Abstract

Using electrospray ion beam deposition, we collide the complex molecule Reichardt's dye (C_{41}H_{30}NO^{+}) at low, hyperthermal translational energy (2-50eV) with a Cu(100) surface and image the outcome at single-molecule level by scanning tunneling microscopy. We observe bond-selective reaction induced by the translational kinetic energy. The collision impulse compresses the molecule and bends specific bonds, prompting them to react selectively. This dynamics drives the system to seek thermally inaccessible reactive pathways, since the compression timescale (subpicosecond) is much shorter than the thermalization timescale (nanosecond), thereby yielding reaction products that are unobtainable thermally.

Highlights

  • Using electrospray ion beam deposition, we collide the complex molecule Reichardt’s dye (C41H30NOþ) at low, hyperthermal translational energy (2–50 eV) with a Cu(100) surface and image the outcome at single-molecule level by scanning tunneling microscopy

  • Chemistry is concerned with the manipulation of bonds between atoms with the goal to use chemical reactions to form desired substances

  • Attractive because translational energy of a molecular ion is readily achieved by acceleration in an electric field

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Using electrospray ion beam deposition, we collide the complex molecule Reichardt’s dye (C41H30NOþ) at low, hyperthermal translational energy (2–50 eV) with a Cu(100) surface and image the outcome at single-molecule level by scanning tunneling microscopy. We observe bond-selective reaction induced by the translational kinetic energy.

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.