A multi-photo responsive photochromic dithienylethene containing coumarin derivative

A complex photochromic diarylethene derivative containing photo-responsive coumarin groups was synthesized by an efficient method. The dimerization of coumarin groups and photochromism of diarylethene can be controlled respectively to produce the four corresponding states, which were verified by ¹H NMR, fluorescent, UV–vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. This compound gives a unique example for the controllable switch of both optical properties and chemical composition by light and chemical stimuli.