| 摘要 |
Novel photochromic and electrochromic hexadiene compounds are described. The compounds are reversibly convertible between ring-open and ring-closed isomeric forms as indicated in structures I(o) and I(c) below. (See formula in original abstract of application) The conversion between the different isomeric forms may be induced by light or electricity. In one embodiment the compounds may include a charge transfer moiety including electron donor and acceptor groups. The electron donor and acceptor are linearly conjugated in the ring-open form to enable electron transfer but are electrically insulated in the ring-closed form. Methods for synthesizing the compounds from photochemically and/or electrically inert precursors are also described. For example, the photoresponsive compounds may be synthesized by reacting diene precursors with dienophiles in a condensation reaction. The compounds may be utilized in reactivity-gated photochromic or electrochromic applications. In one embodiment of the invention, compounds of the invention may be used in a method to selectively release a releasable agent, such as a small molecule. According to this method, a photochemically inert precursor compound is reacted with the releasable agent to form a carrier compound comprising a switching moiety, the switching moiety being reversibly convertible between a thermally unstable form and a thermally stable form. The switching moiety may be selectively converted between the first and second forms to cause controlled release of the releasable agent from the carrier compound.
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