photochromism

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04589
Reversible @T06446@ of a molecular entity between two forms, A and B, having different absorption spectra, induced in one or both directions by absorption of electromagnetic radiation. The spectral change produced is typically, but not necessarily, of @VT07496@ colour and is accompanied by differences in other physical properties. The thermodynamically @S05900@ form A is transformed by @I03255@ into form B. The back reaction can occur thermally (photochromism of type T) or photochemically (photochromism of type P).
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The terms 'switch-on' and 'switch-of' are sometimes used to denote the two directions of the photochromic reaction.
Note:
An important parameter is the 'number of cycles' that a photochromic system can undergo under well-defined conditions (solution, matrix, concentration, temperature).
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293. (Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)) on page 387 [Terms] [Paper]