Stimuli‐Responsive Properties of Aggregation‐Induced‐Emission Compounds Containing a 9,10‐Distyrylanthracene Moiety

Two 9,10‐distyrylanthracene‐based luminophores exhibiting aggregation‐induced emission and stimuli‐responsive properties were synthesized. Seven‐ or five‐color luminescence switching based on a single organic molecule was achieved for the first time. These phase transitions can be induced by physical stimuli such as grinding by mortar and pestle, heating, and exposure to the vapors of organic solvents. Moreover, a strategy for the design of new mechanoresponsive materials with π‐conjugated luminophores is proposed. Seven‐color luminophore: Piezochromism based on aggregation‐induced emission with distinct seven‐color luminescence switching built on a single organic molecule was achieved for the first time. The fluorescence switching process (see figure) can be smoothly triggered by disrupting the ordered molecular packing (mechanical grinding) and repacking (heating or solvent annealing).