A ring‐controlled fluorescent platform for visualizing polymer degradation

The creation of a new photoluminescent platform to study their photo physics and further applications is important in the fields chemistry, material, physics, etc. In this work, we developed benzene-based fluorophores generated by chemical reactions on conjugate acceptor precursors. Their optical properties have been studied, large Stokes shifts, high molar extinction coefficients quantum yields revealed. starting precursors containing bis-intercalated vinyl thioester shows no luminescence, which turned chemically triggered cyclization. From spectroscopic, crystallographic, computational studies, cyclization-induced emission enhancement proposed as mean explain performances, principle extended substituent incorporated fluorophores. Furthermore, they were applied degradation polymer achieved visual tracking, quantifying, downcycling processes. method for designing developing series visually tracking represents platform, allowing its applications.