FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to photochromic compounds, such as photochromic indolenaphthopyran
compounds, and photochromic compositions and photochromic articles that include such
photochromic compounds.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Photochromic compounds undergo a transformation from one state (or form) to another
state in response to certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., "actinic
radiation"). Each state has a characteristic absorption spectrum. For example, many
photochromic compounds transform from an unactivated (e.g., bleached or substantially
colorless) state to an activated (e.g., tinted) state upon exposure to actinic radiation.
When the actinic radiation is removed, the photochromic compounds reversibly transform
from the activated state back to the unactivated state.
[0003] Photochromic compounds can be characterized with regard to various properties, such
as but not limited to: fade rate; change in optical density (ΔOD); the change in optical
density (ΔOD) at saturation; sensitivity (ΔOD/Min); the efficiency at which the photochromic
compound absorbs radiation required to activate the photochromic compound (chromaticity);
bleach color; and dichroic properties such as in the case of photochromic-dichroic
compounds, which can be quantified with regard to absorption ratio (AR) values. The
change in optical density measures the change from the unactivated state to the activated
state.
[0004] The indolenaphthopyrans of the present invention provide improved bleach color. For
example, placement of an aromatic group on the bridgehead nitrogen significantly improves
the bleach color and specific substitutions on said aromatic ring further improves
the bleach color compared to naphthopyrans of the prior art. In addition, indolenaphthopyrans
generally have more color than their indeno-fused naphthopyrans counterparts in the
unactivated state. By selecting specific substituents, the color discrepancy can be
improved.
[0005] It would be preferred that a photochromic lens would be as clear as a non-photochromic
lens of the same material in the unactivated state. Typically non-tinted substrates
have a transmission greater than 89% and color a* and b* values less than 1 respectively.
Introduction of photochromic compounds onto coatings or into the substrate typically
lead to lower transmission and higher color a* and b* values due to residual activation
of the chromene. Therefore the residual color of the unactivated state of the photochromic
compounds can affect the overall properties of the product and is visible to eye care
providers and consumers.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide a photochromic compound having enhanced bleach color
for improved color and aesthetics. For example, it would be desirable to provide new
photochromic indolenaphthopyran compounds with such features.
[0007] US 6,392,043 B2 discloses certain photochromic [indole]naphthopyran compounds and methods for their
preparation.
[0008] JP 2003 277381 A describes a chromene compound useful as a photochromic material and optical materials
using this chromene compound.
[0009] JP 2000 229974 A relates to a novel chromene compound having an indole ring cyclocondensed to a naphthopyran
ring as a basic structure and methods for preparing the chromene compound.
SUMMARY
[0010] A photochromic compound comprises a core skeletal structure represented by the following
Formula (I),

wherein R
1 and R
2 each independently have a steric bulk A, and at least one of R
1 or R
2 has a steric bulk A of at least 0.6; R
3 and R
4 each independently have a Hammett σ
p value; and the compound has a calculated electronic steric factor of at least -3.3.
[0011] The features that characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims, which are annexed to and form a part of this disclosure. These and
other features of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the following detailed description
in which non-limiting embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a general scheme, Scheme 1, of an exemplary method for preparing
photochromic compounds of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] As used herein, the articles "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
otherwise expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.
[0014] As used herein, the term "includes" is synonymous with "comprises."
[0015] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood
to encompass any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated
range or ratio of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges
between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that
is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending
with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8,
and 5.5 to 10.
[0016] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, left-to-right representations of linking
groups, such as divalent linking groups, are inclusive of other appropriate orientations,
such as, but not limited to, right-to-left orientations. For purposes of non-limiting
illustration, the left-to-right representation of the divalent linking group

or equivalently -C(O)O-, is inclusive of the right-to-left representation thereof,

or equivalently -O(O)C- or -OC(O)-.
[0017] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification
and claims are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about".
By "about" is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as
plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered
as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.
[0018] As used herein, molecular weight values of polymers, such as weight average molecular
weights (Mw) and number average molecular weights (Mn), are determined by gel permeation
chromatography using appropriate standards, such as polystyrene standards.
[0019] As used herein, the term "polymer" means homopolymers (e.g., prepared from a single
monomer species), copolymers (e.g., prepared from at least two monomer species), and
graft polymers.
[0020] As used herein, the term "(meth)acrylate" and similar terms, such as "(meth)acrylic
acid ester" means derivatives of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, inclusive of acrylate
esters, methacrylate esters, acrylamides, methacrylamides, acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid. As used herein, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" means methacrylic acid and/or
acrylic acid.
[0021] The photochromic compounds of the present invention are, with some embodiments, also
referred to herein as photochromic-dichroic compounds (such as, when they include
one or more mesogen-containing groups, such as L
1).
[0022] The photochromic compounds of the present invention, as described herein, including,
but not limited to, photochromic compounds represented by Formula (I), Formula (Ia),
and Formula (Ib), in each case can optionally further include one or more coproducts,
resulting from the synthesis of such compounds.
[0023] As used herein, the term "photochromic" and similar terms, such as "photochromic
compound" means having an absorption spectrum for at least visible radiation that
varies in response to absorption of at least actinic radiation. Further, as used herein
the term "photochromic material" means any substance that is adapted to display photochromic
properties (such as, adapted to have an absorption spectrum for at least visible radiation
that varies in response to absorption of at least actinic radiation) and which includes
at least one photochromic compound.
[0024] As used herein, the term "actinic radiation" means electromagnetic radiation that
is capable of causing a response in a material, such as, but not limited to, transforming
a photochromic material from one form or state to another as will be discussed in
further detail herein.
[0025] As used herein, the term "dichroic" means capable of absorbing one of two orthogonal
plane polarized components of at least transmitted radiation more strongly than the
other.
[0026] As used herein, the term "photochromic-dichroic" and similar terms, such as "photochromic-dichroic
compound", means possessing and/or providing both photochromic properties (i.e., having
an absorption spectrum for at least visible radiation that varies in response to at
least actinic radiation), and dichroic properties (i.e., capable of absorbing one
of two orthogonal plane polarized components of at least transmitted radiation more
strongly than the other).
[0027] As used herein, and unless stated otherwise or otherwise limited, the term "photochromic
material" includes thermally reversible photochromic materials and compounds and non-thermally
reversible photochromic materials and compounds. The term "thermally reversible photochromic
compounds/materials" as used herein means compounds/materials capable of converting
from a first state, for example a "clear state", to a second state, for example a
"colored state", in response to actinic radiation, and reverting back to the first
state in response to thermal energy. The term "non-thermally reversible photochromic
compounds/materials" as used herein means compounds/materials capable of converting
from a first state, for example a "clear state", to a second state, for example a
"colored state", in response to actinic radiation, and reverting back to the first
state in response to actinic radiation of substantially the same wavelength(s) as
the absorption(s) of the colored state (e.g., discontinuing exposure to such actinic
radiation).
[0028] As used herein, to modify the term "state", the terms "first" and "second" are not
intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but instead refer to two
different conditions or properties. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, the
first state and the second state of a photochromic compound can differ with respect
to at least one optical property, such as but not limited to the absorption of visible
and/or UV radiation. Thus, according to various non-limiting embodiments disclosed
herein, the photochromic compounds of the present invention can have a different absorption
spectrum in each of the first and second state. For example, while not limiting herein,
a photochromic compound of the present invention can be clear in the first state and
colored in the second state. Alternatively, a photochromic compound of the present
invention can have a first color in the first state and a second color in the second
state.
[0029] As used herein, the term "optical" means pertaining to or associated with light and/or
vision. For example, according to various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein,
the optical article or element or device can be chosen from ophthalmic articles, elements
and devices; display articles, elements and devices; windows; mirrors; or active and
passive liquid crystal cell articles, elements and devices.
[0030] As used herein, the term "ophthalmic" means pertaining to or associated with the
eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include corrective
and non-corrective lenses, including single vision or multi-vision lenses, which can
be either segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but not limited
to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses and progressive lenses), as well as other elements
used to correct, protect, or enhance (cosmetically or otherwise) vision, including
without limitation, contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective
lenses or visors.
[0031] As used herein, the term "display" means the visible or machine-readable representation
of information in words, numbers, symbols, designs or drawings. Non-limiting examples
of display elements include screens, monitors, and security elements, such as security
marks.
[0032] As used herein, the term "window" means an aperture adapted to permit the transmission
of radiation there-through. Non-limiting examples of windows include automotive and
aircraft transparencies, windshields, filters, shutters, and optical switches.
[0033] As used herein, the term "mirror" means a surface that specularly reflects a large
fraction of incident light.
[0034] As used herein, the term "liquid crystal cell" refers to a structure containing a
liquid crystal material that is capable of being ordered. A non-limiting example of
a liquid crystal cell element is a liquid crystal display.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "formed over", "deposited over", "provided over", "applied
over", "residing over", or "positioned over" mean formed, deposited, provided, applied,
residing, or positioned on but not necessarily in direct (or abutting) contact with
the underlying element, or surface of the underlying element. For example, a layer
"positioned over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other
layers, coatings, or films of the same or different composition located between the
positioned or formed layer and the substrate.
[0036] As used herein, recitations relating to ring positions such as, but not limited to,
position-x (e.g., position-3 or position-13) means a particular position in the ring
structure, such as the core skeletal structure, of a chemical compound, such as the
indolenaphthopyran photochromic compounds of the present invention, and which are
depicted herein in accordance with some embodiments by numbers within the ring structures
of representative chemical formulas such as, but not limited to Formulas (I), (Ia),
and/or (Ib).
[0037] By "core skeletal structure" is meant a compound comprising at least the skeletal
structure depicted in the associated Formula. The core skeletal structure is provided
for purposes of identifying numbered ring positions. However, it is to be understood
that, unless specifically shown to the contrary, the core skeletal structure(s) can
have one or more atoms or one or more groups (not specifically illustrated on the
corresponding Formula) bonded to one or more of the numbered ring positions on the
core skeletal structure, which can be the same or different from one another.
[0038] The photochromic compounds of the present invention are referred to herein with reference
to the term "core skeletal structure," which can be represented by one or more formulas,
such as but not limited to Formulas (I), (Ia), and/or (Ib).
[0039] "Aryl group" refers to an aromatic cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon radical, and the
term "aromatic" refers to a cyclically conjugated hydrocarbon with a stability (due
to delocalization) that is significantly greater than that of a hypothetical localized
structure. Examples of aryl groups include C
6-C
14 aryl groups, such as, but not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl, and anthracenyl.
[0040] As used herein, recitations of "halo substituted" and related terms (such as, but
not limited to, haloalkyl groups, haloalkenyl groups, haloalkynyl groups, haloaryl
groups and halo-heteroaryl groups) means a group in which at least one, and up to
and including all of the available hydrogen groups thereof is substituted with a halo
group. The term "halo-substituted" is inclusive of "perhalo-substituted". As used
herein, the term perhalo-substituted group and related terms (such as, but not limited
to, perhaloalkyl groups, perhaloalkenyl groups, perhaloalkynyl groups, perhaloaryl
groups or perhalo-heteroaryl groups) means a group in which all of the available hydrogen
groups thereof are substituted with a halo group. For example, perhalomethyl is -CX
3; perhalophenyl is -C
6X
5, where X represents one or more halo groups, such as, but not limited to F, Cl or
Br.
[0041] As used herein, recitations of "linear or branched" groups, such as linear or branched
alkyl, are herein understood to include: groups that are linear (or "straight chain"),
such as linear C
1-C
25 alkyl groups; and groups that are appropriately branched, such as branched C
3-C
25 alkyl groups.
[0042] The term "alkyl" as used herein means linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C
1-C
25 alkyl. Linear or branched alkyl can include C
1-C
25 alkyl, such as C
1-C
20 alkyl, such as C
2-C
10 alkyl, such as C
1-C
12 alkyl, such as C
1-C
6 alkyl. Examples of alkyl groups from which the various alkyl groups of the present
invention can be selected from, include, but are not limited to, those recited further
herein. Alkyl groups can include "cycloalkyl" groups. The term "cycloalkyl" as used
herein means groups that are appropriately cyclic, such as, but not limited to, C
3-C
12 cycloalkyl (including, but not limited to, cyclic C
5-C
7 alkyl, or cyclic C
3-C
10 alkyl) groups. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, those
recited further herein. The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein also includes: bridged
ring polycycloalkyl groups (or bridged ring polycyclic alkyl groups), such as, but
not limited to, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl (or norbornyl) and bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl; and fused
ring polycycloalkyl groups (or fused ring polycyclic alkyl groups), such as, but not
limited to, octahydro-1H-indenyl, and decahydronaphthalenyl.
[0043] The term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein means groups that are appropriately cyclic,
such as, but not limited to, C
2-C
12 heterocycloalkyl groups, such as C
5-C
7 heterocycloalkyl groups, such as C
2-C
10 heterocycloalkyl groups, and which have at least one hetero atom in the cyclic ring,
such as, but not limited to, O, S, N, P, and combinations thereof. Examples of heterocycloalkyl
groups include, but are not limited to, imidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl
and piperidinyl. The term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein, also includes: bridged
ring polycyclic heterocycloalkyl groups, such as, but not limited to, 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl;
and fused ring polycyclic heterocycloalkyl groups, such as, but not limited to, octahydrocyclopenta[b]pyranyl,
and octahydro-1H-i sochromenyl.
[0044] The term "heteroaryl", as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, C
3-C
18 heteroaryl, such as, but not limited to, C
3-C
10 heteroaryl (including fused ring polycyclic heteroaryl groups) and means an aryl
group having at least one hetero atom in the aromatic ring, or in at least one aromatic
ring in the case of a fused ring polycyclic heteroaryl group. Examples of heteroaryl
groups include, but are not limited to, furanyl, pyranyl, pyridinyl, isoquinoline,
and pyrimidinyl.
[0045] As used herein, the term "fused ring polycyclic-aryl-alkyl group" and similar terms
such as fused ring polycyclic-alkyl-aryl group, fused ring polycyclo-aryl-alkyl group,
and fused ring polycyclo-alkyl-aryl group means a fused ring polycyclic group that
includes at least one aryl ring and at least one cycloalkyl ring that are fused together
to form a fused ring structure. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, examples
of fused ring polycyclic-aryl-alkyl groups include, but are not limited to indenyl,
9H-flourenyl, cyclopentanaphthenyl, and indacenyl.
[0046] The term "aralkyl", as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, C
6-C
24 aralkyl, such as, but not limited to, C
6-C
10 aralkyl, and means an alkyl group substituted with an aryl group. Examples of aralkyl
groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl and phenethyl.
[0047] Representative alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl and decyl. Representative alkenyl groups include, but are not limited
to, vinyl, allyl and propenyl. Representative alkynyl groups include, but are not
limited to, ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, and 2-butynyl. Representative
cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl,
cyclohexyl, and cyclooctyl substituents. Representative heterocycloalkyl groups include,
but are not limited to, imidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl and piperidinyl.
Representative aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracynyl,
phenanthrenyl, and tetracenyl (including structural isomers thereof). Representative
heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, furanyl, pyranyl, pyridinyl, isoquinolinyl,
and pyrimidinyl. Representative aralkyl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl
and phenethyl.
[0048] The term "nitrogen-containing heterocycle", as used herein, includes, but is not
limited to, a nitrogen-containing ring wherein the nitrogen-containing ring is bonded
through a ring nitrogen. Examples of nitrogen-containing heterocycles include, but
are not limited to, cyclic aminos, such as morpholino, piperidino, and pyrrolidino;
and heteroaromatics, such as imidazole, pyrrole, indole, and carbazole.
[0049] As used herein, recitations of "substituted" group, means a group including, but
not limited to, alkyl group, heterocycloalkyl group, aryl group, and/or heteroaryl
group, in which at least one hydrogen thereof has been replaced or substituted with
a group that is other than hydrogen, such as, but not limited to, alkoxy groups; halo
groups (e.g., F, Cl, I, and Br); hydroxyl groups; thiol groups; alkylthio groups;
arylthio groups; ketone groups; aldehyde groups; ester groups; carboxylic acid groups;
phosphoric acid groups; phosphoric acid ester groups; sulfonic acid groups; sulfonic
acid ester groups; nitro groups; cyano groups; alkyl groups (including aralkyl groups);
alkenyl groups; alkynyl groups; haloalkyl groups; perhaloalkyl groups; heterocycloalkyl
groups; aryl groups (including alkaryl groups, including hydroxyl substituted aryl,
such as phenol, and including poly-fused-ring aryl); heteroaryl groups (including
poly-fused-ring heteroaryl groups); amino groups, such as -N(R
11')(R
12') where R
11' and R
12' are each independently selected, for example, from hydrogen, alkyl, heterocycloalkyl,
aryl, or heteroaryl; carboxylate groups; siloxane groups; alkoxysilane groups; polysiloxane
groups; amide groups; carbamate groups; carbonate groups; urea groups; polyester groups;
polyether groups; polycarbonate groups; polyurethane groups; acrylate groups; methacrylate
groups; nitrogen-containing heterocycles; or combinations thereof, including those
classes and examples as described further herein.
[0050] As used herein, "at least one of" is synonymous with "one or more of', whether the
elements are listed conjunctively or disjunctively. For example, the phrases "at least
one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" each mean any one of A, B, or
C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, A alone; or B
alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.
[0051] As used herein, "selected from" is synonymous with "chosen from", whether the elements
are listed conjunctively or disjunctively. Further, the phrases "selected from A,
B, and C" and "selected from A, B, or C" each mean any one of A, B, or C, or any combination
of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or
A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.
[0052] The discussion of the invention may describe certain features as being "particularly"
or "preferably" within certain limitations (e.g., "preferably", "more preferably",
or "even more preferably", within certain limitations). It is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses
the entire scope of the disclosure.
[0053] The invention comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of, the following aspects
of the invention, in any combination.
[0054] The present invention according to Formula I, Formula Ia, and/or Formula Ib combines
the steric effect of the functional groups R
1 and R
2 with the electronic effects of the R
3 and R
4 groups to give an acceptable color expressed as Delta E
%T. Delta E
%T relates the percent transmission (%T), the a* values, and b* values of the unactivated
photochromic layer to that of the transparent substrate (T
∗0, a
∗0, b
∗0) according to Equation 1.

[0055] The lower the Delta E
%T value, the less tint and color the sample possesses, in this case in the unactivated
state. The relationship of the steric effects of R
1 and R
2 with electronic effects of R
3 and R
4 can be expressed and predicted by the electronic-steric factor (ESF) according to
Equation 2.

[0056] The relative strength of electron donor groups is frequently described by Hammett
Sigma values, or σ
p values. The more negative the Hammett Sigma value, the more colored the unactivated
state can appear. It has been found that steric bulk in specific positions can overcome
this undesired coloration. The steric bulk required to overcome the residual unactivated
color increases as the electron donating strength increases (i.e., the Hammett Sigma
value gets more negative).
[0057] As can be seen from Equation 2, the electronic-steric factor (ESF) is calculated
from the sum of literature Hammett values for R
3 and R
4 (multiplied by 10 to generate comparable units) and the sum of the literature steric
A values of R
1 and R
2. A list of Hammett σ
p values for various substituents can be found in
C. Hansch, A. Leo, and R.W. Taft, "A Survey of Hammett Substituent Constants and Resonance
and Field Parameters", Chem. Rev., 1991, 91, 165-195, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Hammett σ
p values for selected substituents of the present invention, for example, include those
listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1 -
Hammett σρ Values for Selected Substituents
| Substituent |
σp value |
Substituent |
σp value |
| -H |
0 |
-Phenyl |
-0.01 |
| -CH3 |
-0.17 |
-NHCOOEt |
-0.15 |
| -OCH3 |
-0.27 |
-F |
0.062 |
| -N(CH3)2 |
-0.84 |
-Cl |
0.23 |
| -Morpholino |
-0.65 (est) |
-SCH3 |
0.0 |
| -OCOMe |
0.31 |
-SPh |
0.07 |
| -COOC2H5 |
0.45 |
-CN |
0.66 |
| -OH |
-0.37 |
-CF3 |
0.54 |
[0058] A list of steric A values for various substituents can be found in
Gordon, Arnold J. Ford, Richard A., "Chemist's Companion - A Handbook of Practical
Data, Techniques, and References - 3.3 Conformational Free Energy Values", 1972, John
Wiley & Sons, 156-157, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Steric A values for selected
substituents of the present invention, for example, include those listed in Table
2 below.
Table 2 - Steric A Values for Selected Substituents
| Substituent |
A value (kcal/mol) |
Substituent |
A Value (kcal/mol) |
| Hydrogen |
0 |
Ethyl |
1.75 |
| Fluorine |
0.15 |
Isopropyl |
2.15 |
| Chlorine |
0.43 |
Trifluoromethyl |
2.1 |
| Bromine |
0.38 |
Cyclohexyl |
2.15 |
| Methoxy |
0.60 |
Phenyl |
3 |
| Methyl |
1.70 |
t-Butyl |
>5 |
[0059] Referring to Equation 1, a lower Delta E
%T can be achieved by increasing the steric bulk of R
1 and R
2 or by incorporating less electron donating R
3 and R
4 groups. In many cases it is desirable to use stronger donating R
3 and R
4 groups to provide faster fade rates and to alter the absorption spectra of the activated
chromene. Increasing the ESF value lowers the Delta E
%T, and thus improves bleach state color. That is, the greater the ESF value, the better
the bleach color of the photochromic compound. When the ESF is greater than -3.3,
the Delta E
%T becomes acceptable (less than 7) for a photochromic product which employs the photochromic
compound. A preferred Delta E
%T for a photochromic compound, for example, is less than 3.5, such as less than 3,
such as less than 2.5, or such as less than 2.
[0060] The photochromic compounds according to the present invention can be represented
by one or more of the core skeletal structures described below. Each available numbered
ring position (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and/or 17) of the core skeletal structure
of Formula (I) can have covalently bonded thereto hydrogen or a group other than hydrogen,
for example, such as a group described herein. Examples of such groups are described
below.

[0061] With reference to Formula (I), R
1 and R
2 each independently have a steric bulk A, and at least one of R
1 or R
2 has a steric bulk A of at least 0.6. Examples of groups from which R
1 and R
2 can be selected include, but are not limited to, alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy,
and butoxy; linear or branched alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl,
and neopentyl; perfluorinated alkyl such as trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl;
cycloalkyl such as cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl; and aryl such as phenyl.
[0062] R
3 and R
4 each independently have a Hammett σ
p value ranging from of - 0.84 to 0.23. Any substituent with a Hammett value within
the recited range may be used provided the combined steric value A of R
1 and R
2 is sufficient to overcome the combined Hammett values to satisfy the calculated electronic
steric factor (ESF) requirement described above.
[0063] The indolenaphthopyran compound of Formula (I) has a calculated electronic steric
factor of at least -3.3. For example, the indolenaphthopyran compound can have a calculated
electronic steric factor of at least 0.
[0064] At least one of R
1 and R
2 can each independently be alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.
For example, at least one of R
1 or R
2 can be methyl, ethyl, butyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, or methoxy. Both R
1 and R
2 can be the same group. At least one of R
3 and R
4 can each independently be hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, or a nitrogen-containing
heterocycle. For example, at least one of R
3 or R
4 can be methoxy or trifluoromethyl.
[0065] Additionally or alternatively, the photochromic compounds of the present invention
can be represented by the core skeletal structure of Formula (Ia):

[0066] With reference to Formula (Ia), R
1, R
2, R
3, and R
4 are as previously described with respect to Formula (I).
[0067] With further reference to Formula (Ia), m is 0 to 4, n is 0 to 4, and R
5 independently for each m and R
6 independently for each n are hydroxyl; cyano; (meth)acrylate; amino or nitrogen-containing
heterocycle; a mesogen-containing group L
1; substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl; substituted
or unsubstituted alkynyl; a halo group; a perhalo group; boronic ester or boronic
acid; polyether, polyester, polycarbonate, or polyurethane; substituted or unsubstituted
aryl; substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted
heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy or substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy;
substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio or substituted or unsubstituted arylthio; ketone,
aldehyde, ester, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, or amide; carbonate, carbamate, or
urea; or siloxane, alkoxysilane, or polysiloxane. Each alkyl substituent, each alkenyl
substituent, each alkynyl substituent, each aryl substituent, each heterocycloalkyl
substituent, each heteroaryl substituent, each alkoxy substituent, each aryloxy substituent,
each alkylthio substituent, and each arylthio substituent is in each case independently
selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl,
heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, hydroxyl, alkylthio, ketone, aldehyde,
ester, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, siloxane, alkoxysilane, polysiloxane, amide,
amine, carbamate, carbonate, urea, polyester group, polyether group, polycarbonate
group, polyurethane group, an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, aryl amine, alkyl
amine, cyclic aminos, heteroaromatics, or combinations thereof.
[0068] For example, R
1 can be trifluoromethyl, R
2 can be trifluoromethyl or hydrogen, and R
3 and R
4 can be hydrogen.
[0069] With further reference to Formula (Ia), each mesogen-containing group L
1 can independently be represented by the following Formula (II),
Formula (II) -[S
1]
c-[Q
1-[S
2]
d]
d'-[Q
2-[S
3]
e]
e'-[Q
3-[S
4]
f]
f'-R
Q
1, Q
2, and Q
3 for each occurrence, are independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting
of unsubstituted aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and substituted
cycloalkyl. The aryl substituents and cycloalkyl substituents can each independently
be selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal mesogens, halogen, alkyl,
alkoxy, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylthio, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy,
aryloxycarbonyloxy, perfluoroalkyl, and perfluoroalkoxy. With further reference to
Formula (II), c, d, e, and f are each independently an integer of 0 to 3; and each
S
1, S
2, S
3, and S
4 is independently chosen for each occurrence from a spacer unit selected from the
group consisting of: (i) -C(Z)
2-, -N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z)-, -C(Z)=N-, wherein Z for each occurrence is independently selected
from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; (ii) -Si(CH
3)
2-, -Si(CH
3)
2O-; and (iii) -O-, - C(=O)-, -C≡C-, -N=N-, -S-, -S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)O-,
-O(O=)S(=O)O-, provided that when two spacer units comprising heteroatoms are linked
together the spacer units are linked so that heteroatoms are not directly linked to
each other. With further reference to Formula (II), R is alkyl. With further reference
to Formula (II), d', e' and f are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, provided that
the sum of d' + e' + f' is at least 1.
[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the photochromic compounds of the present invention
can be represented by the core skeletal structure of Formula (Ib):

[0071] With reference to Formula (Ib), R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4 R
5, and R
6 are as previously described with respect to Formulas (I) and/or (Ia).
[0072] With further reference to Formula (Ib), R
7 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, and a nitrogen-containing
heterocycle.
[0073] As used herein, the term "polysiloxane" such as with regard to substituents of various
groups of the photochromic compounds of the present invention, includes a material
represented by the following Formula (G):

[0074] With reference to Formula (G), subscript t' is from 2 to 200, such as from 2 to 100,
or 2 to 50, or from 2 to 25, or from 2 to 15, or from 2 to 10, or from 2 to 5, in
each case inclusive of the recited values. With further reference to Formula (G):
R
32 and R
33, for each t', are each independently selected from alkyl or aryl; and R
34 is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl. With some embodiments: R
32 and R
33 for each t', are each independently selected from methyl, ethyl, or phenyl; and R
34 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, or phenyl.
[0075] As used herein, the term "polysiloxane" such as with regard to substituents of various
groups of the photochromic compounds of the present invention, alternatively to or
in addition to a material represented by Formula (G), includes a material represented
by the following Formula (H):

[0076] With reference to Formula (H), subscript u' is 0-2 and subscript x' is 1-3, provided
that u' + x' is 3; and subscript v' is 0-2 and subscript w' is 1-3, provided that
v' + w' is 3. With further reference to Formula (H), R
35 independently for each u', R
36 independently for each v' and each x', and each R
37 independently for each w' and each x', are in each case independently selected from
alkyl (such as, but not limited to, methyl or ethyl) or aryl (such as, but not limited
to, phenyl).
[0077] With some embodiments, the photochromic compounds of the present invention, such
as those described with reference to Formulas (I), (Ia) and/or (Ib) can each be used
alone, or in combination with one or more other photochromic compounds. For example,
the photochromic compounds of the present invention can be used in conjunction with
one or more other photochromic compounds having activated absorption maxima within
the range of 300 to 1,000 nanometers. Further, the photochromic compounds according
to the present invention can be used in conjunction with one or more complementary
conventional polymerizable or compatiblized photochromic compounds, such as for example,
those disclosed in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,113,814 (at col. 2, line 39 to col. 8, line 41), and
6,555,028 (at col. 2, line 65 to col. 12, line 56).
[0078] The photochromic compounds of the present invention can be used in combination with
a mixture of other photochromic compounds. For example, although not limiting herein,
mixtures of photochromic compounds can be used to attain certain activated colors,
such as a near neutral gray or near neutral brown. See, for example,
U.S. Patent No. 5,645,767, col. 12, line 66 to col. 13, line 19, which describes the parameters that define
neutral gray and brown colors.
[0079] Examples of classes of other photochromic compounds that can be used in combination
with the photochromic compounds of the present invention, include, but are not limited
to, indeno-fused naphthopyrans, naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans, naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans, phenanthrenopyrans,
quinolinopyrans, fluoroanthenopyrans, spiropyrans, benzoxazines, naphthoxazines, spiro(indoline)naphthoxazines,
spiro(indoline)pyridobenzoxazines, spiro(indoline)fluoranthenoxazines, spiro(indoline)quinoxazines,
fulgides, fulgimides, diarylethenes, diarylalkylethenes, diarylalkenylethenes, thermally
reversible photochromic compounds, and non-thermally reversible photochromic compounds,
and mixtures thereof. Further examples of other photochromic compounds that can be
used in combination with the photochromic compounds of the present invention include,
but are not limited to, those disclosed at column 34, line 20 through column 35, line
13 of
US 9,028,728 B2.
[0080] The indolenaphthopyran compounds of the present invention can be prepared in accordance
with art-recognized methods as follows. For purposes of non-limiting illustration
and with reference to FIG. 1, general synthetic Scheme 1, the preparation of photochromic
compounds according to the present invention is described as follows. Further detailed
descriptions of the preparation of photochromic compounds of the present invention
are provided further herein in the Examples. In FIG. 1, the various groups, such as
R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4, R
5, R
6, R
aryl, and R
alkyl of the various intermediates, reactants, and/or compounds depicted, are each as described
herein, and/or represent precursors of such groups.
[0081] The synthesis of compounds depicted below as Formula III has been described in numerous
references such as
US 6,296,785 or
US 7,262,295, with varying substituents.

The hydroxyl group and the carboxylic acid group can be benzylated by reacting with
benzyl chloride and a base such as sodium or potassium carbonate. The carboxylic ester
that is formed can then be converted to the carboxylic acid by either acid or basic
methods for ester hydrolysis. The resulting product is depicted below as Formula IIIa.

The carboxylic acid group can then be converted to an NH
2 group via Curtius rearrangement conditions using diphenyl phosphorylazide which generates
the isocyanate group followed by hydrolysis to yield the amine group, as depicted
below in Formula IIIb.

The amine group is converted to an indole by first forming the picolinamide group
by traditional amide forming reactions such as reacting the amine with acid chlorides,
esters, or carboxylic acid groups. Reaction of the amine with picolinoyl chloride
with a base such as triethylamine gives the picolinamide, as depicted in Formula IIIc,
in high yields. The picolinamide can be cyclized to the indole, as depicted in Formula
IIId, by use of a copper catalyst as described in
Takumatso, K. et al. Org. Lett. 2014, 16, 2892. See reaction depicted below.

The indole ring as depicted in Formula IIId can also be formed by reacting the amine
of Formula IIIb with Tosyl (Ts) chloride or anhydride to form a N-Ts group, as depicted
in Formula IIIe. This group can be cyclized with palladium catalyst as described in
Youn, S. W. Org. Lett. 2011, 13, 3738. See reaction depicted below.

Alternatively, the amino group of Formula IIIb can be converted to an azide group,
as depicted in Formula IIIf, by forming the diazonium salt under Sandmeyer conditions
followed by displacement with a salt of azide such as sodium azide. The indole group
of Formula IIId can then be formed by exposure to UV light in a solvent such as THF.
See reaction depicted below.

The indole group can be arylated, as depicted in Formula IIIg, by cross coupling reactions
with transition metal catalysts and aryl halides. Ullmann coupling methodology with
a copper catalyst is common method to perform this transformation. See reaction depicted
below.

The indole can also be arylated as depicted in Formula IIIg via nucleophilic aromatic
substitution, such as by reaction with an aryl fluoride in a suitable solvent such
as tetrahydrofuran or dimethylformamide.
The benzyl protecting group can be removed by palladium hydrogenation conditions or
with a strong acid. See reaction depicted below, where Formula IIIg refers to an indole
substituted with any R
4 as described herein, and the deprotected product is shown in Formula IIIh.

The indole-fused naphthol depicted in Formula IIIh can then be reacted with aryl propargyl
alcohols under acidic conditions to yield indole-fused naphthopyrans, as depicted
in Formula Ia. See reaction depicted below.

[0082] In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a photochromic composition,
which includes at least one photochromic compound according to the present invention,
such as those represented by Formula (I), (Ia), and/or (Ib) as described previously
herein.
[0083] The photochromic composition can include (i) an organic material, in which the organic
material is at least one of a polymeric material, an oligomeric material, or a monomeric
material; and (ii) a photochromic compound according to the present invention, which
is incorporated into at least a portion of the organic material. The photochromic
compound can be incorporated into a portion of the organic material by methods including,
but not limited to, at least one of blending or bonding the photochromic compound
with the organic material or a precursor of the organic material. As used herein with
reference to the incorporation of photochromic compounds into an organic material,
the terms "blending" and "blended" mean that the photochromic compound/material is
intermixed or intermingled with the at least a portion of the organic material, but
not bonded to the organic material. Further, as used herein with reference to the
incorporation of photochromic compounds into an organic material, the terms "bonding"
or "bonded" mean that the photochromic compound/material is linked, such as by one
or more covalent bonds, to a portion of the organic material or a precursor thereof.
For example, although not limiting herein, the photochromic material can be linked
to the organic material through a reactive substituent.
[0084] When the organic material is a polymeric material, the photochromic compound can
be incorporated into at least a portion of the polymeric material or at least a portion
of the monomeric material or oligomeric material from which the polymeric material
is formed. For example, photochromic compound(s) according to the present invention
that have a reactive substituent can be bonded to an organic material such as a monomer,
oligomer, or polymer having a group with which a reactive moiety may be reacted, or
the reactive moiety can be reacted as a co-monomer in the polymerization reaction
from which the organic material is formed, for example, in a co-polymerization process.
[0085] As discussed above, the photochromic compositions according to present invention
can include an organic material chosen from a polymeric material, an oligomeric material
and/or a monomeric material, with some embodiments. Examples of polymeric materials
that can be used with the photochromic compositions of the present invention include,
but are not limited to: poly(carbonate), copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate;
copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol; copolymers of ethylene, vinyl acetate, and
vinyl alcohol (such as those that result from the partial saponification of copolymers
of ethylene and vinyl acetate); cellulose acetate butyrate; poly(urethane); poly(acrylate);
poly(methacrylate); epoxies; aminoplast functional polymers; poly(anhydride); poly(urea
urethane); N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide functional polymers; poly(siloxane); poly(silane);
and combinations and mixtures thereof. Further classes and examples of polymeric materials
that can be used with the photochromic compositions of the present invention include,
but are not limited to, those disclosed at column 39, line 45 through column 40, line
67 of
US 9,028,728 B2.
[0086] The photochromic composition of the present invention can include at least one of,
a complementary photochromic material (including one or more of those other photochromic
materials and compounds described previously herein), a photoinitiator, a thermal
initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a solvent, a light stabilizer, a heat stabilizer,
a mold release agent, a rheology control agent, a leveling agent, a free radical scavenger,
and/or an adhesion promoter.
[0087] The photochromic composition according to the present invention can be a photochromic
coating composition. Photochromic coating compositions of the present invention can
include: a photochromic compound according to the present invention, such as described
previously herein with regard to Formulas (I), (Ia), and/or (Ib); a resin composition
that is optionally curable; and optionally a solvent. The photochromic coating composition
can be in the form of art-recognized liquid coatings and powder coatings. The photochromic
coating compositions of the present invention can be thermoplastic or thermosetting
coating compositions. The photochromic coating composition can be a curable or thermosetting
coating composition.
[0088] The curable resin composition of the curable photochromic coating compositions according
to the present invention can include: a first reactant (or component) having functional
groups, e.g., an epoxide functional polymer reactant; and a second reactant (or component)
that is a crosslinking agent having functional groups that are reactive towards and
that can form covalent bonds with the functional groups of the first reactant. The
first and second reactants of the curable resin composition of the curable photochromic
coating composition can each independently include one or more functional species,
and are each present in amounts sufficient to provide cured photochromic coatings
having a desirable combination of physical properties, e.g., smoothness, optical clarity,
solvent resistance, and hardness.
[0089] Examples of curable resin compositions that can be used with the curable photochromic
coating compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited
to: curable resin compositions including epoxide functional polymer (e.g., (meth)acrylic
polymers containing residues of glycidyl (meth)acrylate) and epoxide reactive crosslinking
agent (e.g., containing active hydrogens, such as hydroxyls, thiols and amines); and
curable resin compositions including active hydrogen functional polymer (e.g., hydroxy,
thiol, and/or amine functional polymer) and capped (or blocked) isocyanate functional
crosslinking agent. By "capped (or blocked) isocyanate functional crosslinking agent"
is meant a crosslinking agent having two or more capped isocyanate groups that can
decap (or deblock) under cure conditions (e.g., at elevated temperature) to form free
isocyanate groups and free capping groups. The free isocyanate groups formed by decapping
of the crosslinking agent are preferably capable of reacting and forming substantially
permanent covalent bonds with the active hydrogen groups of the active hydrogen functional
polymer (e.g., with the hydroxy groups of a hydroxy functional polymer). Further examples
of curable resin compositions that can be used with the curable photochromic coating
compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, those
disclosed in: paragraphs [0176] through [0190] of
WO 2016/142496 A1; and paragraphs [0005], [0037] through [0051], [0056] through [0059], and [0063]
through [0065] of
WO 2017/030545 A1.
[0090] Curable photochromic coating compositions according to the present invention can,
optionally, contain additives such as waxes for flow and wetting, flow control agents,
e.g., poly(2-ethylhexyl)acrylate, adjuvant resin to modify and optimize coating properties,
antioxidants and ultraviolet (UV) light absorbers. Examples of useful antioxidants
and UV light absorbers include those available commercially from BASF under the trademarks
IRGANOX and TINUVIN. These optional additives, when used, are typically present in
amounts up to 20 percent by weight (e.g., from 0.5 to 10 percent by weight), based
on total weight of resin solids of the curable resin composition.
[0091] Photochromic compositions, photochromic articles and photochromic coating compositions
according to the present invention can further include art-recognized additives that
aid or assist in the processing and/or performance of the compositions or articles.
Non-limiting examples of such additives include photoinitiators, thermal initiators,
polymerization inhibitors, solvents, light stabilizers (such as, but not limited to,
ultraviolet light absorbers and light stabilizers, such as hindered amine light stabilizers
(HALS)), heat stabilizers, mold release agents, rheology control agents, leveling
agents (such as, but not limited to, surfactants), free radical scavengers, adhesion
promoters (such as hexanediol diacrylate and coupling agents), and combinations and
mixtures thereof.
[0092] The photochromic compounds of the present invention can be used in amounts (or ratios)
such that the compositions, organic material or substrate (e.g., photochromic articles
and photochromic coatings) into which the photochromic compounds are incorporated
or otherwise connected exhibits desired optical properties. The amount and types of
photochromic material can be selected such that the composition, organic material
or substrate is clear or colorless when the photochromic compound is in the closed-form
(e.g., in the bleached or unactivated state), and can exhibit a desired resultant
color when the photochromic compound (such as a photochromic indolenaphthopyran of
the present invention) is in the open-form (e.g., when activated by actinic radiation).
The precise amount of the photochromic material that is utilized in the various photochromic
compositions and articles described herein is not critical provided that a sufficient
amount is used to produce the desired effect. The particular amount of the photochromic
material used can depend on a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, the
absorption characteristics of the photochromic compound, the color and intensity of
the color desired upon activation, and the method used to incorporate or connect the
photochromic material to the substrate. Photochromic compositions according to the
present invention can include the photochromic compound according to the present invention,
including the compounds represented by Formula (I), (Ia), or (Ib), in an amount of
from 0.01 to 40 weight percent, such as from 0.05 to 15 weight percent, such as from
0.1 to 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the photochromic composition. For
purposes of further non-limiting illustration, the amount of the photochromic compound/material
including the compounds represented by Formula (I), (Ia), or (Ib) that is incorporated
into an organic material can range from 0.01 to 40 weight percent, such as from 0.05
to 15 weight percent, such as from 0.1 to 5 weight percent, based on the weight of
the organic material.
[0093] The present invention also relates to photochromic articles that include one or more
photochromic compounds according to the present invention, such as represented by
Formula (I), (Ia), or (Ib). The photochromic articles can be prepared by art-recognized
methods, such as by imbibition methods, cast-in-place methods, coating methods, in-mold
coating methods, over-mold methods, and lamination methods.
[0094] For example, the photochromic articles can be selected from ophthalmic articles,
display articles, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles, and passive
liquid crystal cell articles.
[0095] For example, the photochromic articles of the present invention can be ophthalmic
articles, and the ophthalmic articles can be selected from corrective lenses, non-corrective
lenses, contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, magnifying lenses, protective lenses,
and visors.
[0096] For example, the photochromic articles of the present invention can be display articles,
and the display articles can be selected from screens, monitors, and security elements.
[0097] Such photochromic articles, e.g., photochromic lenses, can transition from a first
unactivated state (e.g., clear and non-blue blocking state) to a second activated
state (e.g., colored and blue-blocking state) upon exposure to actinic radiation.
The articles revert back to the first unactivated (and clear) state upon removal of
the actinic radiation source. Thus, the photochromic articles according to the present
invention provide enhanced protection from health risks associated with blue light
exposure during outdoor activity, while maintaining acceptable aesthetics indoors.
[0098] The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples, which
are intended as illustrative only, since numerous modifications and variations therein
will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
EXAMPLES
[0099] The following examples are provided to illustrate photochromic compounds of the invention,
particularly the improved bleach color of photochromic compounds of the invention.
Part 1 provides descriptions of the synthesis of photochromic compounds of the invention.
Part 2 provides an evaluation of the photochromic performance of the photochromic
compounds of the invention versus comparative photochromic compounds.
Part 1: Synthesis of photochromic compounds
Example 1
[0100]

Step 1
[0101] While stirring under nitrogen, benzophenone (84.0 g, 461 mmol) and dimethyl succinate
(80.84 g, 553 mmol) were dissolved in toluene (1.0 L). Potassium t-pentoxide (1.7
M in toluene, 352.5 mL, 599 mmol) was added dropwise over 2 hours at room temperature.
After 20 hours, water (1.5 L) was added to the reaction mixture and the layers were
allowed to separate. The organic phase was discarded. The aqueous phase was extracted
with toluene (1 × 200 ml) and organic phase was discarded. The aqueous phase was acidified
with 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 4 and the solution became turbid. The product
was isolated by extracting the mixture with ethyl acetate (3 x 300 ml). The organic
layers were combined, dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.
The resultant solid was washed with hexanes, collected and dried under vacuum to give
132.8 g (97% yield) of a colorless powder.

Step 2
[0102] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 1 (132.8 g, 448.2 mmol) was
combined with acetic anhydride (254.2 mL, 2.69 mol) and toluene (250 ml) and heated
to reflux. After 16 hours, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced to
pressure and the resultant oil was precipitated in hexanes to give an off-white solid.
The solid was collected and dried to give 125.5 g (88% yield).

Step 3
[0103] The product from Step 2 (150 g, 468 mmol) was suspended in methanol (400 ml) with
stirring. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 ml) was added to the suspension and the
reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 2 hours. Once complete, the reaction mixture
was allowed to cool to room temperature and sit without stirring for 50 hours as the
product recrystallized. The crystals were collected and dried to give complete conversion
(130 g).

Step 4
[0104] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 3 (130 g, 467 mmol) was dissolved
in anhydrous dimethylformamide (400 ml). Potassium carbonate (130 g, 934 mmol) was
suspended in the mixture followed by the slow addition of benzyl chloride (71.0 g,
560 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 75°C for 16 hours. Once cool, the reaction
mixture was slowly poured into ice water and extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 500
ml). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine (2 x 300 ml), dried with
sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was washed
with methanol, collected and dried under vacuum to give a colorless solid (155.4 g,
90% yield).

Step 5
[0105] The product from Step 4 (155.4 g, 422 mmol) was suspended in 2-propanol (300 ml)
with stirring. Sodium hydroxide solution (10% w/w in water, 300 ml) was added and
the reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 18 hours. Once cool, the reaction mixture
was poured into an acidic ice water bath (pH 3-4) to form a colorless precipitate.
The powder was collected and dried to give 148.9 g (99% yield).

Step 6
[0106] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 5 (149.1 g, 421 mmol) was suspended
in anhydrous toluene (800 ml). Triethylamine (111 g, 1.1 mol) and absolute ethanol
(100 ml) were added dissolving the suspension. Diphenylphosphoryl azide (174 g, 632
mmol) was added portion-wise to the reaction mixture that exothermed to reflux on
its own accord and heat was added to reflux for a total of 2 hours. Once cool, the
reaction mixture was added to water (1.5 L) and ethyl acetate (500 ml) and the layers
were separated. The organic layer was washed with water (3 × 1 L), dried with sodium
sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a reddish oil that was used
without further purification.

Step 7
[0107] The resultant oil from Step 6 was dispersed in tetrahydrofuran (600 ml), ethanol
(400 ml) and water (1.1 L) with sodium hydroxide (86 g, 2.2 mol). The reaction mixture
was heated to reflux for 5 days. Once cool, brine (200 ml) was added to the reaction
mixture, the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was washed with ethyl acetate
(3 x 300 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated
under reduced pressure to give a reddish semi-solid that was used without further
purification.

Step 8
[0108] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 7 was taken up in dichloromethane
(1.2 L). Picolinic acid (78 g, 632 mmol) and 4-(dimethlyamino)pyridine (5.2 g, 42
mmol) were added followed by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (130.4 g, 632 mmol). The
reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction
mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a black solid
that was washed with methanol to give Intermediate 2 as an off-white powder (160.85
g, 89% yield for 3 steps).

Step 9
[0109] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from step 8 (76.5 g, 178 mmol) was dissolved
in anhydrous dimethylformamaide (500 ml) and to this was added copper (II) acetate
(65.0 g, 356 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (10.7 g, 178 mmol). The reaction mixture
was heated to 150°C for 20 hours to give 70% conversion of the starting material.
The reaction mixture was filtered over a celite pad and the pad was washed with 500
ml of ethyl acetate. The filtrate was added to separatory funnel with water (1.0 L)
containing ethylenediamine (10 ml) and the layers were separated. The organic layer
was washed with water (3 x 300 ml), dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under
reduced pressure to give an off-white solid. The material was subjected to a second
iteration of the reaction conditions and same isolation procedures. The resulting
solid was washed twice with methanol (300 ml) to give an off-white powder (49.5 g
86% yield). The product was confirmed by
1H NMR and mass spectroscopy.

Step 10
[0110] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 9 (4.0 g, 12.4 mmol) was combined
with 3,5-di-tert-butylbromobenzene (6.73 g, 25.0 mmol), copper iodide (1.20 g, 6.2
mmol), potassium carbonate (3.42 g, 24.8 mmol), 1,10-phenanthroline (0.45 g, 2.5 mmol)
and dibenzo-18-crown-6-ether (0.45 g, 1.20 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (30
ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 150°C for 4 hours. Once cool, the reaction
mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate (250 ml) and washed initially with water (200
ml) with ethylene diamine (10 ml) followed by water (2 x 250 ml). The organic layer
was dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure onto silica
gel. Chromatography (silica gel, 0 - 50% dichloromethane in hexanes) yielded a colorless
powder that was washed with methanol and dried under vacuum (5.44 g, 86% yield).

Step 11
[0111] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 10 (2.0 g, 3.91 mmol) was combined
with ammonium formate (2.52 g, 40.0 mmol) and palladium on carbon (Degussa type E1003
U/W, 0.14 g, 1.2 mmol) in dimethylformamide (30 ml). The reaction mixture was heated
to 80°C for 3 hours. Once cool, the reaction mixture was filtered over a pad of celite
and the pad was washed with ethyl acetate (250 ml). The filtrate was washed with water
(3 x 300 ml), dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to
give a brown glass used without further purification. (A powder could be afforded
if precipitated from dichloromethane into hexanes.)

Step 12
[0112] While stirring under nitrogen, the product from Step 11 (0.80 g, 1.90 mmol) was combined
with 1,1-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-ol (0.55 g, 2.3 mmol) in toluene (25 ml)
and heated towards reflux. p-Toluenesulfonic acid (5 - 10 mg) was added and the reaction
mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour. Once cool, the reaction mixture was concentrated
under reduced pressure onto silica gel. Chromatography (silica gel, 0 - 70% dichloromethane
in hexanes) yielded a dark solid. The product was recrystallized twice from tetrahydrofuran,
methyl tert-butylether and methanol to give Example 11 as light yellow powder (1.14
g, 89% yield) and confirmed by mass spectrometry.
Examples 2-21 and Comparable Examples 1-11
Examples 22-24 and CE12
Example 25 and CE13
Examples 26-27 and CE14
Part 2: Evaluation of Photochromic Dyes
[0117] Each of the photochromic dyes from Examples 1 through 27, and each comparative example
CE1 to CE14 were incorporated into a polyurethane coating system as described in
US Pat. No. 8,608,988 examples 1-3 at the same mol % and applied at the same coating thickness to 2" x
2" test chips made from CR-39
® monomer (PPG Industries, Inc.). All coated test chips were cured at 125°C for 1 hour.
[0118] Each of the coated test chips was conditioned by first being exposed to 365-nanometer
ultraviolet light for 10 minutes at a distance of about 14 centimeters to activate
the photochromic materials within the coating. The UVA (315 to 380 nm) irradiance
at the chip was measured with a LICOR
® Model Li-1800 spectroradiometer and found to be 22.2 watts per square meter. Each
of the test chips was then placed under a 500 watt, high intensity halogen lamp for
10 minutes at a distance of about 36 centimeters to bleach (inactivate) the photochromic
materials. The illuminance at chip was measured with the LICOR
® spectroradiometer and found to be 21.9 Klux. The coated test chips then were kept
in a dark environment at room temperature (i.e., from 70 to 75°F, or 21 to 24°C) for
at least 1 hour prior to testing on an optical bench. Prior to optical bench measurement,
the coated test chips were measured for ultraviolet absorbance at 390 nanometers.
[0119] Percent transmission (%T) for Examples 1 through 27, and for each comparative example
CE1 through CE14 was determined using the CIE Y value in accordance with CIE 15: 2004
colorimetry using a D 65 illuminant and 10° observer. The a* and b* values as used
herein in the specification and the claims refers to the a* and b* values measured
in accordance with in accordance with CIE 15: 2004 space colorimetry, employing a
D 65 illuminant and 10° observer, using the Hunter UltraScan Pro unit.
[0120] The BMP optical bench was fitted with two 150-watt ORIEL
® Model #66057 Xenon arc lamps at right angles to each other. The light path from Lamp
1 was directed through a 3 mm SCFIOTT
® KG-2 band-pass filter and appropriate neutral density filters that contributed to
the required UV and partial visible light irradiance level. The light path from Lamp
2 was directed through a 3 mm SCFIOTT
® KG-2 band-pass filter, a SCFIOTT
® short band 400 nm cutoff filter and appropriate neutral density filters in order
to provide supplemental visible light illuminance. A 2 inch x 2 inch 50% polka dot
beam splitter, at 45° to each lamp is used to mix the two beams. The combination of
neutral density filters and voltage control of the Xenon arc lamp were used to adjust
the intensity of the irradiance. Proprietary software i.e., BMPSoft version 2.1e was
used on the BMP to control timing, irradiance, air cell and sample temperature, shuttering,
filter selection and response measurement. A ZEISS
® spectrophotometer, Model MCS 501, with fiber optic cables for light delivery through
the coated test chip was used for response and color measurement. Photopic response
measurements were collected on each coated test chip. The power output of the optical
bench, i.e., the dosage of light that the coated test chip was exposed to, was adjusted
to 6.7 Watts per square meter (W/m
2) UVA, integrated from 315-380 nm and 50 Klux illuminance, integrated from 380-780
nm. Measurement of this power setpoint was made using an irradiance probe and the
calibrated Zeiss spectrophotometer. The coated test chip sample cell was fitted with
a quartz window and self-centering sample holder. The temperature in the sample cell
was controlled at 23°C through the software with a modified Facis, Model FX-10, environment
simulator. Measurement of the sample's dynamic photochromic response and color measurements
was made using the same Zeiss spectrophotometer, with fiber optic cables for light
delivery from a tungsten halogen lamp and through the sample. The collimated monitoring
light beam from the fiber optic cable was maintained perpendicular to the test sample
while passing through the sample and directed into a receiving fiber optic cable assembly
attached to the spectrophotometer. The exact point of placement of the sample in the
sample cell was where the activating xenon arc beam and the monitoring light beam
intersected to form two concentric circles of light. The angle of incidence of the
xenon arc beam at the sample placement point was =30° from perpendicular.
[0121] Response measurements, in terms of a change in optical density (ΔOD) from the unactivated
or bleached state to the activated or colored state were determined by establishing
the initial unactivated transmittance, opening the shutter from the Xenon lamp(s)
and measuring the transmittance through activation at selected intervals of time.
The change in optical density was determined according to the formula: ΔOD=log(10)(%
Tb/% Ta), where % Tb is the percent transmission in the bleached state, % Ta is the
percent transmission in the activated state. The ΔOD at saturation is after 15 minutes
of activation and the Fade Half Life ("T1/2") value is the time interval in seconds
for the ΔOD of the activated form of the photochromic material in the coating to reach
one half the fifteen minute ΔOD at 73.4° F (23°C), after removal of the activating
light source.
[0122] Delta E
%T and ESF are calculated according to the equations below.

The measured a*, b*, and percent transmission values for the transparent substrate
were as follows: a
∗0 of -0.07, b
∗0 of 0.3, and %T
0 of 92.3. These values were determined as reported above.
[0123] Table 7 shows the color properties and kinetic data for compounds where R
3 and R
4 are methoxy, including Examples 1 to 7 and comparative examples CE1 to CE5. Structures
for Examples 1 to 7 and CE1 to CE5 can be found in Table 3.
Table 7
| Example# |
ESF |
Delta E%T |
Bleach State |
ΔOD |
Fade T½ (sec) |
| %T |
a* |
b* |
| 1 |
4.6 |
3.23 |
89.8 |
-0.6 |
2.3 |
0.47 |
26 |
| 2 |
4.6 |
3.68 |
89.3 |
-0.5 |
2.5 |
0.50 |
26 |
| 3 |
-0.4 |
6.04 |
86.8 |
-0.3 |
2.9 |
0.37 |
18 |
| 4 |
-1.2 |
4.75 |
87.8 |
0.3 |
1.8 |
0.26 |
13 |
| 5 |
-1.8 |
6.22 |
86.7 |
-0.2 |
2.9 |
0.34 |
17 |
| 6 |
-2.0 |
6.71 |
86.2 |
-0.2 |
3.1 |
0.28 |
13 |
| 7 |
-3.3 |
6.27 |
86.5 |
0.1 |
2.4 |
0.22 |
11 |
| CE1 |
-4.8 |
9.90 |
82.8 |
-0.1 |
2.8 |
0.27 |
13 |
| CE2 |
-5.4 |
7.89 |
85.0 |
-0.2 |
3.3 |
0.22 |
11 |
| CE3 |
-5.4 |
8.95 |
84.0 |
-0.1 |
3.5 |
0.30 |
13 |
| CE4 |
-5.4 |
11.58 |
83.5 |
-2.2 |
7.5 |
0.26 |
12 |
| CE5 |
-5.4 |
14.12 |
78.6 |
0.8 |
3.7 |
0.29 |
13 |
[0124] The results in Table 7 clearly demonstrate the improved bleach color, indicated by
lower Delta E
%T values, provided by compounds of the present invention as compared to similar compounds
with ESF values outside of the scope of the invention. For example, the indolenaphthopyran
compounds of the present invention have lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds which lack an R
1 or R
2 substituent with significant steric bulk to obtain an ESF value of at least -3.3,
such as comparative examples CE1 to CE4 and CE5. Desirable Delta E
%T values are achieved by having desirable percent transmission, a*, and b* values.
Comparative example CE5 has a relatively low percent transmission value, 78.6%, and
relatively high a* and b* values, which leads to a high Delta E
%T value of 14.12. In comparison, Example 1 has a higher percent transmission value
of 89.8%, and a* and b* values closer to zero, leading to a desirable Delta E
%T value of 3.23. The indolenaphthopyran compounds of the present invention also exhibit
lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds that have alkyl-substitution on the indole
nitrogen rather than aryl-substitution on the indole nitrogen, such as CE4. The ΔOD
and Fade T½ values were included in Table 7, and reported hereinafter, to indicate
the compounds of the present invention are thermally reversible photochromic compounds.
[0125] Table 8 shows the color properties and kinetic data for compounds where R
3 is morpholino, including Examples 8 to 12 and comparative examples CE6 to CE8. Structures
for Examples 8 to 12 and CE6 to CE8 can be found in Table 3.
Table 8
| Example# |
ESF |
Delta E%T |
Bleach State |
ΔOD |
Fade T½ (sec) |
| %T |
a* |
b* |
| 8 |
4.1 |
4.21 |
88.6 |
-0.3 |
2.2 |
0.70 |
33 |
| 9 |
3.5 |
3.54 |
89.2 |
-0.3 |
2.0 |
0.71 |
34 |
| 10 |
-1.5 |
5.87 |
86.6 |
0.2 |
1.2 |
0.55 |
24 |
| 11 |
-2.3 |
6.31 |
83.6 |
0.7 |
0.0 |
0.46 |
24 |
| 12 |
-2.9 |
6.87 |
85.6 |
0.4 |
1.2 |
0.54 |
23 |
| CE6 |
-5.0 |
10.67 |
81.7 |
0.6 |
-0.8 |
0.23 |
12 |
| CE7 |
-6.5 |
8.34 |
84.0 |
0.5 |
0.9 |
0.33 |
13 |
| CE8 |
-6.5 |
12.80 |
80.1 |
0.5 |
3.8 |
0.42 |
22 |
[0126] The results in Table 8 clearly demonstrate the improved bleach color, indicated by
lower Delta E
%T values, provided by compounds of the present invention as compared to similar compounds
with ESF values outside of the scope of the invention. Due to the strongly electron
donating nature of the morpholino R
3 substituent, significant steric bulk of R
1 and/or R
2 groups is required to achieve the desired ESF value and color properties. For example,
the indolenaphthopyran compounds of the present invention have lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds which lack an R
1 or R
2 substituent with significant steric bulk to have an ESF value of at least -3.3, such
as comparative examples CE6 and CE7. The indolenaphthopyran compounds of the present
invention also exhibit lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds that have alkyl-substitution on the indole
nitrogen rather than aryl-substitution on the indole nitrogen, such as CE8.
[0127] Table 9 shows the color properties and kinetic data for compounds where R
3 and R
4 are hydrogen, including Examples 13 to 21 and comparative examples CE9 to CE11. Structures
for Examples 13 to 21 and CE9 to CE11 can be found in Table 3.
Table 9
| Example# |
ESF |
Delta E%T |
Bleach State |
ΔOD |
Fade T½ (sec) |
| %T |
a* |
b* |
| 13 |
10.0 |
2.47 |
91.9 |
-1.0 |
2.6 |
0.58 |
108 |
| 14 |
10.0 |
2.16 |
91.9 |
-0.9 |
2.4 |
0.57 |
100 |
| 15 |
5.0 |
2.76 |
91.2 |
-1.0 |
2.8 |
0.49 |
69 |
| 16 |
4.2 |
1.71 |
91.6 |
-0.4 |
1.8 |
0.46 |
65 |
| 17 |
3.6 |
2.77 |
91.2 |
-0.9 |
2.7 |
0.47 |
69 |
| 18 |
3.4 |
3.02 |
90.6 |
-0.8 |
2.8 |
0.4 |
50 |
| 19 |
2.1 |
1.93 |
91.3 |
-0.5 |
2.0 |
0.35 |
40 |
| 20 |
1.2 |
3.02 |
90.7 |
-0.8 |
2.7 |
0.40 |
50 |
| 21 |
0.6 |
2.54 |
91.1 |
-0.8 |
2.5 |
0.37 |
41 |
| CE9 |
0.0 |
3.47 |
90.0 |
-0.8 |
2.9 |
0.34 |
41 |
| CE10 |
0.0 |
3.90 |
89.8 |
-1.0 |
3.2 |
0.42 |
51 |
| CE11 |
0.0 |
5.03 |
89.6 |
-1.7 |
4.3 |
0.36 |
62 |
[0128] The results in Table 9 clearly demonstrate the improved bleach color, indicated by
lower Delta E
%T values, provided by compounds of the present invention as compared to similar compounds
which lack at least one R
1 or R
2 group with a steric bulk A of at least 0.6. For example, the indolenaphthopyran compounds
of the present invention have lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds where R
1 and R
2 are hydrogen, such as comparative examples CE9 and CE10. The indolenaphthopyran compounds
of the present invention also exhibit lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds that have alkyl-substitution on the indole
nitrogen rather than aryl-substitution on the indole nitrogen, such as CE11.
[0129] Table 10 shows the color properties and kinetic data for compounds having R
5 and R
6 substituents, including Examples 22 to 27 and comparative examples CE12 to CE14.
Structures for Examples 22 to 24 and CE 12 can be found in Table 4. Structures for
Examples 25 and CE13 can be found in Table 5. Structures for Examples 26 and 27 and
CE 14 can be found in Table 6.
Table 10
| Example# |
ESF |
Delta E%T |
Bleach State |
ΔOD |
Fade T½ (sec) |
| %T |
a* |
b* |
| 22 |
7.3 |
5.5 |
90.9 |
-2.3 |
5.2 |
0.69 |
74 |
| 23 |
1.5 |
5.7 |
88.5 |
-1.5 |
4.3 |
0.49 |
37 |
| 24 |
2.3 |
6.2 |
89.5 |
-2.3 |
5.4 |
0.53 |
48 |
| 25 |
1.5 |
8.7 |
88.8 |
-3.3 |
7.6 |
0.45 |
40 |
| 26 |
1.5 |
4.7 |
89.4 |
-0.7 |
4.0 |
0.27 |
31 |
| 27 |
2.3 |
6.3 |
89.0 |
-1.1 |
5.5 |
0.32 |
41 |
| CE12 |
-2.7 |
7.5 |
87.9 |
-2.4 |
5.9 |
0.39 |
23 |
| CE13 |
-2.7 |
11.8 |
88.0 |
-4.4 |
10.4 |
0.35 |
25 |
| CE14 |
-2.7 |
7.0 |
88.6 |
-1.2 |
6.2 |
0.21 |
19 |
[0130] The results in Table 10 clearly demonstrate the improved bleach color, indicated
by lower Delta E
%T values, provided by compounds of the present invention as compared to similar compounds
which lack at least one R
1 or R
2 group with a steric bulk A of at least 0.6. For example, the indolenaphthopyran compounds
of the present invention have lower Delta E
%T values than indolenaphthopyran compounds where R
1 and R
2 are hydrogen, such as comparative examples CE12 to CE14.
[0131] The present invention has been described with reference to specific details of particular
embodiments thereof. It is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations
upon the scope of the invention except insofar as to the extent that they are included
in the accompanying claims.
1. An indolenaphthopyran compound comprising the core skeletal structure represented
by Formula (I),

wherein,
R1 and R2 each independently have a steric bulk A,
wherein at least one of R1 or R2 has a steric bulk A of at least 0.6,
R3 and R4 each independently have a Hammett σp value,
wherein the indolenaphthopyran compound has a calculated electronic steric factor
(ESF) of at least -3.3, wherein the electronic steric factor is calculated according
to the following equation:

2. The indolenaphthopyran compound of claim 1, wherein the indolenaphthopyran compound
has a calculated electronic steric factor of at least 0.
3. The indolenaphthopyran compound of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.
4. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, or a nitrogen-containing
heterocycle.
5. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of R1 or R2 is methyl, ethyl, butyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, or methoxy.
6. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein both R1 and R2 are the same group.
7. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of R3 or R4 is methoxy or trifluoromethyl.
8. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 1 to 7, comprising the core skeletal
structure represented by Formula (Ia):

wherein,
m is 0 to 4, n is 0 to 4; and
R5 independently for each m and R6 independently for each n are
i. hydroxyl;
ii. cyano;
iii. (meth)acrylate;
iv. amino or nitrogen-containing heterocycle;
v. a mesogen-containing group L1;
vi. substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;
vii. substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl;
viii. substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl;
ix. a halo group;
x. a perhalo group;
xi. boronic ester or boronic acid;
xii. polyether, polyester, polycarbonate, or polyurethane;
xiii. substituted or unsubstituted aryl;
xiv. substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl;
xv. substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl;
xvi. substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy or substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy;
xvii. substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio or substituted or unsubstituted arylthio;
xviii. ketone, aldehyde, ester, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, or amide;
xix. carbonate, carbamate, or urea; or
xx. siloxane, alkoxysilane, or polysiloxane.
9. The indolenaphthopyran of claim 8, wherein each alkyl substituent, each alkenyl substituent,
each alkynyl substituent, each aryl substituent, each heterocycloalkyl substituent,
each heteroaryl substituent, each alkoxy substituent, each aryloxy substituent, each
alkylthio substituent, and each arylthio substituent is in each case independently
selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl,
heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, hydroxyl, alkylthio, ketone, aldehyde,
ester, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, siloxane, alkoxysilane, polysiloxane, amide,
amine, carbamate, carbonate, urea, polyester group, polyether group, polycarbonate
group, polyurethane group, an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, aryl amine, alkyl
amine, cyclic aminos, heteroaromatics, or combinations thereof.
10. The indolenaphthopyran of claims 8 or 9, wherein each mesogen-containing group L
1 is independently represented by the following Formula (II),
Formula (II) - [S
1]
c-[Q
1-[S
2]
d]
d'-[Q
2-[S
3]
e]
e'-[Q
3-[S
4]
f]
f'-R
wherein,
(a) Q1, Q2, and Q3 for each occurrence, are independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting
of unsubstituted aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and substituted
cycloalkyl;
wherein the aryl substituents and cycloalkyl substituents are each independently selected
from the group consisting of liquid crystal mesogens, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamino,
dialkylamino, alkylthio, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy,
perfluoroalkyl, and perfluoroalkoxy;
(b) c, d, e, and f are each independently an integer of 0 to 3; and each S1, S2, S3, and S4 is independently chosen for each occurrence from a spacer unit selected from the
group consisting of:
(i) -C(Z)2-, -N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z)-, -C(Z)=N-, wherein Z for each occurrence is independently selected
from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl;
(ii) -Si(CH3)2-, -Si(CH3)2O-; and
(iii) -O-, -C(=O)-, -C≡C-, -N=N-, -S-, -S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)O-, -O(O=)S(=O)O-
provided that when two spacer units comprising heteroatoms are linked together the
spacer units are linked so that heteroatoms are not directly linked to each other;
(c) R is alkyl; and
(d) d', e' and f' are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, provided that the sum
of d' + e' + f' is at least 1.
11. The indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims 8 to 10, comprising the core skeletal
structure represented by Formula (Ib):

wherein R
7 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, and a nitrogen-containing
heterocycle.
12. The indolenaphthopyran compound of claim 1, wherein R1 is trifluoromethyl, R2 is trifluoromethyl or hydrogen, R3 is hydrogen, and R4 is hydrogen.
13. A photochromic composition comprising the indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims
1 to 12.
14. A photochromic article comprising the indolenaphthopyran compound of any of claims
1 to 12, wherein the photochromic article is selected from ophthalmic articles, display
articles, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles, or passive liquid
crystal cell articles; or
wherein the photochromic article is selected from ophthalmic articles, and the ophthalmic
articles are selected from corrective lenses, non-corrective lenses, contact lenses,
intra-ocular lenses, magnifying lenses, protective lenses, or visors; or
wherein the photochromic article is selected from display articles, and the display
articles are selected from screens, monitors, or security elements.
1. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung, welche die Kerngerüststruktur gemäß der Darstellung
in Formel (I) umfasst,

wobei
R1 und R2 jeweils auf unabhängige Weise einen Kennwert der sterischen Hinderung A aufweisen,
wobei mindestens eines von R1 und R2 einen Kennwert der sterischen Hinderung A von mindestens 0,6 aufweist,
R3 und R4 jeweils auf unabhängige Weise einen Hamment-Wert σp haben
wobei die Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung einen berechneten elektronenbezogenen sterischen
Faktor (ESF) von mindestens -3,3 aufweist, wobei der elektronenbezogene sterische
Faktor gemäß der folgenden Gleichung berechnet wird:

2. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung
einen berechneten elektronenbezogenen sterischen Faktor von mindestens 0 hat.
3. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2, wobei mindestens eines
von R1 und R2 jeweils auf unabhängige Weise für Alkyl, Alkoxy, Halogenalkyl oder einen stickstoffhaltigen
Heterozyklus steht.
4. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei mindestens
eines von R3 und R4 jeweils auf unabhängige Weise für Wasserstoff, Alkyl, Alkoxy, Halogenalkyl oder einen
stickstoffhaltigen Heterozyklus steht.
5. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei mindestens
eines von R1 oder R2 für Methyl, Ethyl, Butyl, tert.-Butyl, Trifluormethyl oder Methoxy steht.
6. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei R1 und R2 beide für die gleiche Gruppe stehen.
7. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei mindestens
eines von R3 oder R4 für Methoxy oder Trifluormethyl steht.
8. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei sie
die Kerngerüststruktur gemäß der Darstellung in Formel (Ia) umfasst:

wobei
m gleich 0 bis 4 ist, n gleich 0 bis 4 ist, und
R5 für jedes m auf unabhängige Weise und R6 für jedes n auf unabhängige Weise für Folgendes stehen
i. Hydroxyl;
ii. Cyano;
iii. (Meth)acrylat
iv. Amino oder einen stickstoffhaltigen Heterozyklus;
v. eine mesogenhaltige Gruppe L1;
vi. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Alkyl;
vii. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Alkenyl;
viii. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Alkinyl;
ix. eine Halogengruppe;
x. eine Perhalogengruppe;
xi. Boronsäureester oder Boronsäure;
xii. Polyether, Polyester, Polycarbonat oder Polyurethan;
xiii. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Aryl;
xiv. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Heterocycloalkyl;
xv. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Heteroaryl;
xvi. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Alkoxy oder substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes
Aryloxy
xvii. substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes Alkylthio oder substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes
Arylthio;
xviii. Keton, Aldehyd, Ester, Carbonsäure, Carboxylat oder Amid,
xix. Carbonat, Carbamat oder Harnstoff; oder xx. Siloxan, Alkoxysilan oder Polysiloxan.
9. Indolnaphthopyran nach Anspruch 8, wobei jeder Alkylsubstituent, jeder Alkenylsubstituent,
jeder Alkinylsubstituent, jeder Arylsubstituent, jeder Heterocycloalkylsubstituent,
jeder Heteroarylsubstituent, jeder Alkoxysubstituent, jeder Aryloxysubstituent, jeder
Alkylthiosubstituent und jeder Arylthiosubstituent in jedem Falle auf unabhängige
Weise aus Halogen, Cyano, Nitro, Alkyl, Alkenyl, Alkinyl, Halogenalkyl, Perhalogenalkyl,
Heterocycloalkyl, Aryl, Heteroaryl, Alkoxy, Hydroxyl, Alkylthio, Keton, Aldehyd, Ester,
Carbonsäure, Carboxylat, Siloxan, Alkoxysilan, Polysiloxan, Amid, Amin, Carbamat,
Carbonat, Harnstoff, Polyestergruppe, Polyethergruppe, Polycarbonatgruppe, Polyurethangruppe,
einer Acrylatgruppe, einer Methacrylatgruppe, Arylamin, Alkylamin, zyklischen Aminoverbindungen,
heteroaromatischen Verbindungen oder deren Kombinationen ausgewählt ist.
10. Indolnaphthopyran nach den Ansprüchen 8 oder 9, wobei jede der mesogenhaltigen Gruppen
L
1 auf unabhängige Weise von der folgenden Formel (II) dargestellt wird,
Formula (II) - [S
1]
c-[Q
1-[S
2]
d]
d'-[Q
2-[S
3]
e]
e'-[Q
3-[S
4]
f]
f'-R
wobei,
(a) Q1, Q2 und Q3 bei jedem Vorkommen auf unabhängige Weise für eine zweibindige Gruppe stehen, die
aus der Gesamtheit ausgewählt ist, welche aus unsubstituiertem Aryl, substituiertem
Aryl, unsubstituiertem Cycloalkyl und substituiertem Cycloalkyl besteht.
wobei die Arylsubstituenten und Cycloalkylsubstituenten jeweils auf unabhängige Weise
aus der Gesamtheit ausgewählt sind, die aus Flüssigkristallmesogenen, Halogen, Alkyl,
Alkoxy, Alkylamino, Dialkylamino, Alkylthio, Alkoxycarbonyl, Alkylcarbonyl, Alkoxycarbonyloxy,
Perfluoralkyl und Perfluoralkoxy besteht;
(b) c, d, e und f jeweils auf unabhängige Weise für eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis 3 stehen;
und jedes S1, S2, S3 und S4 auf unabhängige Weise bei jedem Vorkommen aus einer Abstandseinheit ausgewählt ist,
die aus der Gesamtheit ausgewählt ist, welche aus Folgendem besteht:
(i) -C(Z)2-, -N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z)-, -C(Z)=N-, wobei Z bei jedem Vorkommen auf unabhängige Weise
aus der Gesamtheit ausgewählt ist, welche aus Wasserstoff, Alkyl oder Aryl besteht;
(ii) -Si(CH3)2-, -Si(CH3)2O-, und
(iii) -O-, -C(=O)-, -C=C-, -N=N-, -S-, -S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)-, -(O=)S(=O)O-, -O(O=)S(=O)O-
mit der Maßgabe, dass zwei Abstandseinheiten, wenn sie Heteroatome umfassen, derart
miteinander verknüpft sind, dass die Heteroatome der Abstandseinheiten nicht direkt
aneinander gebunden sind;
(c) R für Alkyl steht; und
(d) d`, e' und f' jeweils auf unabhängige Weise für 0, 1, 2, 3 und 4 stehen, mit der
Maßgabe, dass die Summe von d' + e' + f' mindestens 1 beträgt.
11. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, wobei sie
die Kerngerüststruktur gemäß der Darstellung in Formel (Ib) umfasst:

wobei R
7 aus der Gesamtheit ausgewählt ist, die aus Alkyl, Alkoxy, Halogenalkyl und einem
stickstoffhaltigen Heterozyklus besteht.
12. Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach Anspruch 1, wobei R1 für Trifluormethyl steht, R2 für Trifluormethyl oder Wasserstoff steht, R3 für Wasserstoff steht und R4 für Wasserstoff steht.
13. Photochrome Zusammensetzung, welche die Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen
der Ansprüche 1 bis 12 umfasst.
14. Photochromer Gegenstand, welcher die Indolnaphthopyran-Verbindung nach einem beliebigen
der Ansprüche 1 bis 12 umfasst, wobei der photochrome Gegenstand aus den augenoptischen
Gegenständen, den Anzeige-Gegenständen, den Fenstern, den Spiegeln, den aktiven Flüssigkristallgegenständen
oder den passiven Flüssigkristallgegenständen ausgewählt ist, oder
wobei der photochrome Gegenstand aus den augenoptischen Gegenständen ausgewählt ist
und die augenoptischen Gegenstände aus den korrigierenden Linsen, den nicht-korrigierenden
Linsen, den Kontaktlinsen, den intraokularen Linsen, den vergrößernden Linsen, den
Schutzlinsen oder den Visieren ausgewählt sind; oder
wobei der photochrome Gegenstand aus den Anzeige-Gegenständen ausgewählt ist und die
Anzeige-Gegenstände aus den Bildschirmen, Monitoren oder Sicherheitselementen ausgewählt
sind.