Proton mobility in water clusters.
Proton mobility in water occurs quickly according to the so-called Grotthuss mechanism. This process and its elementary reaction steps can be studied in great detail by applying suitable mass spectrometric methods to ionic water clusters. Careful choice of suitable core ions in combination with analysis of cluster size trends in hydrogen/deuterium isotope exchange rates allows for detailed insights into fascinating dynamical systems. Analysis of the experiments has been promoted by extensive and systematic quantum chemical model  calculations. Detailed low-energy mechanistic pathways for efficient water rearrangement and proton transfer steps, in particular cases along short preformed "wires" of hydrogen bonds, have been identified in consistency with experimental findings.
Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and Centre of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, POB 1033 Blindern, NO 0315 Oslo, Norway.
Mauritz Johan
MJ
Ryding
Patrik Urban
PU
Andersson
Alexey S
AS
Zatula
Einar
E
Uggerud
D003903:Deuterium / Q000737:chemistry; D041961:Deuterium Exchange Measurement; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011522:Protons; D011725:Pyridines / Q000737:chemistry; D013431:Sulfates / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D011522:Protons; D011725:Pyridines; D013431:Sulfates; D014867:Water; D003903:Deuterium; C023666:pyridine