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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp011r66j4348
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dc.contributor.advisorScholes, Gregory D
dc.contributor.authorZhang, Ben Xinzi
dc.contributor.otherChemistry Department
dc.date.accessioned2022-10-10T19:52:25Z-
dc.date.created2022-01-01
dc.date.issued2022
dc.identifier.urihttp://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp011r66j4348-
dc.description.abstractDespite the ubiquitous use of quantum mechanics in descriptions of atomic and molecular structure, most chemical reactions are studied as classical local rearrangements of electrons and nuclei. Quantum theory predicts that, under certain circumstances, a system can evolve as a coherent superposition of local basis states. Although quantum effects such as tunneling are known to influence reaction mechanisms, chemists have rarely explored how nonlocal superposition effects might influence reaction kinetics. This dissertation is centered around a proof-of-concept experiment, which aims to use ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy to observe a superposition signature between two identical proton-transfer reactions launched simultaneously from a solvated molecular exciton. On a homebuilt broadband pump–probe spectrometer, my coworkers and I discovered an unusual, room-temperature kinetic isotope effect (KIE) in the two-site proton-transfer model, Pigment Yellow 101 (PY101). We found that, as the reactive protons were progressively substituted by deuterons, the measured reaction rate first decreased but then increased, with the slowest reaction recorded at ~50% deuteration. We explained the rate enhancement in the fully symmetric isotopologues, which contained both protons or both deuterons, as the effect of a constructive interference stemming from the excitonic coupling between the two sites. Simulations from an illustrative quantum mechanical model, mainly constructed by Luhao Zhang, suggest that inter-site quantum correlations are indeed crucial to the unusual KIE.
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherPrinceton, NJ : Princeton University
dc.relation.isformatofThe Mudd Manuscript Library retains one bound copy of each dissertation. Search for these copies in the library's main catalog: <a href=http://catalog.princeton.edu>catalog.princeton.edu</a>
dc.subjectdissipative dynamics
dc.subjectkinetic isotope effect
dc.subjectphotochemistry
dc.subjectproton transfer
dc.subjectquantum interference
dc.subjectwavepacket dynamics
dc.subject.classificationPhysical chemistry
dc.subject.classificationQuantum physics
dc.titleInterference Kinetics in a Symmetric Pair of Proton Transfer Reactions
dc.typeAcademic dissertations (Ph.D.)
pu.embargo.lift2023-09-30-
pu.embargo.terms2023-09-30
pu.date.classyear2022
pu.departmentChemistry
Appears in Collections:Chemistry

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