molecular graphics (IMAGE)
Caption
The Brookhaven team used pulse radiolysis to make a molecule with an oxygen free radical (O•). The electron-withdrawing pull of the O• causes the positive proton, H+, to come off the opposite OH group. To measure the strength of that pull, the scientists gradually increased the concentration of H+s in the solution (making it more acidic), until an H+ bound to the molecule again causing a color change they could detect using spectroscopy. The high acidity at which this happened indicated a very strong electron-withdrawing pull.
Credit
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Usage Restrictions
OK for use with stories about this research.
License
Original content