Ultrafast photoinduced C-H bond formation from two small inorganic molecules

Zhejun Jiang, Hao Huang, Chenxu Lu, Lianrong Zhou, Shengzhe Pan, Junjie Qiang, Menghang Shi, Zhengjun Ye, Peifen Lu, Hongcheng Ni (), Wenbin Zhang () and Jian Wu ()
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Zhejun Jiang: East China Normal University
Hao Huang: East China Normal University
Chenxu Lu: East China Normal University
Lianrong Zhou: East China Normal University
Shengzhe Pan: East China Normal University
Junjie Qiang: East China Normal University
Menghang Shi: East China Normal University
Zhengjun Ye: East China Normal University
Peifen Lu: East China Normal University
Hongcheng Ni: East China Normal University
Wenbin Zhang: East China Normal University
Jian Wu: East China Normal University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The formation of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds via the reaction of small inorganic molecules is of great significance for understanding the fundamental transition from inorganic to organic matter, and thus the origin of life. Yet, the detailed mechanism of the C-H bond formation, particularly the time scale and molecular-level control of the dynamics, remain elusive. Here, we investigate the light-induced bimolecular reaction starting from a van der Waals molecular dimer composed of two small inorganic molecules, H2 and CO. Employing reaction microscopy driven by a tailored two-color light field, we identify the pathways leading to C-H photobonding thereby producing HCO+ ions, and achieve coherent control over the reaction dynamics. Using a femtosecond pump-probe scheme, we capture the ultrafast formation time, i.e., 198 ± 16 femtoseconds. The real-time visualization and coherent control of the dynamics contribute to a deeper understanding of the most fundamental bimolecular reactions responsible for C–H bond formation, thus contributing to elucidate the emergence of organic components in the universe.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47137-3

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