A Suzuki Approach to Quinone-Based Diarylethene Photochromes

Diarylethene
photochromes show promise for use in advanced organic
electronic and photonic materials with burgeoning considerations for
biological applications; however, these compounds typically require
UV light for photoswitching in at least one direction, thus limiting
their appeal. We here introduce a naphthoquinone-based diarylethene
that switches between open and closed forms with visible light. The
synthesis of this quinone diarylethene relies on Suzuki methodology,
allowing for the inclusion of functional groups not otherwise accessible
with current synthetic routes.