We describe a photoswitchable DNA-based dimeric dye that visibly changes fluorescence from green to blue upon UV irradiation. An unusual bis-alkyne-dependent [2+2+2] cycloaddition with oxygen is proposed as a mechanism for the color change. The photoinduced structural switching results in spatial separation of stacked pyrene units, thereby causing selective bleaching of the excimer band. We demonstrate and suggest several applications for this novel photoswitch.

Color-change photoswitching of an alkynylpyrene excimer dye

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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