New photochromic diarylethenes including P and Si atoms

Abstract

The preparation of new photochromic diarylcyclopentenes including silicon or phosphorus atom in the pentatomic cycle is described. Starting from butadienes substituted in 2 and 3 positions by thienyl or benzothienyl groups, the targeted molecules have been obtained through a three-step convergent synthesis with relatively good yield. These original structures open a novel area of investigations for this family of compounds which is known for promising applications in the fields of optoelectronic devices and optical memories.