Mechanochemical Synthesis of Cocrystal: From Mechanism to Application

Cocrystal engineering is gaining interest across various disciplines since it can effectively tune the properties of solid substances via noncovalent synthesis by introducing new components into the lattice. Mechanochemistry is without a doubt the most valuable tool for the research of cocrystals, which combines the pursuit of efficient and sustainable process pathways with the exploration of supramolecular synthons that cannot be discovered using solution methods. In this review, concerning the significance of the mechanochemical synthesis of cocrystals, we begin by outlining the strategies for mechanochemical preparation of cocrystals. We then elaborate on the theoretical mechanisms of the mechanochemically induced formation of cocrystals and their polymorphs. On this foundation, several cross-fields in which mechanochemistry enhances the application value of cocrystal engineering are shown to overcome existing limitations, which are difficult or impossible to access using conventional solution methods. More importantly, we demonstrate that the introduction of new methods, such as cultivating single crystals from melt microdroplets, and new techniques, such as microelectron diffraction (Micro-ED), has harmoniously united the fields of cocrystal engineering and mechanochemistry. Finally, a brief conclusion and outlook are presented, including current challenges and future opportunities for the cooperation of mechanochemistry and cocrystal engineering.