Synthesis and application of reversible fluorescent photochromic molecules based on tetraphenylethylene and photochromic groups

Abstract

Tetraphenylethylene-naphthopyran (TPE-NP) and tetraphenylethylene-spirooxazine (TPE-SO) with conjugated photochromic groups and fluorophores were designed and synthesized. Both of them exhibit the comprehensive effects of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and photochromism while different photochromic groups lead to a unique photochromic rate and fluorescence intensity. Among them, TPE-NP has significant photochromic and fluorescence effects with good stability. Therefore, it could be used as an anti-counterfeiting ink and is expected to be used in fluorescence switches in the future.