Controlling Mechanophore Reactivity for Small Molecules Activation and Catalysis – MechaAct

Modern principles of organic synthesis constantly call for the development of novel efficient tools, while being steered by principles of Green Chemistry. This is particularly pertinent in the context of global warming and atmospheric pollution. Converting these latter requires effective catalysis methodology for lowering barrier energy and enabling reaction path. To do so one can inspire from nature which has developed numerous successful innovative applications and efficient tools, among them: light- and/or metal- induced reactions (photochemistry), standard Lewis acid/base activation, activation by confinement in zeolite or enzymatic pocket and those induced by the direct absorption of a mechanical energy (mechanochemistry). Mechanochemistry field encompasses both impact forces caused by flow extrusion and also (ball) milling, and -of our interest- pulling forces caused by swelling, sonication or macroscopic stretching of a bulk material. Except few systems involving photo-mediated reversible reactions or very low energy-demanding processes such as conformational change, quasi-totality of mechanochemical reactions triggered by pulling forces drive systems into thermodynamic wells and de facto are non-reversible, non-reusable. Therefore, for organic chemistry applications taking advantage these pulling forces, the sine qua non condition is the reversibility to the original state; MechaAct will tackle this problematic, by activating catalytically substrates with a mechanical force, via its conformational control. Consequently, objective of MechaAct project is to design, synthesize and implement mechano-responsive molecules, in polymer matrix, able to reversibly capture or release, and/or catalyze pollutant molecules, such as CO2 and H2. MechaAct project aims to lay the foundations for application of pulling forces in organic chemistry.