Chemists change the bonds between atoms in a single molecule for the first time

Images of single molecules obtained by high-resolution atomic force microscopy. Selectively and reversibly the molecular structure in the center can be transformed to the structure on the right or on the left, by voltage pulses applied form the tip of a scanning probe microscope. Credit: Leo Gross/IBM

This is done by using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to break the bonds in a molecule and then to customize the molecule by creating new bonds—a chemistry first

https://phys.org/news/2022-07-chemists-bonds-atoms-molecule.amp
It seems that we are at the beginning of a new technology that allows customization of molecules.

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Northwest · M

This a great first step, a testimonial to international cooperation between private industry and public research universities across the globe, as well as opening the door to CRISPR like technologies. This will have direct industrial applications in less than 5 years in the EV space (among others).

Pfuzylogic · M

@Northwest
I found customizing molecules something that needed to be commented on. To think that they could directly apply voltage to change energy levels of the electrons and hence the valence bonds was something that caught me totally unexpected.

Northwest · M

@Pfuzylogic Yes. Applying the voltage differential, at the atomic-bond level, is beyond amazing. At some point in the future, we might be able to fix a defect *inside* a 600 ton cement block, without having to break it apart.

helenS · 36-40, F

I think the point is that they were able to change the bond system in a single molecule, and to observe the changes using their STM.
Really good work. AFM is an amazing technique.

Pfuzylogic · M

@helenS
They were able to apply voltage pulses on the bond and then recombine them with the STM. It is used for more than monitoring. It is the tool for modification. If you get a chance, check out the article.
Previously they compared the current method used as

liken it to dumping a box of Legos in a washing machine and hoping that some useful connections are made.

So what was done by chance before is an exact method to control the modification.

Mindful · 56-60, F

Thank you I love science

Pfuzylogic · M

@Mindful
It is a low key major advance that is masked behind the James Webb satellite. Both are incredible but this “micro” event seems incredibly profound for new advances in material development!

Mindful · 56-60, F

@Pfuzylogic to borrow an ancient quote …”the smallest (least)… is the greatest”

SomeMichGuy · M

Wow! Fantastic!

Pfuzylogic · M

@SomeMichGuy
I agree, in essence it would be equivalent to molecular surgery.
All things are possible.

ExtremeNext · 31-35

Pfuzylogic · M

@ExtremeNext
Did someone change up your stimulant chemistry? 😜

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