Multiresponsive Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adduct: Opportunities Arise from a Diamine Donor

Abstract

A new donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct based on a <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>,<i>N'</i>-trimethylethylenediamine donor has been reported. An unprecedented isomer has been isolated, and rich conversions between three isomers have been achieved upon visible-light irradiation or base/acid stimuli. The drastic color change associated with structural conversion has been utilized to selectively sense volatile primary amines as well as high-charged hard Lewis acids (Sc³⁺, Ti⁴⁺, Cr³⁺, and Al³⁺).