Direct Observation of Charge-Transfer Interactions in C-H Activation

Researchers at Uppsala University have used time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy to directly observe metal-alkane charge-transfer interactions during C-H activation. The method offers synthetic chemists a better understanding of C-H activation reactions and could help guide the design of new catalysts. The findings shed important light on the metal ligand's influence on crucial mechanistic steps governing reactivity and could help researchers discover better catalysts for the chemical industry.