Effect of Counter Anions of Liquid-Crystalline Viologens on the Photo-Induced Reduction.

Abstract

One-electron reduction of viologens, which are typical electrochromic molecules, proceed by irradiation with UV light. In this study, liquid-crystalline (LC) viologens having dodecyl group and bulky counter anions were synthesized and their photoreaction was explored. The DMF solution of the viologens changed from colorless to blue upon UV irradiation. In the films, the one-electron reduction reaction was confirmed at above 80℃, which is temperature range of LC.