Molecular reactions at aqueous interfaces.

Nat Rev Chem

Departament de Química Biològica (IQAC), CSIC, c/ Jordi Girona 18, Barcelona, Spain.

Published: September 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • The Review examines the rapidly evolving field of chemical reactivity at aqueous interfaces, emphasizing the significance of 'on-water catalysis' and its role in enhancing reaction rates at the water surface and its interactions with nonpolar substances.
  • It highlights key experimental research in atmospheric and synthetic organic chemistry, as well as studies related to the origins of life, to underscore the relevance of these reactions.
  • The Review also discusses the physical and chemical principles governing these processes, presenting core theories and advanced molecular-dynamics simulations, aiming to connect various disciplines and identify unresolved fundamental issues.

Article Abstract

This Review aims to critically analyse the emerging field of chemical reactivity at aqueous interfaces. The subject has evolved rapidly since the discovery of the so-called 'on-water catalysis', alluding to the dramatic acceleration of reactions at the surface of water or at its interface with hydrophobic media. We review critical experimental studies in the fields of atmospheric and synthetic organic chemistry, as well as related research exploring the origins of life, to showcase the importance of this phenomenon. The physico-chemical aspects of these processes, such as the structure, dynamics and thermodynamics of adsorption and solvation processes at aqueous interfaces, are also discussed. We also present the basic theories intended to explain interface catalysis, followed by the results of advanced ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. Although some topics addressed here have already been the focus of previous reviews, we aim at highlighting their interconnection across diverse disciplines, providing a common perspective that would help us to identify the most fundamental issues still incompletely understood in this fast-moving field.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41570-020-0203-2DOI Listing

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