Synthesis and photochromic properties of oxime derivatives of 2,3-diarylcyclopent-2-en-1-ones.

A wide range of new oxime-based photochromic diarylethenes of the cyclopentenone series have been synthesized. Their spectral properties have been investigated in detail upon UV/vis light irradiation in acetonitrile solution, and distinct correlations between photochromic characteristics and substance structures are revealed. It was found that the introduction of an oxime group into the cyclopentene ring has a significant influence on the switching characteristics-primarily on the thermal stability, and a series of thermally stable oxime-based photochromic diarylcyclopentenones have been prepared.

Regio- and chemoselective bromination of 2,3-diarylcyclopent-2-en-1-ones.

The bromination of 2,3-diarylcyclopent-2-en-1-ones under various conditions has been studied. It was found that depending on the brominating reagent and nature of solvent the bromine atom can be introduced at the 4- or 5-position of the ethene "bridge", as well as into the aryl moieties. Aryl group bromination is accomplished with such reagents as molecular bromine, N-bromosuccinimide, or tetrabutylammonium tribromide.