Mechanochemical methods for the transfer of electrons and exchange of ions: inorganic reactivity from nanoparticles to organometallics

Mechanochemistry by milling, grinding, extrusion or other types of shear and mechanical agitation has shown novel reactivity for a wide range of reactions, not seen in traditional solution-based environments. While the area has been extensively investigated and reviewed in the context of organic and solid-state supramolecular chemistry, less attention has been given to the recent advances in the context of inorganic transformations. Here we provide a perspective of inorganic mechanochemical reactions, focusing on transformations that are based on transfer of charged species: exchange of ions and electrons (redox reactions). These types of mechanochemical transformations typically lead to the formation of new nanoparticles and organometallic complexes. Herein, we provide an overview of mechanochemical reactivity that complements the recent developments in organic synthesis and catalysis. For inorganic metathesis and reduction reactivity, mechanochemistry is demonstrating great promise towards both nanoparticles and organometallics syntheses.