Distinct Mechanoresponsive Luminescence, Thermochromism, Vapochromism, and Chlorine Gas Sensing by a Solid-State Organic Emitter

In this study, we report a synthetically simple donor–acceptor (D–A)-type organic solid-state emitter 1 that displays unique fluorescence switching under mechanical stimuli. Orange and yellow emissive crystals of 1 (1O, 1Y) exhibit an unusual “back and forth” fluorescence response to mechanical force. Gentle crushing (mild pressure) of the orange or yellow emissive crystal results in hypsochromic shift to cyan emissive fragments (λem = 498–501 nm) with a large wavelength shift Δλem = −71 to −96 nm, while further grinding results in bathochromic swing to green emissive powder λem = 540–550 nm, Δλem = +40 to 58 nm. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that molecules are packed by weak interactions, such as C–H···π, C–H···N, and C–H···F, which facilitate intermolecular charge transfer in the crystal. With the aid of structural, spectroscopic, and morphological studies, we established the interplay between intermolecular and intramolecular charge-transfer interaction that is responsible for this elusive mechanochromic luminescence. Moreover, we have also demonstrated the application of this organic material for chlorine gas sensing in solid state.