Synthesis and photochromic reaction of 1,2‐diphenylperfluorocyclopentenes

Abstract

Abstract The synthesis and photochromic reaction of 1,2‐diphenylperfluorocyclopentenes are reported. Upon UV irradiation, hexane solutions of 1,2‐diphenylperfluorocyclopentenes afforded red solution of dihydrophenanthrenes, which gradually give the initial 1,2‐diphenylperfluorocyclopentenes at room temperature thermally or under irradiation with visible light. The activation energies for the thermal isomerization of the dihydrophenanthrenes are estimated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.