Stimuli-responsive organic chromic materials with near-infrared emission

Organic chromic materials that respond to external stimuli, especially in the solid state, have sparked extensive interest owing to their potential use as smart materials. In particular, the availability of chromic materials, which emit fluorescence or phosphorescence in the deep penetrating, near-infrared(NIR)region, has led to great improvements in imaging. Various methods that were commonly applied to construct chromic materials, have been reformed to develop the novel type of compounds, and some have received rewards with excellent fingdings. Relevant research achievements of practical applications have showed their potential with the changes that locate in the NIR region, while further in-depth explorations about the inherent chromic chromism are underway. In this review, several representative studies, which have led the development of responsive organic chromic materials with near-infrared emission, will be discussed.