Photochromic and electrochromic compounds and methods of synthesizing and using same
US7777055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03H2260/52
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to novel photochromic and electrochromic monomers and polymers based on 1,2-dithienylcyclopentene derivatives and method of using and synthesizing same. The compounds are reversibly interconvertible between different isomeric forms under suitable photochromic or electrochromic conditions. The electrochromic conversion may be catalytic. The application also relates to ultra-high density homopolymers prepared using ring-opening methathesis polymerization (ROMP) where the central ring of the 1,2-bis(3-thienyl)-cyclopentene is incorporated directly into the polymer backbone. The monomer units may be readily functionalized to enable the synthesis of polymers with diverse structural and electronic properties. The compounds have many potential applications including high-density optical information storage systems, photoregulated molecular switches, reversible holographic systems, ophthalmic lenses, actinometry and molecular sensors, photochromic inks, paints and fibers and optoelectronic systems such as optical waveguides, Bragg reflectors and dielectric mirrors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.