An investigation of the electronic spectral properties of the coloured photoproducts derived from some photochromic naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans

Robert M. Christie, John D. Hepworth, Christopher D. Gabbutt, Shirley Rae

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Some chromenes are of current interest as photochromic dyes. The results of PPP molecular orbital calculations, after refinement by parameter optimisation, were found to provide a reasonable account of the experimental λmax values for the ring-opened photoproducts formed from a range of substituted naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans. The agreement between experimental and calculated values was less good for two compounds, but this may be explained on the basis of steric constraints which are likely to reduce molecular planarity. The electronic structure of one of the photoproducts and the nature of the electronic excitation process are discussed in terms of the calculated π-electron charge densities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)339-346
Number of pages8
JournalDyes and Pigments
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 1997
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An investigation of the electronic spectral properties of the coloured photoproducts derived from some photochromic naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this