Shear-induced polymerization of benzene

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Abstract
Both slow and fast chemical reactions can be induced by strains; with or without the assistance of temperature. Shear strains are especially effective. Defects, particularly dislocations, are also important as strain amplifiers. In covalent solids metallization has been associated with the bending (shearing) of chemical bonds. In ionic solids isotropic compression is also important. Metals may be influenced by distortions of the spd‐hybrid bonds. A prototype is the polymerization of benzene. Normally, benzene rings are flat. It is proposed that compression buckles the rings into the ‘‘chair’’ configuration. This will close the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap, thereby delocalizing the bonding electrons which then rearrange to link two or more molecules. The criteria for this, and the implications, are discussed.

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