Synthesis and Characterizations of Bis-Spiropyran Derivatives

Abstract

We synthesized three different derivatives of bis-spiropyran using simple organic reactions with high yields. BSP1, a derivative of bis-spiropyran having a connection at the position 6' and BSP2, a derivative of bis-spiropyran having a connection at the position 5 and BSP3, a derivative of bis-spiropyran containing a dithienylethene group between two spiropyran moieties were synthesized. The optical properties of BSPs were characterized. UV-Vis spectra showed that BSPs exhibit reversible photo-isomerization and the efficiency of photo-isomerization is highly dependent on the position of nitro group. BSPs having nitro group at para position of hydroxy group showed the higher efficiency of photo-isomerization that the one having nitro group at ortho position. The optical microscope images obtained under ultraviolet or visible light exposure demonstrated that the formation of nanorods can be reversibly controlled by optical signal.