An all-visible-light-driven multistate luminogen with wavelength-selective photocontrol and multifunction for molecular steganography

作者：Xinyuan He, Jinghong Shi, Xinwen Ou, Ryan T.K. Kwok, Jianwei Sun, Lianrui Hu, Jacky W.Y. Lam, Ben Zhong Tang · 发表于：Cell Press Blue · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1016/j.cpblue.2026.100083 · 研究领域：Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials、Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry、Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection

Photoactivatable luminogens exhibiting visible light responsiveness, multiple stable states, and functionality are highly desirable for both chemistry and bionics research. However, beyond the limited variety of functional motifs, eliminating the need for high-energy UV light in photoactivatable systems remains a challenge. Herein, we report a luminogen, ( Z )-2-(3-(1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)vinyl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)malononitrile ( Z -DFCVM), that exhibits four photoactivatable states and wavelength-dependent photoreactivity under visible light, preferably undergoing Z / E isomerization at 410 nm, photocyclization at 465 nm, and photorearrangement at 525 nm. The amination of Z / E -DFCVM with propylamine enables remarkable controlled discoloration. Experimental and theoretical studies elucidate the photoreaction pathway, the inertness to UV light, and the thermally regulated rearrangement in the E -isomer. Accordingly, practical applications for molecular steganography, including colored quick response codes and an advanced encryption system, are fabricated. This work thus paves an easy yet effective way for constructing visible-light-activated luminogens and advances fundamental understanding and functional innovation of multifunctional systems.