Mechanoredox Chemistry as an Emerging Strategy in Synthesis

Recent research endeavors have established that the mechanochemical activation of piezoelectric materials can open new avenues in redox chemistry. Impact forces, such as those imparted by a ball mill, have been shown to transform piezoelectric materials such as barium titanate (BaTiO₃) into a highly polarized state, which can then donate an electron to a suitable oxidant and receive an electron from a suitable reductant, mimicking established photoredox catalytic cycles. Proof-of-concept studies have elucidated that mechanoredox chemistry holds great potential in sustainable and efficient radical-based synthesis.