Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals
Published on: May 29, 2018
Photochromism of diarylethene single crystals: crystal structures and photochromic performance
Masakazu Morimoto1, Masahiro Irie
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
Abstract:
Diarylethenes undergo thermally irreversible and fatigue-resistant photochromic reactions not only in solution but also in the single-crystalline phase. This article describes recent development of the single-crystalline photochromism of diarylethene derivatives. We focused on the relationship between their crystal structures and the photochromic performance. Photocyclization/cycloreversion quantum yields, absorption spectra, the absorption anisotropies, and surface morphology changes are strongly dependent on the conformations and packing structures of the molecules in the crystals.
More Related Videos
06:08Time-resolved Photophysical Characterization of Triplet-harvesting Organic Compounds at an Oxygen-free Environment Using an iCCD Camera
Published on: December 27, 2018
12:51A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles
Published on: November 14, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Woodward–Fieser Rules
Determination of Crystal Structures
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.