Dual-controlled dithienylmaleimide switch containing ferrocene units

A novel photochromic dithienylmaleimide (TMF) appended with two ferrocene units was synthesized from 2,3-bis(5-bromo-2-methylthiophen-3-yl)fumaronitrile. Its photochromic properties, electrochemical properties and magnetism were studied. Both fluorescence emission and redox potential were reversibly changed accompanying the open and closed-ring photoisomerization of TMF with UV/vis light irradiation and electrochemical redox. TMF may be used for fluorescent switch and electrochemical switch controlled by both light and electrochemical redox.