Temperature-light dual control of clouding behavior of an oligo(ethylene glycol)-diarylethene hybrid system

A photochromic diarylethene derivative having hexa(ethylene glycol) side chains connected by an amide group was synthesized and the thermo-and the photoresponsive behavior was investigated. The cloud-point temperature was varied in a controlled manner over a range of 23 to 45 degrees C by irradiation with the appropriate wavelength of light (see figure).