Low temperature irreversible thermochromic compositions

Abstract

Provided herein are novel polythiophene compounds having polyalkoxyl sidechains and low temperature irreversible upon activation (IUA) thermochromic compounds/compositions thereof. The IUA thermochromic compounds or compositions are activated and exhibit an IUA color by heating to or above a reversible thermochromic transition temperature (RTTT) and cooling to or below an irreversible thermochromic transition temperature (IRTTT) in less than 2 seconds. The activated IUA thermochromic compounds or compositions will retain their IUA color as long as the compounds or compositions are kept at or below about 5° C. below the IRTTT. The activated IUA thermochromic compounds or compositions will be deactivated and show a different color upon exposure to a temperature equal to or higher than about 5° C. below the IRTTT unless the compounds or compositions are activated again. The IUA thermochromic compounds/composition can be used to prepare IUA thermochromic indicators which can monitor subjects stored below a pre-determined temperature and detect the subjects that have been exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.