Charge-transfer interactions during C–H activation directly observed

Using time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy, researchers have directly observed the metal–alkane charge-transfer interactions that occur 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 project, led by Raphael Jay and his team at Uppsala University, Sweden, set out to experimentally evaluate metal–ligand charge-transfer reactions during C–H activation by metal complexes.¹