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Molecular mass growth through ring expansion in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via radical–radical reactions

Author

Listed:
  • Long Zhao

    (University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  • Ralf. I. Kaiser

    (University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  • Wenchao Lu

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Bo Xu

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Musahid Ahmed

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Alexander N. Morozov

    (Florida International University)

  • Alexander M. Mebel

    (Florida International University)

  • A. Hasan Howlader

    (Florida International University)

  • Stanislaw F. Wnuk

    (Florida International University)

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent key molecular building blocks leading to carbonaceous nanoparticles identified in combustion systems and extraterrestrial environments. However, the understanding of their formation and growth in these high temperature environments has remained elusive. We present a mechanism through laboratory experiments and computations revealing how the prototype PAH—naphthalene—can be efficiently formed via a rapid 1-indenyl radical—methyl radical reaction. This versatile route converts five- to six-membered rings and provides a detailed view of high temperature mass growth processes that can eventually lead to graphene-type PAHs and two-dimensional nanostructures providing a radical new view about the transformations of carbon in our universe.

Suggested Citation

  • Long Zhao & Ralf. I. Kaiser & Wenchao Lu & Bo Xu & Musahid Ahmed & Alexander N. Morozov & Alexander M. Mebel & A. Hasan Howlader & Stanislaw F. Wnuk, 2019. "Molecular mass growth through ring expansion in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via radical–radical reactions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-11652-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11652-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Ralf. I. Kaiser & Long Zhao & Wenchao Lu & Musahid Ahmed & Vladislav S. Krasnoukhov & Valeriy N. Azyazov & Alexander M. Mebel, 2022. "Unconventional excited-state dynamics in the concerted benzyl (C7H7) radical self-reaction to anthracene (C14H10)," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.

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