An organic photochromic compound: (2S)‐2′‐ethoxy‐1,3,3‐trimethyl‐6′‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)spiro[indoline‐2,3′‐3′H‐naphtho[2,1‐b][1,4]oxazine]

In the course of our synthesis of hybrid photochromic compounds, the unexpected new organic photochromic title compound, C₂₉H₃₃N₃O₂, (I), was obtained. It is a derivative of the parent spirooxazine 1,3,3‐trimethyl‐6′‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)spiroindoline‐2,3′‐3′H‐naphtho2,1‐b]1,4]oxazine], (II). The 2′‐ethoxy group gives (I) different photochromic properties from its parent spirooxazine (II).