Direct and Divergent Solid-Phase Synthesis of Azobenzene and Spiropyran Derivatives

Here, we report a solid-phase approach
to synthesize azobenzene
and spiropyran derivatives. The divergent synthesis process requires
no purification steps to obtain the desired product with a 28–55%
yield, depending on the specific compound. For the spiropyran compounds,
solid-phase resin cleavage is performed under mild conditions to minimize
spiropyran ring opening. The solid-phase method enables the synthesis
of a library of azobenzene and spiropyran derivatives without the
need to develop purification strategies for each derivative.