•Spiropyran-4',6'-dicarbonylazide molecules were synthesized.•The synthesized spiropyrans were covalently functionalized to the MWCNTs in a tight rigid connection mode.•Functionalized spiropyran to CNTs without employing the key functional group for the automerization of spiropyran.Three spiropyran-4′,6′-dicarbonylazide molecules were synthesized for the covalent functionalization of the multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a more straight and rigid connection mode without employing the key functional group for the automerization of spiropyran. The well solubility of MWCNTs and the solution stability were estimated in water and a series of common non-aqueous organic solvents. Spectroscopic properties have also been investigated.Download high-res image (165KB)Download full-size image

•A detailed preparation and characterization of sulfonyl-containing new spiropyrans.•The satisfactory negative photochromic properties and fatigue resistance of the compound.•The study on the influence of substituents on the photochromic properties of spiropyrans.A series of sulfonyl-containing spiropyrans exhibiting negative photochromism were designed and synthesized. The prepared compounds show more stability for the brightly colored state in the dark-adapted than the colorless state under visible irradiation. Negative photochromic properties and fatigue resistance of these compounds in solution were confirmed by UV spectroscopy with time variation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, NMR and variable-time absorption spectra studies suggest that the negative photochromism of the compounds involved a ring-opening spiro CO bond cleavage of the spiropyran followed by an intramolecular proton transfer.A series of sulfonyl-containing spiropyrans exhibiting negative photochromism were designed and synthesized. The photochromic properties and fatigue resistance of these compounds in solution were investigated in detail by UV spectroscopy with time variation. The influence of substituents on the photochromic properties of these spiropyrans has been studied.

A novel intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based dual emission coumarin-alkyne derivative was rationally designed and applied to the fluorescent ratiometric detection of Au3+ ions for the first time. The probe shows a good sensitivity, selectivity and fast-response to Au3+ ions.

A novel intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based dual emission coumarin-alkyne derivative was rationally designed and applied to the fluorescent ratiometric detection of Au3+ ions for the first time. The probe shows a good sensitivity, selectivity and fast-response to Au3+ ions.