Optical force probes (OFPs) are force-responsive molecules that report on mechanically
induced transformations by the alteration of their optical properties. Yet, their
modular design and incorporation into polymer architectures at desired positions is
challenging. Here we report triazole-extended anthracene OFPs that combine two modular
‘click’ reactions in their synthesis potentially allowing their incorporation at desirable
positions in complex polymer materials. Importantly, these retain the excellent optical
properties of their parent 9-π-extended anthracene OFP counterparts.
Key words
mechanochemistry - fluorescence - polymers - cycloaddition - chromophores