Syntheses and UV/Vis Properties of Amino‐Functionalized Fulgimides

Functionalized fulgimides are regarded as a promising class of photochromic compounds for modulating the structure and function of biomolecules. A new synthetic route to fulgimides bearing amino‐functionalized substituents at the imide nitrogen atom has been developed. The synthesis of the fulgimides has been achieved by base‐catalyzed cyclization of phenacyl esters of the succinamic acids derived from fulgides and N‐Boc‐protected alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted diamines with triethylamine or tert‐butyllithium. The UV/Vis spectroscopic data and the photochromic properties of these new compounds have been studied. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)