Photoreactivity Control Mediated by Molecular Force-Probes in Stilbene.

We report theoretical and experimental evidence showing that photochemical reactivity of a chromophore can be modified by applying mechanical forces via molecular force probes. This mechanical action permits us to modulate main photochemical properties, such as fluorescence yield, excited-state lifetime, or photoisomerization quantum yield. The effect of molecular force probes can be rationalized in terms of simple mechanochemical models, establishing a qualitative framework for understanding the mechanical control of photoreactivity in stilbenes.