Ladderane molecules bearing multiple fused cyclobutane rings are not only structurally fascinating but also exhibit intriguing chemistry. We discovered interesting mechanochemistry of ladderane derivatives, undergoing tandem unzipping to gives conjugated oligoene upon applying force. The detailed mechanism and structure-activity relationship were studied both experimentally and computationally. These results establish ladderane derivatives as privileged mechanophores for generating conjugated structures under mechanical stimuli.

Understanding the mechanochemistry of molecular ladders

254th National Meeting (2017)

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