Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Spirooxazine Dye

Abstract

A novel bifunctional photochromic compound 2 based on spirooxazine and cinnamoyl moiety was synthesized by esterification reaction. Its structure was characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The compound was proved by UV testing to have excellent photochromic properties both in organic solvents and polymer films when irridiated with high pressure Hg lamp. The acidichromism phenomenon of compound 2 was studied too. No significant fluorescence emission of compound 2 was observed in EtOH solution before and after irradiation. Under the acidic condition or irradiation with 150 W Xe lamp, The ethanol solution of compound 2 exhibits a good fluorescence respectively. The ethanol solution of compound 2 exhibits obvious fluorescence emission. After irradiating the acidic solution, new fluorescence emission can be observed. The emission change modulated by acid or light offers compound 2 to be potential as a new fluorescent molecular switch.