Abstract: A macromolecular mechanophore platform that undergoes a mechanically gated chromogenic reaction in the presence of an extrinsic small molecule developing reagent is described, along with methods of synthesis and use thereof in different scenarios. The platform comprises a hetero-Diels Alder adduct embedded into a polymer, wherein the hetero-Diels Alder adduct masks an activated furan, and wherein the activated furan is released from the platform upon application of mechanical force, to react with the developing reagent comprising a secondary amine of choice to produce colored species with photoswitch capabilities. The platform can be used in solution or in solid state, and different colors can be obtained for the same platform, since the color of the generated product is determined by the choice of the developing reagent. Incorporating the platform into polymeric materials enables multicolor mechanical lithography by sequential application of mechanical force and different developing reagents.

Abstract: A macromolecular mechanophore platform that undergoes a mechanically gated chromogenic reaction in the presence of an extrinsic small molecule developing reagent is described, along with methods of synthesis and use thereof in different scenarios. The platform comprises a hetero-Diels Alder adduct embedded into a polymer, wherein the hetero-Diels Alder adduct masks an activated furan, and wherein the activated furan is released from the platform upon application of mechanical force, to react with the developing reagent comprising a secondary amine of choice to produce colored species with photoswitch capabilities. The platform can be used in solution or in solid state, and different colors can be obtained for the same platform, since the color of the generated product is determined by the choice of the developing reagent. Incorporating the platform into polymeric materials enables multicolor mechanical lithography by sequential application of mechanical force and different developing reagents.