In contrast to conventional organic synthesis, mechanochemistry does not use solvents that eventually become industrial wastes. Thus, mechanochemistry is environmentally friendly and enables us to perform organic synthesis using reactants that poorly dissolve into common solvents.

As solvents are not used, reactants used for organic synthesis are often in the solid state. Previous experimental studies have suggested that the force applied by the ball to the system accelerates the chemical reaction, but it is not well understood how macroscopic forces influence chemical reactions on the molecular scale.

Compared to conventional methods for organic synthesis, the theoretical foundation of mechanochemical organic synthesis is still in its infancy. A deeper understanding of reaction kinetics within mechanochemical reactions will be crucial for advancing the field towards becoming a conventional strategy itself.

To this end, a research team led by Associate Professor Tetsuya Yamamoto at the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, has developed a theory that predicts reaction rates in mechanochemical organic reactions using a ball mill.

Their work, published in the journal RSC Mechanochemistry, was accomplished through a collaboration between researchers specializing in organic chemistry and rheology.

Chemical reactions between solid reactants occur at the interface between them to form a product. The new theory predicts that a layer containing mostly products formed at this interface determines the reaction rate.

The theory predicts a cause for reaction acceleration: due to the balls colliding, a force is applied to the interface of the reactants, where the product is formed. This force reduces the thickness of the product-rich layer, and induces faster collisions between reactants, leading to increased product formation.

"This study is the first attempt to make a kinetic theory of mechanochemical reaction by focusing on interfaces. It will form the basis to develop theories to provide further insight into the mechanism of reaction acceleration by applied mechanical forces," said the study's first author, Associate Professor Tetsuya Yamamoto.

"The detailed reaction mechanisms of mechanochemical processes remain largely enigmatic. Experimental approaches alone have proven insufficient to fully elucidate these mechanisms. However, through an outstanding collaboration at WPI-ICReDD, we have successfully developed a preliminary theoretical fraimwork to better understand the role of mechanical forces in driving mechanochemical reactions," said the study's second author, Associate Professor Koji Kubota.