The use of spirooxazine based materials has become of increasing interest due to their excellent photostability, compatibility in a variety of matices, and distinctive changes in structure and absorption spectra upon irradiation.  In this work, the synthesis, photochromism, and application of conjugated spirooxazine dimers are discussed.  The two spirooxazine monomers are connected so that the structure produced has a fixed angle between the two monomers therefore acting as an ionic cavity for interactions with guest molecules. The photochromic reactions of the dimers are studied under continuous UV irradiation in solvents of different polarity. The photomerocyanine isomers show positive solvatochromism. The thermal closing rate at 25oC varied depending on the compound and solvent.  To effectively utilize photochromic properties, dimers were coupled onto varying polymeric substrates.  Preliminary results of the photo-switchable surfaces indicate potential use as stimuli responsive materials for selective recognition

Synthesis, characterization, and solvent-independent photochromism of spironaphthooxazine dimers

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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