Spiro benzopyran-naphthopyrans

Spirofindoline-benzopyrans], spiro[indoline-naphthopyrans], and spiro[indo-line-naphthoxazines] can rather readily undergo electron-transfer processes in either direction i.e they can be readily oxidized and reduced. Because the presence of nitro groups in their molecular framework normally enhances the photochromaticity of these compounds, several combined electrochemical and EPR studies have been carried out on a variety of mono- and dinitro-substituted spiroindolinic photochromes.52 56-60... 

Activation energies for the ring opening and for the ring closure of spiro[indoline-benzopyrans] 67-76, spiro[indoline-naphthopyrans] 77-79, and spiro[oxaindane-pyrans] 4, 80 and 81 have been studied in amorphous vitreous state.50... 

The photochromic compounds of potential interest, based on the 2//-chromene ring system, are the 2//-benzopyrans (1.18) or the three isomeric naphthopyrans (1.19-1.21). However, 2H-naphtho[2,3-( ]pyrans (1.21) show little or no useful photochromic behaviour and can be discounted from any further discussion. Although R and can be part of a carbocyclic spiro ring, they are more commonly unconnected substituents such as gem dialkyl or aryl groups. 

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