Synthesis, characterization and photochromic studies of spirooxazine-containing 2,2'-bipyridine ligands and their rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes

A series of spirooxazine-containing 2,2'-bipyridine ligands and their rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes has been designed and synthesized, and their photo-physical, photochromic and electrochemical properties have been studied. The X-ray crystal structures of two of the complexes have been determined. Detailed studies showed that the emission properties of the complexes could readily be switched through photochromic reactions.