Photochromism of Asymmetrical Diarylethenes with a Pyrrole Unit: Effects of Aromatic Stabilization Energies of Aryl Rings

Four novel asymmetrical diarylethenes with a pyrrole and a variable aryl unit have been synthesized. Their crystal structures and photochromic performance were systematically studied to elucidate the effects of the aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) of aryl units. Experimental results showed that their thermal stability as well as cyclization quantum yield, photoconversion ratio, fluorescence modulation efficiency, and fatigue resistance exhibited a strong correlation with ASE.

已成功合成四种兼具吡咯与可变芳基单元的新型不对称二芳基乙烯类化合物。为阐明芳基单元的芳香稳定能（aromatic stabilization energy, ASE）对该类化合物的影响，本研究系统表征了其晶体结构与光致变色性能。实验结果显示，该类化合物的热稳定性、环化量子产率、光转换率、荧光调制效率及抗疲劳性能，均与ASE呈现显著的强相关性。