Amide- and Urea-Functionalized Dithienylethene: Synthesis, Photochromism, and Binding with Halide Anions

Abstract

A versatile amide- and urea-functionalized dithienylethene has been successfully synthesized. Upon irradiation with UV or visible light, the compound showed excellent fatigue resistance. As a synthetic receptor, the dithienylethene displayed switchable affinities for Cl(-) and Br(-) anions when the UV/vis light was introduced. The switchable binding ability also had good reversibility.