysical properties; however, their syntheses are often not trivial. In this context, we have designed a simple and versatile diimine ( 2 ) containing adjacent 2,5‐dimethyl(thienyl) rings in the backbone. This redox active diimine ( 2 ) acts as a precursor to a novel photochromic ligand and has been used to coordinate to both boron and phosphorus elements, along with the synthesis of a phosphorane‐side‐chain functionalized polymer without further functionalization to the parent DTE framework. A study of the resulting photochromic properties of these compounds revealed that 1) the UV‐visible absorption spectra of the closed‐ring isomer were dependent of the element present in the N,N′‐chelating pocket and 2) incorporating the dithienylethene into a side‐functionalized phosphorane polymer greatly increased the closed‐/open‐ring reversibility and decreased the formation of by‐products.     

Syntheses, luminescence switching, and electrochemical studies of photochromic dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline zinc(II) bis(thiolate) complexes

A series of zinc(II) diimine bis(thiolate) complexes with photochromic diarylethene-containing phenanthroline ligands was synthesized, and their photophysical and photochromic properties were studied. The X-ray crystal structures of two of these complexes have been characterized. All complexes exhibit strong 3LLCT phosphorescence at 510-620 nm in the solid state at 77 and 298 K and in EtOH-MeOH glass at 77 K. Detailed studies revealed that the absorption, emission, and electrochemical properties of the complexes could be readily switched via the photochromic ring-closing and ring-opening reactions.     

Photochromic Dithienylethene‐Containing Triarylborane Derivatives: Facile Approach to Modulate Photochromic Properties with Multi‐addressable Functions

A series of dithienylethene‐containing triarylboranes has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The electrochemistry, photophysics, and photochromic behavior have also been studied. The photophysical and photochromic properties could be facilely tuned in this system by varying the thiophene spacers (thiophene, thienothiophene, and bithiophene) between the dithienylethene and the dimesitylboron (BMes₂) or the position of the BMes₂ substitution in the thiophene spacers. The absorption of closed form has been found to be more sensitive towards the structural modification upon incorporation of the BMes₂ unit. Moreover, multi‐addressable photochromic reactivity is obtained upon addition of Lewis base (F^?), which is due to the formation of boron–Lewis base adduct. The dependence of the photophysical and photochromic properties on the thiophene spacers and the position of the BMes₂ substitution has been further supported by computational studies.     

Efficient One‐step Synthesis and Properties of Photochromic Diarylethenes Having an Indene Bridging Unit

Two novel isomeric photochromic diarylethenes with an indene bridging unit have been prepared by a simple and efficient one‐step synthesis method. Their properties, including photochromic behavior, fluorescent properties and fatigue resistance, have been investigated. These two isomeric compounds showed photochromic back‐and‐forth reactions with ultraviolet and visible light both in solution and in PMMA film. Their ring‐open forms exhibited appreciable fluorescence, which was quenched by the ring‐closed forms. All results indicated that diarylethenes derivatives with indene‐aryl bridges exhibited rather high fatigue resistance and good thermally irreversible photochromic properties.     

Syntheses, characterization, and photochromic studies of spirooxazine-containing 2,2'-bipyridine ligands and their zinc(II) thiolate complexes

A series of photochromic spirooxazine-containing zinc(II) diimine bis-thiolate complexes were successfully synthesized, and their photophysical and photochromic properties were studied. The X-ray crystal structure of complex 1a has also been determined. Upon excitation by UV light at 330 nm, all the ligands and complexes exhibit photochromic behavior. The thermal bleaching kinetics of the ligands and the complexes were studied in dimethylformamide at various temperatures. The photochemical quantum yields for the photochromic reactions of the ligands and complexes were also determined.     

Syntheses and Photophysical Properties of N‐Pyridylimidazol‐2‐ylidene Tetracyanoruthenates(II) and Photochromic Studies of Their Dithienylethene‐Containing Derivatives

A series of tetracyanoruthenate(II) with chelating pyridyl N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC‐py) was synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties as well as the photochromic behavior of their dithienylethene‐containing complexes were studied. Photocyclization was found to take place upon irradiation into the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands of these complexes, and evidence is provided to support the triplet‐sensitizing reaction pathway.     

Synthesis and properties of novel photochromic bisthienylethenes containing imidazole and imidazolium derivatives

A series of bisthienylethenes containing imidazole and imidazolium derivatives have been prepared and the products have been characterized by means of NMR and MS.Their photochromic and fluorescent switch properties have been investigated by UV–vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra.The fluorescent emissions of these kinds of photochromic compounds can be simply modulated by varying the imidazole groups,which shows that these compounds may have potential application in the design of fluorescent photochromic materials.     

Thermo‐ and Acid‐Responsive Photochromic Spironaphthoxazine‐Containing Organogelators

A series of photochromic spironaphthoxazine derivatives has been designed, synthesized, and characterized by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Their photophysical and photochromic behavior have been investigated. Two of the compounds (G¹²‐en‐SA‐SO and G¹⁶‐en‐SA‐SO) have been shown to be capable of forming stable thermoreversible organogels in organic solvents, tested by the “stable‐to‐inversion of a test tube” method. Addition of p‐toluenesulfonic acid was found to induce the formation of stable organogels at concentrations below that of the critical gelation concentration (c.g.c.), with a concomitant change in color from colorless to purple. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the xerogels showed typical fibrous structures in the micrometer scale. The activation parameters for the bleaching reaction of G⁸‐en‐SA‐SO in the solution state and G¹⁶‐en‐SA‐SO in the gel state have been determined in ethanol through kinetic studies at various temperatures. The results showed that the rate of the bleaching reaction in the gel state was much slower than that in the solution state.     

Photochromic thienylpyridine-bis(alkynyl)borane complexes: toward readily tunable fluorescence dyes and photoswitchable materials

A series of diarylethene-containing N^C chelated thienylpyridine-bis(alkynyl)borane complexes has been designed and synthesized. Their photophysical and photochromic properties have been investigated and presented. The characteristic low-energy absorption band of their closed forms could be readily tuned from the visible range to the near-infrared region.     

Cholesterol‐/Estradiol‐Appended Alkynylplatinum(II) Complexes as Supramolecular Gelators: Synthesis,Characterization, Photophysical and Gelation Studies

A series of cholesterol‐/estradiol‐appended alkynylplatinum(II) complexes with tridentate N‐donor ligands, based on 2,6‐bis(1‐alkylpyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine, has been synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, FAB‐mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Their photophysical properties have also been investigated. Computational studies have been performed to provide insights into the nature of the electronic transitions. Some of the complexes have been found to form stable thermo‐ and mechanoresponsive supramolecular gels.     

Solid‐State Photochromic Behavior and Thermal Bleaching Kinetics of Two Novel Pyrazolone Phenylsemicarbazones

Two novel photochromic compounds, 1,3‐diphenyl‐4‐benzal‐5‐hydroxypyrazole 4‐phenylsemicarbazone ( 1 a ) and 1,3‐diphenyl‐4‐(4‐nitrobenzal)‐5‐hydroxypyrazole 4‐phenylsemicarbazone ( 2 a ), are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FTIR spectroscopy, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Their properties, including photochromic behavior, fluorescence properties, and thermal bleaching kinetics, are investigated. The results show that the two compounds exhibit improved photochromic performance in coloration and thermal bleaching rates, excellent photostability, high fatigue resistance, and reversible fluorescence switching properties in the solid state in comparison to reported pyrazolone thiosemicarbazones. The thermal bleaching process obeys first‐order kinetics. Bleaching of powders at 130 °C is completed within 90 s for 1 b (the colored isomer of 1 a ) and 150 s for 2 b (the colored isomer of 2 a ). The activation energy for the thermal bleaching process is determined to be 69 and 95 kJ mol^?1, with frequency factors of 9.5×10⁷ and 9.4×10¹⁰ s^?1 for 1 b and 2 b , respectively.     

Four-coordinate organoboron compounds with a π-conjugated chelate ligand for optoelectronic applications

Four-coordinate organoboron compounds with a π-conjugated chelate backbone have emerged recently as highly attractive materials for a number of applications including use as emitters and electron-transport materials for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic field transistors, photoresponsive materials, and sensory and imaging materials. Many applications of this class of boron compounds stem from the electronic properties of the π-conjugated chelate backbone. Charge-transfer transitions from an aromatic substituent attached to the boron center of the π-conjugated chelate backbone and steric congestion have also been found to play important roles in the luminescent and photochromic properties of the four-coordinate boron compounds. This article provides an update-to-date account on the application aspects of this important class of compounds in materials science with the emphasis on OLED applications and photochromic switching.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of poly(aryleneethynylene)s bearing dialkylsilyl side substituents

A series of poly(aryleneethynylene)s bearing dialkylsilyl (-SiR₂H) side substituents has been synthesized by Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of 1,4-diethynyl-2,5-bis(dialkylsilyl)benzene and diiodoarylene compounds. Their photophysical properties in solution have been studied. All of the polymers showed intense fluorescence with high quantum yield. Compared with their analogues containing para-phenylene units, the polymers with meta-phenylene units in the main chain showed absorption and emission maxima at shorter wavelengths, whereas the polymers having thiophenylene units in their backbones showed bathochromically shifted spectra. For polymers having the same conjugated parent backbone, silyl substituents have been found to exert negligible effect on their photophysical properties.     

Tuning the Photophysical Properties and Solid‐State Organization of Perfluorophenyl‐functionalized Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]phospholes

A series of perfluorophenyl‐substituted dithienophosphole derivates has been synthesized. Investigation of their photophysical properties, as well as their organization in the solid state reveals that these properties can be manipulated via introduction of bromine substituents in 2,6‐position of the dithienphosphole scaffold, as well as the complexation of the phosphorus center with an electron rich gold(I) fragment. The strongly electron‐withdrawing character of the perfluorophenyl‐group surmounts the effect of the oxidation of the phosphorus center with respect to photophysics, leading to leading to optoelectronic features similar to those of the trivalent phosphole species. The trivalent phosphole species. The solid‐state organization of the members of this perfluorinated dithienophosphole family, on the other hand, strongly depends on the heteroatoms present within the system, as close intermolecular interactions can be observed between varieties of different atoms (Au‐Au, Br‐Br, Br‐O, Br‐C, F‐C, O‐S), next to regular C‐C π‐stacking interactions.     

Toward functional pi-conjugated organophosphorus materials: design of phosphole-based oligomers for electroluminescent devices

The photophysical, electrochemical, and optoelectronic properties of conjugated systems incorporating dibenzophosphole or phosphole moieties are described. Dibenzophosphole derivatives are not suitable materials for OLEDs due to their weak photoluminescence (PL) in the solid state and the instability of the devices. Variation of the substitution pattern of phospholes and chemical modification of their P atoms afford thermally stable derivatives, which are photo- and electroluminescent. Comparison of the optical properties of solution and thin film of thioxophospholes shows that these compounds do not form aggregates in the solid state. This property, which is also supported by an X-ray diffraction study of three novel derivatives, results in an enhancement of the fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state. In contrast, (phosphole)gold(I) complexes exhibit a broad emission in thin film, which is due to the formation of aggregates. Single- and multilayer OLEDs using these P derivatives as the emissive layer have been fabricated. The emission color of these devices and their performances vary with the nature of the P material. Interestingly, di(2-thienyl)thiooxophosphole is an efficient host for the red dopant DCJTB, and devices using the gold complexes have broad emission spectra.     

Synthesis,Photochromism, and Thermal Stability of Two New Diarylethenes Based On Spirobifluorene

Two novel spirobifluorene‐diarylethenes compounds with furan ( 9a ) and thiophen ( 8a ) as heterocyclic aryl groups were successfully synthesized, and their structures were fully characterized with FTIR, NMR, mass spectra (MS), and elemental analysis. Their photochromic properties were examined. The results indicated that they showed good photochromic behaviors in hexane and acetonitrile. The fluorescence emission was quenched along with the photochromism from open ring to closed ring. Large fluorescence emission blue‐shift was clearly observed in polar solvents. Furthermore, the thermal stability of 8a and 9a was greatly improved by introducing spirobifluorene group into the molecules. The 5% loss weight temperature of 9a was 59°C higher than that of 10a without spirobifluorene.