Constructing visible light-activatable luminogens with multiresponsive functions via a site-blocking design

Photoswitches exhibiting large structural variation, visible light responsiveness, and multifunctionality are important for both chemistry and bionics research. However, beyond the limited variety of functional motifs, removing high-energy UV light in photoactivatable systems remains a challenge. Herein, we report a series of chromone-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens, which can undergo both amination with propylamine to trigger luminescence change and multistage photorearrangement under green light irradiation at the same active site. Experimental and theoretical studies elucidate the reaction pathways, the inertness to UV light, and the thermal regulation in the E-isomer. Accordingly, practical applications for sophisticated information storage, including colored quick response codes and an advanced encryption system are fabricated. This work thus paves an easy yet effective way for constructing visible light-activated luminogens and advances fundamental understanding and functional innovation of multifunctional systems.