Intramolecular [4 + 4] photocycloaddition reactions of the photochromic compounds, 3,4-bis(9-anthrylmethylene)tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dione and its 5-dicyanomethylene derivative
Abstract
The red and the purple photochromic title compounds undergo intramolecular [4 + 4] photocycloaddition reactions on irradiation with white light to form pale yellow and colourless adducts, respectively, which undergo the reverse reactions thermally or on exposure to ultraviolet light.