Intermediates in Mechanochemical Reactions

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie 2024-04, Vol.136 (14), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Ardila‐Fierro, Karen J., Hernández, José G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ball Milling; Catalysis; Catalysts; Chemical reactions; Chemical synthesis; Cocrystal; Intermediates; Mechanochemistry; Non-Covalent Interactions; Reaction intermediates
• ISSN: 0044-8249; 1521-3757
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202317638

Mechanochemical reactions offer methodological and environmental advantages for chemical synthesis, constantly attracting attention within the scientific community. Besides unmistakable sustainability advantages, the conditions under which mechanochemical reactions occur, namely solventless conditions, sometimes facilitate the isolation of otherwise labile or inaccessible products. Despite these advantages, limited knowledge exists regarding the mechanisms of these reactions and the types of intermediates involved. Nevertheless, in an expanding number of cases, ex situ and in situ monitoring techniques have allowed for the observation, characterization, and isolation of reaction intermediates in mechanochemical transformations. In this Minireview, we present a series of examples in which reactive intermediates have been detected in mechanochemical reactions spanning organic, organometallic, inorganic, and materials chemistry. Many of these intermediates were stabilized by non‐covalent interactions, which played a pivotal role in guiding the chemical transformations. We believe that by uncovering and understanding such instances, the growing mechanochemistry community could find novel opportunities in catalysis and discover new mechanochemical reactions while achieving simplification in chemical reaction design. In this Minireview we present and discussed a series of examples from various areas in which reactive intermediates have been detected during mechanochemical reactions. Understanding the factors behind the formation and stabilization of these intermediates could enhance mechanochemical methods and chemical reaction development.