Michael, P. et. al., Polymer, 2025, 335, 128816, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2025.128816
We report a polymeric mechanocatalyst based on polymeric Cu(I)-biscarbene complexes (Mn = 4750; 8900; 17200 g mol−1) and its mechanochemical decomposition by ultrasound. Distinct decomposition pathways are observed via either purely thermal activation or mechanochemical activation. A lowering of the mechanochemical activation energy is observed in comparison to the purely thermal activation pathway. Quantum chemical calculations and experimental investigations support that splitting one carbene residue from a biscarbene-Cu(I)-center is favored mechanochemically. © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Open access