Cation-active photochromic molecular swithches based on acylated enamino ketones of benzo[b]thiophene series

Abstract

Benzo-12-crown-4-containing 2-(N-acyl-N-arylaminomethylidene)benzo[b]thiophene-3(2H)-ones possess the properties of molecular switches based on the photo-initiated Z/E-isomerization with respect to the exocyclic C=C bond followed by a fast thermal N→O migration of the acyl groups (φ 0.19–0.22). In the presence of lithium cation whose diameter suits the best the cavity of 12-crown-4 ether an efficient complex formation is observed resulting in essential growth of the quantum yields of the N→O migration of the acyl groups (φ 0.58–0.63).