Synthesis and optical properties of photochromic perinaphthothioindigo

(1,2-naphtho)(1,8-naphtho)thioindigo (PNT) has been synthesized following a simple Friedel–Crafts route and its photochemical properties in toluene and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) have been characterized. PNT is a photochromic molecule capable of reversible photoisomerization between a yellow form (cis-PNT, λ_max = 484 nm) and a purple form (trans-PNT, λ_max = 595 nm). The stable purple form converts to the yellow form with a trans-PNT to cis-PNT conversion quantum yield of 0.027 in toluene and 0.062 in PMMA. The unstable yellow form exhibits a cis-PNT to trans-PNT quantum efficiency of conversion of 0.27–0.85 in toluene and 0.17–0.68 PMMA, with highest conversion efficiency occurring in the vicinity of its λ_max of 484 nm. trans-PNT has a strong fluorescence quantum yield, 0.14 (toluene) and 0.16 (PMMA). For samples prepared photochemically in the cis-PNT form, slow thermal relaxation to the trans form occurs in the dark, with a half life of about 17 h in toluene (25 °C) and even slower, 168 h, in PMMA. The property of photoswitching between fluorescent and non-fluorescent forms makes this material a candidate for many applications in imaging and data storage.