Modulation of the photochromic property in an organoboron-based diarylethene by a fluoride ion

Organoboron-based diarylethene was successfully synthesized and exhibited photochromic property. Furthermore, its photochromic property can be modulated by a fluoride ion. The absorption maximum of the photostationary state shifted from 655 to 490 nm upon addition of a fluoride ion. The modulation mechanism is attributed to the special Lewis acid-base interaction between a trivalent boron atom and a fluoride ion.