An electrochemical color-switchable RGB dye: tristable [2]catenane

J Am Chem Soc. 2005 Nov 23;127(46):15994-5. doi: 10.1021/ja0431298.

Abstract

We propose a design for an electrochemically driven RGB dye based on a tristable [2]catenane, in which the color of the molecule can be switched between Red, Green, and Blue by merely changing voltage. Based on DFT calculations, we conclude that the tristable [2]catenane should consist of a CBPQT4+ ring interlocked with a polyether macrocyle containing DNP (red), TTF (green), and FBZD (blue) units as the tunable RGB color-generating donors. Thus, at controllable voltages 0, V1, and V2, the [2]catenane is expected to display green, blue, and red colors, respectively. The advent of these RGB tristable molecules may have potential applications in low cost paperlike electronic displays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anthracenes / chemistry*
  • Color*
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polycyclic Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anthracenes
  • Coloring Agents
  • Polycyclic Compounds
  • catenane