Exploring chemistry with single-molecule and -particle fluorescence microscopy

Eivgi, Or; Blum, Suzanne A.

doi:10.1016/j.trechm.2021.10.006

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Exploring chemistry with single-molecule and -particle fluorescence microscopy

Eivgi, Or·Blum, Suzanne A.

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Abstract

The evolution of single-molecule and -particle fluorescence microscopy imaging techniques for the investigation of chemical reactions yielded achievements at all fronts, from synthetic organic chemistry to materials science. The removal of ensemble averaging effects uncovers unique, otherwise hidden reaction intermediates, reactivity, and kinetics. Thus, new insights can be obtained even for well-explored chemical reactions and processes. The aim of this article is to serve as a guide and a source of inspiration for scientists who wish to develop single-molecule and -particle fluorescence microscopy to answer questions in chemistry. Here, we describe the current status of technical accomplishments in the field and point out technical and conceptual obstacles for overcoming in the near future, with focus on improvement of bench-scale synthetic reactions.

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY Catalysis Fluorescence microscopy Reaction mechanisms Single-molecule Single-particle Synthetic chemistry

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Eivgi, Or, Blum, Suzanne A.. 2021-11-22. Exploring chemistry with single-molecule and -particle fluorescence microscopy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trechm.2021.10.006

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