Isotope Labeling Reveals Fast Atomic and Molecular Exchange in Mechanochemical Milling Reactions

J Am Chem Soc. 2019 Jan 23;141(3):1212-1216. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b12149. Epub 2019 Jan 9.

Abstract

Using tandem in situ monitoring and isotope-labeled solids, we reveal that mechanochemical ball-milling overcomes inherently slow solid-state diffusion through continuous comminution and growth of milled particles. This process occurs with or without a net chemical reaction and also occurs between solids and liquid additives that can be practically used for highly efficient deuterium labeling of solids. The presented findings reveal a fundamental aspect of milling reactions and also delineate a methodology that should be considered in the study of mechanochemical reaction mechanisms.