Controlling Molecular Properties with Voltage... Expectations for a 'Universal Catalyst'

Development of a 'Universal Functional Group' to Replace Multiple Existing Functional Groups
Introducing a Simplified Tool for Controlling Chemical Reactions

Schematic Diagram of a Universal Functional Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A study has revealed that the reactivity of molecules can be controlled simply by applying voltage. This means that electrodes can replace various functional groups of molecules, and it is expected to contribute to the development of a 'universal catalyst' applicable to various chemical industries.

Professor Mu-Hyun Baek of the Department of Chemistry at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) (Deputy Director of the Molecular Active Catalysis Reaction Research Group at the Institute for Basic Science) and Professor Sangwoo Han from the same department announced that their joint research paper titled "Controlling Molecular Reactivity by Voltage Alone" was published on the 9th (local time) in the international journal Science.

Controlling Molecular Reactivity with Voltage

The Role of Existing Functional Groups and the Operating Principle of Universal Functional Groups

The research team has, for the first time, demonstrated that applying voltage to electrodes can replace various chemical reaction functional groups and control the reactivity of molecules.

Functional groups refer to atomic groups that determine the properties of organic compounds. Examples include the hydroxyl group (-OH) in ethanol (C2H5OH) and the carbonyl group (-CO-) in acetone (CH3-CO-CH3). Functional groups regulate the electrical properties of molecules by attracting or repelling electrons. In other words, they control the electron density, thereby controlling the reactivity of molecules.

The research team proved that a device controlling electron density through voltage can replace a reactor. They attached organic molecules to a gold electrode and applied voltage to observe changes. When a negative (-) voltage was applied, the electrode acted as a functional group that attracts electrons. This increased the electron density around the reactive site of the organic molecule attached to the electrode. Conversely, when a positive (+) voltage was applied to the electrode, it was confirmed that the electrode acted as an 'electron withdrawing group,' resulting in a decrease in electron density.

Will a Universal Catalyst Applicable to Various Industries Emerge?

Deputy Research Director Baek Muhyun (right) and Researcher Won Junghui (left) are conducting an experiment.

This research breaks the functional group formula that has been upheld for over 80 years. Since 1937, when American chemist Lewis Flack Hammett formulated a quantitative equation describing changes in the electrical properties of molecules according to the type of functional group, this formula has been used for over 80 years to understand chemical reactions.

The research team stated, "This study breaks the stereotype that one functional group can only provide one electrical effect," adding, "The universal functional group proposed in this study has the advantage of being able to change the reactivity of molecules even while chemical reactions are ongoing."

Deputy Director Mu-Hyun Baek said, "This presents an innovative idea to easily control various chemical reactions and can lead to diverse follow-up studies in academia," and added, "We plan to conduct follow-up research to develop a ‘universal functional group’ that can be applied on an industrial scale."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.