Photochromic and Thermochromic Anils

摘要

The anils of salicylaldehyde comprise a chemical system which exhibits the properties of solid-slate photochromism and ihermochromism, and therefore are interesting for practical applications. In this paper the topochemical factors responsible for these properties are explored, together with the mechanism of the photochromic process and the nature of the colored anil molecule. For a better understanding of these problems the search incorporates solution and flash photolysis studies. Finally, new developments in which anils are used in different matrices like polymers, Langrnuir-Blodgett films and cyclodextrins are reviewed, together with a number of potential applications.