Photochromic properties of diarylethene derivatives having chryso[b]thiophene rings

Diarylethene derivatives having one or two chryso[b]thiophene ring(s) have been synthesized. In solution the derivatives underwent photochromism and the derivative with one chryso[b]thiophene ring exhibited photochromism even in the single crystalline phase. The color of the UV irradiated single crystal changed from blue to green by rotation the sample under polarized light.