Colour change functional dyes based on cross-conjugated donor-acceptor chromophores

Some chromophores that can undergo a pronouncend colour change when acted upon an extenal agency, such as light, heat, pH, or chemical agents, have many potential applicationa as functional dyes. They may be used as indicators, optical sensors, biochemical probes, optical and thermal recording materials. The results will investigate donor-acceptor chromophores which have the potential for such colour change processes. In particular, cross-conjugated donor-acceptor chormophores, analogous to indigo and squarylium-type chromophores, will be examined for pH sensitizing and for their oxidation-reduction colour change behaviour.