Citation: Hao Sun, Chenzi Li, Wanting Yu, Yang Chen, Zhe Sun, Zhuofei Li, Wei Huang, Dayu Wu, Liangliang Zhu. Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-triggered photochromic materials[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(6): 111971. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111971 shu

Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-triggered photochromic materials

Hao Sun ^{a, 1,*,} ,
Chenzi Li ^{b, 1} ,
Wanting Yu ^b ,
Yang Chen ^a ,
Zhe Sun ^a ,
Zhuofei Li ^a ,
Wei Huang ^a ,
Dayu Wu ^{a, *,} ,
Liangliang Zhu ^b

a.
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis & Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
b.
State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China

hsun@cczu.edu.cn

wudy@cczu.edu.cn

Received Date: 3 July 2025
Revised Date: 3 October 2025
Accepted Date: 14 October 2025
Available Online: 15 October 2025

Figures(11)

Photochromic materials have drawn considerable interest in chemical and material sciences, owing to their unique photo-responsive properties and transformative potential in smart material applications. Among these, ESIPT-triggered photochromic systems stand out as a particularly promising subclass because of their exceptional photochromic property. However, existing reviews have primarily concentrated on Schiff base derivatives within this category, largely overlooking critical advancements in three key dimensions: (1) The discovery of novel ESIPT-triggered structural frameworks beyond traditional systems, (2) innovative synthetic methodologies enabling precise control of photochromic behaviors in both solid and solution states, and (3) the emergence of unprecedented functional properties driving cutting-edge applications. These oversights have created a significant knowledge gap in comprehensively understanding the rapid evolution of ESIPT-triggered photochromic materials. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes recent breakthroughs through three analytical lenses: First, we establish a structural taxonomy of ESIPT photochromophores, elucidating design principles that govern their performance. Second, we summarize advanced construction strategies that can synthesize tailored ESIPT photochromophores in different phase states. Third, we summarize the expanding application landscape of ESIPT photochromic materials in various functional domains. By integrating fundamental understanding with application-oriented perspectives, this work is expected to inspire the development of smart materials and photoresponsive systems.
- Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT),
- Photochromism,
- Smart materials,
- Schiff base,
- Anti-counterfeiting,
- Sensor
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