Photochromic properties of 1,2-bis(6-substitute-2-methyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethene derivatives

1,2-Bis(1-benzofuran-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene derivatives having iodo, phenyl, 2,4-diphenylphenyl, nitro, and formyl substituents at the 6 position of the benzofuran ring were synthesized. The photoreactivities of these compounds were studied in terms of the measured quantum yields and the conversions in the photostationary state. The mono- and bis-2,4-diphenylphenyl derivatives showed photochromism in an amorphous phase.