Synthesis and Photochromism of Dihetarylethenes and Spiro Compounds based on Thiophene Derivatives

ABSTRACT Different types of diarylethenes bearing thiophene derivatives were synthesized by a short way and its photchromic properties were examined. It has been demonstrated for the first time that the photochromism of diarylcyclobutenediones depends on aryl substituents and dithienylcyclobutenediones in contrast to the annulated thiophene derivatives of cyclobutenedione, do not exhibit photochromic properties. An efficient approach for the synthesis of spiro compounds of the thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole series was developed starting from easily accessible substituted thienylhydrazine.