New barbituric acid derivatives for data encryption and decryption based on the mechanochromic fluorescence effect.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Barbituric acid derivatives are explored for their optical properties.
• Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) and Mechanochromic Fluorescence (MCF) are key phenomena in advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize and characterize new barbituric acid derivatives with AIE properties.
• Investigate the mechanochromic fluorescence behavior of these derivatives.
• Explore their potential applications in data encryption and camouflage.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CB-Ph and CB-Me.
• Absorption and emission spectroscopy.
• Mechanochromic fluorescence testing (grinding).
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
• Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS).

Main Results:

• Both CB-Ph and CB-Me exhibit strong AIE with similar absorption and emission spectra.
• CB-Ph displays significant MCF, changing color from yellow-green to brown upon grinding, with a 93% decrease in emission intensity.
• CB-Me shows no observable MCF properties after grinding.
• XRD data indicate CB-Ph transitions from crystalline to amorphous state post-grinding, while CB-Me remains crystalline.
• MDS reveals CB-Ph's 3D conformation hinders aggregation, allowing microstructural changes, whereas CB-Me's planarity and hydrophobic groups promote close aggregation, resisting microstructural changes.

Conclusions:

• CB-Ph's distinct MCF properties make it suitable for cryptographic ink.
• CB-Me's stable optical properties and color similarity to CB-Ph position it as a camouflage material.
• The study demonstrates a novel data encryption-decryption technology based on the differential mechanochromic responses of CB-Ph and CB-Me.