Regiochemical effects for the mechanochemical activation of <scp>9???extended anthracene?maleimide Diels–Alder</scp> adducts

The attachment point of the polymer chain to a force-responsive molecular unit (mechanophore) is decisive parameter determining bond scission rate and ultimately mechanochemical reaction outcome. However, such regiochemical substituent effects have not yet been investigated for 9-?-extended anthracene-maleimide Diels-Alder adducts. Here we combine three methods, namely ultrasonication, CoGEF computation, flow activation, understand influence pulling location on reactivity this mechanophore class. We find minor differences between constitutional isomers. Concomitantly, our results highlight capabilities limitations employed experimental techniques delicate variances raise question whether these are relevant applications in material context.