1 Corinthians 13:2
"Scientists have captured the first-ever video of atoms in motion during a chemical reaction, revealing hidden pathways and short-lived molecules previously impossible to observe.
Using advanced imaging, the researchers captured mesmerizing real-
time videos showing individual atoms moving during a chemical reaction that removes hydrogen atoms from an alcohol molecule. The team also observed its reverse aldehyde elimination, generating an aldehyde and a molybdenum alkoxide intermediate. This transformation — the conversion of an alkoxy ether to an alkoxide — represents a textbook example of a thermal E1cB-elimination reaction, which is expected to proceed with a very low energy barrier.
Chemical reactions are like a journey between starting materials and the final product.
By directly watching the reaction unfold, however, scientists can determine the exact sequence of events to reveal the complete reaction pathway — and view those elusive intermediates. But, until recently, it was impossible to observe these covert dynamics. While traditional electron microscopes can image atoms, their beams are too strong to image the soft, organic matter used in catalysis. The high-energy electrons easily break down carbon-based structures, destroying them before scientists can gather the data.
Using SMART-EM, the researchers discovered the aldehyde doesn’t float away but instead sticks to the catalyst.
"Scientists have captured the first-ever video of atoms in motion during a chemical reaction, revealing hidden pathways and short-lived molecules previously impossible to observe.
Using advanced imaging, the researchers captured mesmerizing real-
Chemical reactions are like a journey between starting materials and the final product.
By directly watching the reaction unfold, however, scientists can determine the exact sequence of events to reveal the complete reaction pathway — and view those elusive intermediates. But, until recently, it was impossible to observe these covert dynamics. While traditional electron microscopes can image atoms, their beams are too strong to image the soft, organic matter used in catalysis. The high-energy electrons easily break down carbon-based structures, destroying them before scientists can gather the data.
Using SMART-EM, the researchers discovered the aldehyde doesn’t float away but instead sticks to the catalyst.
--They also found the aldehydes linked together to form short-chain polymers — a previously unknown step that appeared to drive the overall reaction.
--In another surprise, the researchers discovered the aldehyde also reacts with alcohol to form hemiacetal, an intermediate molecule that is then converted into other products."
SciTechDaily
