Dichroic-photochromic 2h-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran compounds and devices

Abstract

A naphthopyran compound represented by the formula Band Bare selected independently from the group consisting of a phenyl, naphthyl, or heterocyclic aromatic group, or may combine to form one or more aromatic rings. Band Bmay further include one or more substituents. R, R, R, R, and Rare selected independently from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, —R, —OH, —OR, —O—CO—R, —CN, —NO, —SOR, —SOR, —SH, —SR, —NH, —NHR, —NRR, or —NRR; or wherein Rand Rcombine to form a cyclic group. Rmay include an alkyl, polycycloalkyl, alkenyl, polyalkenyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkynyl, polyalkynyl, hydroxyalkynyl, polyhydroxyalkynyl; or (C)cycloalkyl group. Rand Rmay include hydrogen or alkyl groups, or may combine to form a saturated heterocyclic group, or together with an adjacent phenyl group may form a julolidinyl group. Ris a mesogenic group. And the naphthopyran, which may be referred to as a dichroic-photochromic compound, may be incorporated into an optical article.