Photo- and Ionochromic Diarylethenes with Receptor Fragments in the Thiazole Bridge

Diarylethenes containing coumarin and thiophene substituents in the thiazole bridge and quinoline receptor fragments have been synthesized. 2-Chloroquinoline diarylethenes have afforded colored cyclic hexadiene forms under UV irradiation, which have undergone reverse isomerization when exposed to visible light. 2-Hydroxyquinoline diarylethenes have been found nonphotochromic. The ionochromic effects of interaction with fluoride anions as well as copper(II) and nickel(II) cations have been studied.