Activation of a Copper Biscarbene Mechano-Catalyst Using Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy Supported by Quantum Chemical Calculations.

Single-molecule force spectroscopy allows investigation of the effect of mechanical force on individual bonds. By determining the forces necessary to sufficiently activate bonds to trigger dissociation, it is possible to predict the behavior of mechanophores. The force necessary to activate a copper biscarbene mechano-catalyst intended for self-healing materials was measured.