Studies on Synthesis and Photochromism of a Novel Class of Fulgimide: (Z)-4-Oxazolylfulgimide

A novel class of fulgimide, (Z)‐4‐oxazolylfulgimide ((Z)‐1‐benzyl‐4–isopropylidene‐3–[1–(2–aryl‐5–methyl‐oxazolyl)ethylidene]tetrahydropyrrole‐2, 5–dione), was synthesized by the reaction of (Z)‐4–oxazolyl fulgide (4–isopropylidene‐3–[1–(2–aryl‐5–methyloxazolyl)ethylidene]tetrahydrofuran‐2, 5–dione) with benzyl amine. Photochromic property of (Z)4–oxazolylfulgimide was studied. Compared with (Z)‐4–oxazolylfulgide, the absorption maximum of the colored form of (Z)‐4–oxazolylfulgimide is bathochromic‐shifted. Substituents on the aryl ring affect the absorption maximum of the open form and the colored form of (Z)‐4‐oxazolylfulgimide.