Near-infrared photochromic behavior in a donor-acceptor type diarylethene modulated by the cyanide anion

Two new near-infrared (NIR) photochromic compounds, containing both electron-donating (D) and accepting groups (A), have been developed and their NIR photochromic and fluorescence performances can be modulated by the cyanide anion. Such a colorimetric cyanide sensor has been achieved based on this donor-photochromic bridge-acceptor system.