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

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 adds or UV light (lambda < 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.

Automated summary

Triarylmethane derivatives and trityl carbocations, which are chemically stable and have tunable absorption properties, have been extensively studied. Recent research shows that trityl carbocations can be generated by mechanically stimulating solid polymer materials containing triarylmethane units.