Simultaneously Mechanically Flexible, Photobending, and Acidochromic Cyanostilbene Molecular Crystals

Molecular crystals that respond to multiple stimuli are gaining significant attention for their potential in smart materials like actuators and sensors. However, imparting multiple stimuli-responsive properties to a single crystal remains a major challenge. Herein, we report two cyanostilbene derivative-based crystals 1 and 2, with various responses to stimuli such as mechanical stress, light, acid vapors, etc. Both crystals 1 and 2 demonstrated mechanical flexibility and reversible acidochromism. Additionally, crystal 1 also exhibited light-induced photobending, which is ascribed to Z to E photoisomerization. Detailed structure–property correlation was established to unravel distinct mechanical responses. The development of these multitasking crystals may find applications in multitasking actuators, anticounterfeiting materials, and more.