Mechanical activation of chemical bonds plays a vital role in biology, chemistry, and materials engineering. Usually, one applies an external stimulus to induce bond deformation. Recently, we have discovered a class of macromolecules that self-generate tension in their covalent bonds. Through variation of temperature, solvent, and substrate, one can control bond tension in a broad range from pN to nN, which is sufficient to sever covalent bonds. Even when the bonds are not broken, such tremendous tension profoundly affects the electronic states and, hence, molecular reactivity and electro-optical properties. Furthermore, the smart molecular design allows tuning of the tension distribution and enable activation of specific chemical bonds within specific macromolecules. These findings open new perspectives in the emerging field of molecular mechanochemistry, where the directional and localized nature of mechanical forces can be used in a productive fashion, breaking selected bonds, steering reaction pathways, and potentially catalyzing bond formation.

Stressed macromolecules: Implications for productive mechanochemistry

241st National Meeting (2011)

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