Thermodynamics and kinetics of protonated merocyanine photoacids in water

Key Points

• This research aims to understand the behavior of protonated merocyanines in water and their potential as photoacids.
• Conducted cross-validation using 1H NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pH measurements.
• Developed a four-state model to describe photoacid behavior during light/dark cycles.
• Demonstrated protonated merocyanines can act as reversible photoacids.
• The behavior can be effectively represented by a four-state model.