English

2H-Naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5-carboxylic acid,6-(acetyloxy)-2,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)-,Methyl ester CAS: 194416-54-1 Light-Responsive Optical Applications

September 3, 2026

CAS 194416-54-1

2H-Naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5-carboxylic acid,6-(acetyloxy)-2,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)-,Methyl ester

Specialty Naphthopyran Photochromic Material for Light-Responsive Optical Applications

CAS No.: 194416-54-1 | Molecular Formula: C₃₁H₂₆O₇ | Molecular Weight: 510.53 g/mol | Purity: ≥98%

1. Product Overview

CAS 194416-54-1 is a specialty organic compound belonging to the naphthopyran / benzo[h]chromene family, a class of compounds widely studied for their photochromic and light-responsive properties.

Its chemical name is 2H-Naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5-carboxylic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-, methyl ester, also described as methyl 6-(acetyloxy)-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5-carboxylate.

Naphthopyran compounds are characterized by their ability to undergo a reversible photochemical transformation upon exposure to suitable light, resulting in changes in their optical absorption characteristics. This property has made the naphthopyran family an important area of research for photochromic lenses, optical materials, functional polymers, coatings, films, and other light-responsive material systems.

CAS 194416-54-1 is particularly suitable for specialty material research and development, where a defined photochromic molecular structure is required for formulation optimization, polymer incorporation, optical performance studies, and the development of customized light-responsive materials.

The molecule contains a naphthopyran core together with methoxyphenyl substituents, an acetoxy group, and a methyl ester group. This substituted molecular architecture provides researchers with a defined platform for investigating structure–property relationships and photochromic behavior.

The actual performance of the compound may vary depending on the formulation system, concentration, polymer matrix, irradiation conditions, temperature, and other formulation parameters. Application-specific evaluation is therefore recommended before commercial-scale use.

2. Product Information

Parameter

Specification

Product Name

2H-Naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5-carboxylic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-, methyl ester

CAS No.

194416-54-1

Molecular Formula

C₃₁H₂₆O₇

Molecular Weight

510.53 g/mol

Physical Form

Solid

Appearance

Light pink to pink solid

Purity

≥98%

Identification by MS

Consistent with the expected molecular weight

Identification by ¹H NMR

The ¹H NMR spectrum conforms to the proposed structure

Functional Category

Specialty photochromic / light-responsive organic material

Primary Application Area

Photochromic material research and development

Potential Application Areas

Optical materials, photochromic polymers, functional coatings, optical films, and light-responsive material systems

Packaging

Available according to customer requirements

Quality Documents

COA, SDS, analytical data, and other technical documents upon request

Structural Characteristics

The molecular structure of CAS 194416-54-1 contains several notable structural features:

  • A naphthopyran core, characteristic of photochromic compounds.
  • Two 4-methoxyphenyl groups, which contribute to the electronic characteristics of the molecule.
  • An acetoxy functional group.
  • A methyl ester functional group.
  • An extended aromatic framework associated with its optical characteristics.

The combination of these structural features makes the compound a useful candidate for research into specialized photoresponsive organic materials.

Quality Control

For photochromic materials, chemical identity and purity are important because impurities or structural variations may influence optical behavior and formulation performance.

Depending on the agreed specification, quality control may include:

  • GC purity
  • Mass spectrometry identification
  • ¹H NMR identification
  • Appearance
  • Batch number and manufacturing information
  • COA
  • SDS

Additional analytical specifications can be discussed according to the customer’s application and quality requirements.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the main application of CAS 194416-54-1?

CAS 194416-54-1 is primarily positioned as a specialty photochromic material for research and development.

Its main value is associated with the naphthopyran molecular framework and its potential light-responsive optical behavior. Rather than functioning as a conventional dye, surfactant, or general-purpose additive, it can be investigated as a functional component in systems where reversible optical changes are required.

The material is therefore particularly relevant to the development of photochromic lenses, functional polymers, optical films, coatings, and other light-responsive materials.

Q2: How does a naphthopyran-based photochromic material work?

The basic principle of photochromism is a reversible change in molecular structure induced by light.

Upon exposure to an appropriate light source, a photochromic molecule can undergo a photochemical transformation that changes its electronic structure and therefore its light absorption characteristics.

When the light stimulus is removed, the molecule can gradually return toward its original state through a thermal or other relaxation process.

This reversible switching behavior provides the foundation for applications requiring dynamic optical responses to light.

The actual switching characteristics depend on the molecular structure and the surrounding formulation environment.

Q3: What factors affect the performance of CAS 194416-54-1 in a formulation?

The performance of a photochromic compound is influenced by more than its chemical purity.

Important factors may include:

  • Compatibility with the polymer matrix
  • Solubility or dispersion behavior
  • Active concentration
  • Film or coating thickness
  • Light intensity and irradiation wavelength
  • Exposure time
  • Temperature
  • Formulation additives
  • Oxygen and other environmental conditions
  • Processing and curing conditions

Therefore, a compound that performs well in one formulation may show different behavior in another system.

For product development, formulation-level testing is recommended to determine the optimum concentration and processing conditions.

Q4: Can CAS 194416-54-1 be incorporated into polymers, coatings, or films?

Yes, compounds within the naphthopyran photochromic family can be investigated for incorporation into suitable polymer matrices, coatings, and optical films.

Depending on the formulation, the compound may be dissolved or dispersed in an appropriate medium before being incorporated into the final material.

Important development considerations include:

  • Polymer compatibility
  • Solubility
  • Homogeneous dispersion
  • Optical transparency
  • Processing temperature
  • Coating or film thickness
  • Photochromic response
  • Long-term stability

The appropriate formulation method should be determined through application-specific testing.

Q5: What are the key advantages of this material for R&D applications?

The main advantages of CAS 194416-54-1 include its defined molecular structure, specialized naphthopyran framework, and potential light-responsive functionality.

For R&D teams, the material can provide a molecular platform for studying:

  • Photochromic switching behavior
  • Structure–property relationships
  • Optical response
  • Polymer compatibility
  • Functional coating development
  • Optical film development
  • Light-responsive material design

Its specialized structure may also be attractive to customers seeking differentiated photochromic compounds for new material development.

4. Application Cases

Case 1: Photochromic Ophthalmic Lenses

Light-Adaptive Optical Materials

Photochromic compounds are widely researched for optical materials that can change their light transmission characteristics in response to light exposure.

Naphthopyran-based systems have been studied extensively in connection with photochromic ophthalmic lenses and related optical applications.

CAS 194416-54-1 can therefore be evaluated as a specialty photochromic component for the development of light-adaptive lens materials and advanced optical systems.

Performance should be evaluated according to lens composition, polymer matrix, concentration, optical thickness, and irradiation conditions.

Case 2: Photochromic Polymer Systems

Light-Responsive Functional Polymers

Incorporating a photochromic compound into a polymer matrix can create a material with light-responsive optical characteristics.

Potential development parameters include:

  • Photochromic intensity
  • Switching rate
  • Color development
  • Fading behavior
  • Cycling stability
  • Polymer compatibility
  • Long-term durability

CAS 194416-54-1 provides a defined molecular structure for researchers investigating the relationship between photochromic molecular design and polymer performance.

 

Case 3: Functional Coatings

Smart and Light-Responsive Coatings

Photochromic compounds can be incorporated into suitable coating systems to introduce a dynamic optical response.

Potential research directions include:

  • Light-responsive coatings
  • Smart surface materials
  • Functional transparent coatings
  • Photochromic protective coatings
  • Optical demonstration coatings

The final performance depends on the coating binder, solvent system, concentration, curing conditions, and environmental stability.

Case 4: Photochromic Films and Optical Materials

Dynamic Optical Films

Photochromic compounds can be incorporated into transparent polymer films or related optical materials to create materials whose optical characteristics respond to irradiation.

Potential areas of development include:

  • Smart optical films
  • Light-responsive transparent films
  • Photochromic filters
  • Optical demonstration materials
  • Functional polymer films

CAS 194416-54-1 can serve as a candidate specialty compound for formulation and material-development studies in these areas.

Case 5: Academic Research and New Photochromic Material Development

Structure–Property and Photochemical Research

CAS 194416-54-1 can also be used as a specialized research compound for academic and industrial R&D.

Researchers may investigate:

  • Molecular structure and photochromic behavior
  • Substituent effects
  • Optical absorption changes
  • Photochromic switching kinetics
  • Thermal fading behavior
  • Polymer compatibility
  • Solvent effects
  • Reversible photochromic cycling
  • Material stability

This makes the compound relevant not only to established photochromic technologies but also to the development of next-generation smart and light-responsive materials.

5. Safety and Storage

Handling Precautions

CAS 194416-54-1 should be handled in accordance with standard laboratory chemical practices.

Recommended precautions include:

  • Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
  • Avoid inhalation of dust or fine particles.
  • Wear suitable protective gloves and safety glasses.
  • Handle in a well-ventilated area.
  • Minimize dust generation during weighing and transfer.
  • Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Please refer to the latest SDS for detailed information regarding hazard classification, personal protective equipment, first-aid measures, and emergency procedures.

Storage Conditions

For maintaining product quality, store the material:

  • In a tightly sealed original container.
  • In a cool and dry environment.
  • Away from direct sunlight and strong light sources.
  • Away from excessive heat and moisture.
  • Protected from contamination.

As CAS 194416-54-1 belongs to the photochromic compound family, prolonged exposure to strong light during storage and handling should be minimized.

Transportation

The product should be transported in properly sealed and protective packaging to minimize:

  • Moisture exposure
  • Light exposure
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage

The applicable transportation classification and shipping requirements should be confirmed according to the current SDS and actual shipment conditions.

6. Product Manager

Product Manager: Judy
Email: Judy@coreychem.com

You can also fill out our online message form and we will contact you within 24 hours.