Self-Darkening Sunglasses A Reversible Chemical Reaction
Glasses that darken in sunlight and become clear in ordinary room light
Example of a Reversible Chemical Reaction Self-darkening sunglasses use a reversible chemical reaction called “photochromic” Photochromic is derived from photo, meaning light, and chromic meaning color - a change in color with light
Napthopyran Molecule Colorless Form Weak Bond Absorbs only Ultraviolet Light, not Visible Light
UV Light Breaks the Weak Bond and Electrons Shift Positions Napthopyran Molecule Effect of UV Light Ultraviolet Light UV Light Breaks the Weak Bond and Electrons Shift Positions
Napthopyran Molecule Dark Colored Form Molecule changes shape after new bonds are formed New molecule form absorbs long wavelength visible light
Reversible Photochromic Reaction of Napthopyran Sunlight Colorless Form Dark Colored Form No Sunlight