A general and modular mechanophore platform that efficiently releases a cargo molecule via a mechanically triggered cascade reaction is described, along with methods of synthesis and use thereof. The mechanophore platform comprises a stable Diels-Alder adduct mechanophore comprising a 2-furylcarbinol derivative as its diene component, wherein the 2-furylcarbinol derivative is, in turn, pre-loaded with a covalently attached cargo molecule, and wherein the Diels-Alder adduct mechanophore is embedded into a polymer chain or polymer network, such that the mechanophore platform undergoes the retro [4+2] cycloaddition reaction under mechanical force to reveal the unstable 2-furylcarbinol derivative, which, in turn, easily decomposes under mild conditions to release its molecule cargo.