A Photoswitchable Donor–π‐Linker–Acceptor System Based on a Modified Hexatriene Backbone

Photoresponsive hexatrienes, in which a donor–π-linker–acceptor motif can be reversibly created and broken (see Figure), are synthesized using a versatile approach. Photoinduced ring closing forces a reversible change in hybridization of one of the carbons connecting the donor to the acceptor group, resulting in the breaking of the linear π-conjugation. One particular derivative has interesting electronic properties of potential use in optoelectronics.