Synthesis and Spectrokinetic Studies of a New Family of Photochromic 2H‐Chromenes (=2H‐1‐Benzopyrans): Dimethyl 6‐Aryl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene‐7,8‐dicarboxylates

A series of dimethyl 6‐aryl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene‐7,8‐dicarboxylates were synthesized, and the photochromic properties of this new family of dimethyl‐2H‐chromenes were studied under continuous irradiation. The presence of the methoxycarbonyl groups was shown to stabilize the colored forms. This stabilization depended on the solvent, and in two cases the formation of long‐lived opened forms was observed. Under irradiation with a mercury lamp, this family of 2H‐chromenes showed a strong resistance to photodegradation.