A phenothiazine derivative (EPBPA) containing benzoyl groups was synthesized.
EPBPA showed reversible mechanofluorochromic nature.
The single crystal structure of EPBPA revealed the hydrogen bonds CH⋯C (2.864 Å), CH⋯C (2.850 Å), CH⋯O (2.652 Å).
Mechanofluorochromic nature is generated through crystalline-amorphous phase transformation under external pressure.