A rigid, flat molecular bridge enabled electron transfer at a reported rate 840 times higher than an equivalent flexible bridge in a 2014 room-temperature solution experiment. The result came from a carefully designed molecule—not a conventional wire carrying electrical current—and the researchers linked the increase to both stronger electronic coupling and electron–vibration-assisted tunnelling.
What “molecular wire” means in this experiment
The “wire” was a molecular bridge joining an electron donor to an electron acceptor, not a metal cable or a manufactured component. Junpei Sukegawa and colleagues used zinc porphyrin as the photoexcitable donor, a carbon-bridged oligo-p-phenylenevinylene (COPV) molecule as the bridge, and fullerene as the acceptor. The COPV bridge is rigid and flat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
After light excited the donor, the researchers studied electron transfer through the bridge in the donor–bridge–acceptor molecule. They compared the COPV bridge with an equivalent flexible molecular bridge. Their paper reports the findings in Nature Chemistry.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How much faster was electron transfer?
The measured electron-transfer rate was 840 times higher with the rigid COPV bridge than with the equivalent flexible bridge. That figure describes the rate in this particular molecular system and comparison. It does not mean an electron’s speed increased 840-fold, nor does it represent current measured through a practical electrical wire.
#1 Best Overall
- FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
- CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
- EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
- If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
The experiment examined photoinduced electron transfer, including charge separation and recombination, in solution at room temperature. The result is notable in that setting, but it is not evidence that a commercial molecular-wire device was built or deployed.
Why rigidity can help
The authors attribute the enhancement to two contributions. The rigid, flat structure supports effective conjugation through the bridge, strengthening electronic coupling between donor and acceptor. The paper attributes a 120-fold rate enhancement to this increased coupling.
Rank #2
- Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- 444 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 136 atoms,158 bonds, and 150 fullerene model parts, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
- Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
- Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable Snap-Lock design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
- Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
Stronger electronic coupling
In this context, electronic coupling describes how effectively the donor and acceptor interact through the bridge. A conjugated molecular structure can provide a more effective pathway for that interaction. The authors identify stronger coupling as an important part of the faster transfer.
Electron–vibration-assisted tunnelling
The researchers attribute the remaining enhancement to inelastic electron tunnelling associated with coupling between electrons and molecular vibrations. In other words, vibrations in the molecule contribute to the transfer process. The authors described this mechanism as unprecedented for organic molecular wires in solution at room temperature.
Rank #3
- UNLOCK YOUR CHEMISTRY POTENTIAL: Our comprehensive molecular model kit includes 238 pieces, featuring 84 atoms, 153 bonds and a remover tool. Suitable for chemistry learners from beginners to advanced levels. Manufacturer recommended age: 15 years and up
- ORGANIZED STORAGE AND EASY LOCATING: Experience hassle-free organization with our storage box, complete with divided compartments and labeled sections. Say goodbye to clutter and quickly find the components you need
- EXTRA LEARNING MATERIALS FOR EXCELLENCE: Enhance your studies with our bonus 6-page learning guide and stencils. From grade 9 to college, from organic to inorganic, finish and master your assignments faster and create numerous molecular structures with ease
- IMMERSIVE 3D VISUAL LEARNING: Explore chemistry in a captivating way with our 3D visual learning approach. The universal color-coded Atomic Balls provide a better understanding of molecular structure, boosting your chemistry knowledge. It's also a perfect gift for someone who are going to learn those complex molecule
- EASY-TO-USE DESIGN: Crafted from smooth, burr-free plastic, our molecular science kit ensures easy assembly. With the included remover tool, disassembling is a breeze
What the result does—and does not—show
- It shows: in the reported comparison, a rigid, flat COPV bridge produced an 840-fold higher electron-transfer rate than an equivalent flexible bridge.
- It helps explain: the increase through stronger electronic coupling and electron–vibration-assisted inelastic tunnelling.
- It does not show: that all rigid molecular bridges will produce the same increase, or that electrons literally travel at a speed 840 times greater.
- It does not establish: a ready-to-use molecular electronic device or commercial deployment.
The practical interest is prospective: understanding how molecular structure affects transfer could inform the design of molecular electronics. The measured result remains specific to the molecules and experimental conditions studied. A contemporaneous Chemistry World report placed the room-temperature solution experiment in a field where studies were often conducted at low temperatures and in vacuum.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- 240 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 86 atoms and 154 bonds, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
- Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
- Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
- Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
Rank #4
- ADVANCED LEARNING SCIENCE EDUCATION KIT --- Perfect chemistry model kit for modeling simple and small to more advanced and complex chemical structures for schools and college level, students of all ages, researchers and enthusiasts. Fun and interactive early learning molecular set for kids of all years and for use in the classroom.
- HIGH QUALITY --- Made from high quality durable materials designed for easy construction and perfect fit. These Molecular Model Kit pieces are color coded to national standards for easy ID. Organic Chemistry Model Kit includes box for easy storage and transport with your other textbooks, notes, and books. Excellent for the classroom.
- POWERFUL FUNCTIONS --- This Molecular Model Kit has a total of 136 pieces including short link remover tool. Super easy to build models for organic and inorganic chemistry, This model contains C, H, O, N, S and a variety of single and double bonds, Can be put high school, university chemistry in most of the organic or inorganic molecular structure model for the study of experimental operation.
- QUICK AND EASY ASSEMBLY OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES --- Atoms and bonds that are perfectly suited to being connected and disconnected easily without making your fingers hurt. We've also included a link remover to make the task of easy.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE --- The pieces come in a slim plastic box for convenient storage. See the pictures on this listing for a full understanding of what's inside
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
