How side-chain substituents and substrates influence mechanochromic luminescence: case study with pyrene

Abstract

Many organic molecules exhibit reversible, force-induced emission change known as mechanochromic luminescence (ML) and can potentially be used as mechanosensors. Here we provide an example on how ML behaviours can be modulated by side-chain substituents which serve as the directing group, as well as substrates which may disrupt the function of the directing group.