Abstract Dithienylmaleimide derivatives 7–27 were synthesized by introducing N-substituted carbazole for photo-stabilizing purpose, and the structures were fully confirmed. The photochromism and photo-stability were recorded via UV–vis spectra. Only ortho compounds 8–17 with N-substituents on carbazole moiety showed escalated photochromic change, while compound 7 and the para counterparts 18–27 showed no appreciable ...