Synthesis, crystal structures, and photochromic properties of 6,6′ or 7,7′ or 6,7′-dimethyl-[2,2′-bi-1H-indene]-3,3′-diethyl-3,3′-dihydroxy-1,1′-diones

New photochromic title compounds 1, 2, and 3 have been prepared starting from 4-methylphthalic anhydride. Compounds 3a and 3b are a pair of enantiomers and were obtained as a racemic mixture (numbered as 3). Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were successfully separated from the isomeric mixture product through fractional crystallization, and their structures are confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. UV–vis absorption and photochromic properties of 1, 2, and 3 have also been investigated. Results reveal that the substituents, even like the simple methyl, on the benzene rings of biindenylidenedione could considerably affect the photochromic property, as well as other properties of this kind of compounds.