abstract |
Described are novel reversible photochromic naphthopyran compounds, examples of which are 3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans having an acyl or aroyl oxy-bearing substituent at the number 6 carbon atom and certain substituents at the 3-position of the pyran ring. Certain substituents may also be present at the number 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atom of the naphthopyran. These compounds may be represented by graphic formula (I). Also described are polymeric organic host materials that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Optically clear articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel naphthopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., certain other naphthopyrans, benzopyrans, and spiro(indoline) type compounds, are also described. |