An international research team has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by effectively manipulating the chirality of individual molecules through structural isomerization. Spearheaded by NIMS, in collaboration with the Osaka University Graduate School of Science and the Kanazawa University Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), the team has also accomplished the synthesis of remarkably reactive diradicals containing two unpaired electrons. These remarkable feats were accomplished by employing a scanning tunneling microscope probe at low temperatures.
The team’s achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of molecular control, as they have successfully gained precise control over the chirality of molecules at the individual level. Chirality refers to the property of molecules that distinguishes them as either left-handed or right-handed, akin to how hands exhibit asymmetry. The control of chirality holds immense importance in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, and biology.
To accomplish this feat, the researchers employed a state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscope probe, a powerful tool capable of visualizing individual atoms and molecules at nanoscale resolution. By manipulating the position and arrangement of atoms within a molecule using the probe, the team was able to induce structural isomerization, altering the molecule’s geometry and consequently its chirality.
Moreover, the researchers successfully synthesized diradicals with heightened reactivity levels, featuring two unpaired electrons. Diradicals are highly sought-after due to their potential applications in various fields, such as organic electronics and spintronics. Their reactivity arises from the presence of unpaired electrons, which endow them with distinctive electronic properties.
The significance of this breakthrough lies not only in the control over molecular chirality and the synthesis of diradicals but also in the methodology employed. Conducting their experiments under low-temperature conditions played a crucial role in achieving these results. The low temperatures allowed for greater stability and precision in controlling the molecules’ behavior, enhancing the success rate of the structural isomerization and diradical synthesis processes.
The successful manipulation of chirality at the molecular level opens up diverse possibilities for future research and technological advancements. This achievement could pave the way for the development of novel materials with tailored properties, leading to significant breakthroughs in fields such as drug discovery, catalysis, and nanotechnology.
In conclusion, an international research team led by NIMS, in collaboration with the Osaka University Graduate School of Science and the Kanazawa University Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), has made remarkable strides in controlling the chirality of individual molecules through structural isomerization. Utilizing a scanning tunneling microscope probe at low temperatures, they have not only achieved precise control over molecular chirality but also synthesized highly reactive diradicals containing two unpaired electrons. This groundbreaking achievement holds tremendous potential for advancing various scientific disciplines and fostering innovation in numerous industries.
