Extension of the π-system of monoaryl-substituted norbornadienes with acetylene bridges: influence on the photochemical conversion and storage of light energy.

The photochromic norbornadiene/quadricyclane pair is a promising system for molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage, with which solar energy may be converted, stored, and released as heat in one integral molecular system. Herein, we present the synthesis of mono-, bis-, and tris-norbornadiene derivatives with alkynylbenzene and alkynylnaphthalene core units, along with studies of their photochemical properties. The target compounds were synthesized by Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reactions of 2-bromonorbornadiene and the corresponding arylacetylenes.