Synlett 2022; 33(17): 1681-1687
DOI: 10.1055/a-1854-2131
synpacts

A Perspective on the Force-Induced Heterolytic Bond Cleavage in Triarylmethane Mechanophores

James R. Hemmer
,

The authors are thankful to the Adolphe Merkle Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) (20020_172619) for financial support.


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Abstract

Triarylmethane derivatives and their corresponding trityl carbocations are among the oldest chemical species synthesized and studied by chemists. The carbocationic platforms are particularly interesting due to their stability, high extinction coefficient, and tunable absorption of light in the visible spectrum, which can be achieved through structural modifications. These stable cations are traditionally obtained through heterolytic cleavage of judiciously designed, parent triarylmethanes by exposure to acids or UV light (λ < 300 nm), and methods based on electrochemistry or radiolysis. Our group has recently discovered that trityl carbocations can be generated also via mechanical stimulation of solid polymer materials featuring triarylmethane units as covalent crosslinks. In this Synpacts contribution, we expand on our previous finding by discussing some intriguing research questions that we aim to tackle in the immediate future.

1 Introduction

2 The Development of Our First Triarylmethane Mechanophore

3 The Potential Reversibility of Triarylmethane Mechanophores

4 A General Molecular Platform for Force-Induced, Scissile, Homolytic and Heterolytic Bond Cleavage?

5 Conclusion



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 26. April 2022

Angenommen nach Revision: 17. Mai 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
17. Mai 2022

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juni 2022

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