Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, Vol.431, 501-508, 2005
"Electrical" behavior of photochromic compounds
Dithienylethylene unit have been incorporated in a molecular wire. Incorporated in a Self Assembled Monolayer and tested by Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy, the molecule has been shown to have a blinking contrast. Redox properties of model compounds have been explored in order to explain this feature: all molecules can be oxidized and the resulting radical cations may undergo ring closure or opening depending on its substituents.
Keywords:dithienylethylene;electrochemistry;photochromism;switch molecular electronics;scanning tunneling microscopy