Triple mechanochemistry mechanism might be a first for organic chemistry

Researchers discovered an force-induced carbon–carbon bond rupture that follows three different mechanistic pathways at the same time – a first for mechanochemistry and possibly for organic chemistry, according to the study’s leader Guillaume De Bo from the University of Manchester, UK. Tuning the bond’s polarity influences which mechanism becomes dominant, which could help chemists make self-healing materials or plastics that break down under mechanical strain.