Molecular clips triggered on the active surface of liquid metals via oxygen capture at room temperature

Abstract

Covalent bond breaking and reforming of molecules are the effective strategies to drive complex chemical reactions in clip chemistry. However, the harsh reaction conditions, complex reaction process, great energy consumption and high pollution have brought great obstacles to the previous clipping techniques. Herein, we propose a concept for molecules sustainable and directional clipping via oxygen capture at room temperature based on the special structures and interfacial properties of gallium-based liquid metals. As a proof-of-concept, we report the liquid metals of eGaIn, obtained by mixing of gallium with indium particles. The liquid phase transformation of eGaIn endowed them for an excellent active surface, which enabled spontaneously, rapidly, and directionally capturing oxygen from 1,3-butanediol molecules, and transformed into GaO(OH) semiconductor functional materials with a wide application potential. The oxygen-containing covalent bonds in 1,3-butanediol were randomly broken, including C–O and H–O, then multiple active groups were generated. After reconstruction, the active groups formed H2, carboxylates and carbon materials. These dispersed in 1,3-butanediol and endowed it with fluorescent properties under UV excitation. Particularly, liquid metals can be used as a basic tool for molecular directional clipping and obtaining specific functional materials. This finding refreshed our basic understanding of liquid metals, clip chemistry and molecules, led to easygoing practices of molecular weaving. It also has promising potential for future molecular engineering, life science, energy and environment, and biomedicine.