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.