Molecular Anvils Graphic (IMAGE)

DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Molecular Anvils Graphic

Caption

This illustration shows complexes of soft molecules (yellow and pink) attached to "molecular anvils" (red and blue) that are about to be squeezed between two diamonds in a diamond anvil cell. The molecular anvils distribute this pressure unevenly, breaking bonds and triggering other chemical reactions in the softer molecules.

Credit

Peter Allen/UC-Santa Barbara

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.