5-Aryloxy substitution enables efficient mechanically triggered release from a synthetically accessible masked 2-furylcarbinol mechanophore

Polymers that release small molecules in response to mechanical force are attractive materials for a wide variety of applications. Here, we report a new mechanophore platform based on a masked 2-furylcarbinol derivative that incorporates a 5-aryloxy group, which serves as both an electron-rich substituent to accelerate molecular release and the position of polymer attachment proximal to the furan–maleimide junction. The mechanophore is readily synthesized and efficiently releases both phenol and arylamine payloads following mechanical activation.