Solvent- and silica-triggered chromic behavior of a quinacridone–indandione derivative

Abstract Stimuli-responsive chromic materials are of interest for sensing and optical applications. Here, we report a quinacridone derivative that exhibits pronounced color changes depending on solvent and silica adsorption. The compound displays large solvatochromic shifts in solution and reversible blue-to-pink switching upon adsorption on silica gel. These results highlight a simple molecular design that affords distinct environment-dependent chromic behavior, providing insights into structure–property relationships of responsive organic materials.