Reversible mechanoresponsive luminescence based on an unsymmetrical D-π-A type phenanthroimidazole derivative

A kind of D-π-A mechanoresponsive luminescent molecule 2- (4- (1H-phenanthro[9,10-d] imidazol) benzylidene) malononitrile (ANPPI) was synthesized and characterized by UV absorption, photoluminescence, and other techniques. The obvious mechanoresponsive properties of ANPPI were reversible upon grinding and fuming, and were demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.