Directing isomerization reactions of cumulenes with electric fields

Yaping Zang, Qi Zou (), Tianren Fu, Fay Ng, Brandon Fowler, Jingjing Yang, Hexing Li, Michael L. Steigerwald (), Colin Nuckolls () and Latha Venkataraman ()
Additional contact information
Yaping Zang: Columbia University
Qi Zou: Columbia University
Tianren Fu: Columbia University
Fay Ng: Columbia University
Brandon Fowler: Columbia University
Jingjing Yang: Columbia University
Hexing Li: Shanghai University of Electric Power
Michael L. Steigerwald: Columbia University
Colin Nuckolls: Columbia University
Latha Venkataraman: Columbia University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Electric fields have been proposed as having a distinct ability to catalyze chemical reactions through the stabilization of polar or ionic intermediate transition states. Although field-assisted catalysis is being researched, the ability to catalyze reactions in solution using electric fields remains elusive and the understanding of mechanisms of such catalysis is sparse. Here we show that an electric field can catalyze the cis-to-trans isomerization of [3]cumulene derivatives in solution, in a scanning tunneling microscope. We further show that the external electric field can alter the thermodynamics inhibiting the trans-to-cis reverse reaction, endowing the selectivity toward trans isomer. Using density functional theory-based calculations, we find that the applied electric field promotes a zwitterionic resonance form, which ensures a lower energy transition state for the isomerization reaction. The field also stabilizes the trans form, relative to the cis, dictating the cis/trans thermodynamics, driving the equilibrium product exclusively toward the trans.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12487-w

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