We hypothesize that adding π-donating groups (OMe) on the thiophene will red-shift the otherwise low E-isomer λ max value for 3-substituted hemi-azothiophenes. We used a combination of electron donating groups (EDGs), including NH 2 , OMe, and three vinyl dienes with OMe, Me, and CN terminal groups (Scheme 1). We also used seven electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs), including NO 2 , CF 3 , CN, COOH, COH, COMe, and Cl. Through aryl ring functionalization, we aim to find an optimal thiophene photoswitch with red-shifted λ max and longer t 1/2 lifetimes than 1 (figure ).