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    photoresponsive diarylethenes

    Diarylethene chromophores undergo reversible ring-closing and ring-opening reactions when exposed to two different colours of light.

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    colour-changing compounds

    Ultraviolet light converts dithienylethene chromophores from colourless to coloured forms. The colour depends on the conjugation.

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    colour-blended polymers

    Mixed co-polymers of photoresponsive chromophores can be 'blended' to obtain a range of colours.

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    patterning with colour
    Photoresponsive polymers can be patterned when cast as thin films and exposed through mask.
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    controlling structure & function
    It is not just the colour that changes when diarylethenes are exposed to light. Other electronic and steric properties can be modulated.

  • for example
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    controlling catalysis & reactivity
    Small molecule mimics of important enzyme cofactors can be modulated using light to control catalysis.