Homogeneous catalysts with a mechanical ("machine-like") action.
Chemical reactions may be controlled by either: 1) the minimum threshold energy that must be overcome during collisions between reactant molecules/atoms (the activation energy, E(a)), or: 2) the rate at which reactant collisions occur (the collision frequency, A)--for reactions with low E(a). Reactions of type 2 are governed by the physical, mechanical interaction of the reactants. Such mechanical processes are unusual, but not unknown in molecular catalysts. In this work we examine the machine-like nature of the action in various abiological mechanical catalysts and consider the implications for mimicry of biological catalysts.
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Swiegers@uow.edu.au
Gerhard F
GF
Swiegers
Junhua
J
Huang
Robin
R
Brimblecombe
Jun
J
Chen
G Charles
GC
Dismukes
Ulrich T
UT
Mueller-Westerhoff
Leone
L
Spiccia
Gordon G
GG
Wallace