iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A 2014 study found that a rigid, flat carbon-based molecular bridge transferred electrons 840 times faster than an equivalent flexible bridge in a specific photoinduced electron-transfer experiment. The result came from carefully designed molecules in solution at room temperature—not from a manufactured wire carrying ordinary electrical current. The researchers attributed the increase to stronger electronic coupling and electron–vibration-assisted tunnelling.
What “molecular wire” means in this study
The wire was a molecular bridge in a donor–bridge–acceptor system, not a cable. When light excited the zinc porphyrin donor, an electron could transfer through the bridge to a fullerene acceptor. Sukegawa and colleagues used carbon-bridged oligo-p-phenylenevinylene, or COPV, for the bridge. Its structure was both rigid and flat.
The comparison was between that COPV bridge and an equivalent flexible molecular bridge. The measured outcome was the rate of photoinduced electron transfer in this molecular system. It was not a measurement of how fast a free electron moves through a conventional wire. The authors’ 2014 paper in Nature Chemistry describes the experiment and its mechanisms.
Recommended Free Tools
Why rigidity can help electrons transfer
Stronger electronic coupling
A rigid, flat bridge can maintain effective conjugation along the pathway between donor and acceptor. In the study, the authors attributed a 120-fold component of the rate enhancement to increased electronic coupling. In practical terms, the bridge’s electronic structure made transfer between the two ends more effective.
#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.
Electron–vibration-assisted tunnelling
The authors attributed the rest of the enhancement to inelastic electron tunnelling involving coupling between electrons and molecular vibrations. Molecular vibrations can participate in the transfer process rather than the electron passing through an entirely vibration-independent pathway. The authors described this as an unprecedented observation for organic molecular wires in solution at room temperature.
What the 840-fold result does—and does not—show
The rigid COPV bridge produced an electron-transfer rate 840 times higher than the corresponding flexible bridge in the reported comparison. That is a striking difference in a particular molecular system, not a general multiplier for every rigid molecular bridge, electronic component, or device.
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.
- It shows: bridge structure can strongly affect photoinduced electron-transfer rates, and the authors proposed both electronic coupling and electron–vibration-assisted tunnelling as contributors.
- It does not show: electrons literally moved 840 times faster in the sense of a measured travel speed, or that the researchers measured conventional current through a manufactured wire.
- It does not establish: that a practical molecular electronic device was built or commercially deployed.
Why the room-temperature result attracted attention
The experiment was conducted in solution at room temperature. A contemporaneous Chemistry World report contrasted this with molecular-electronics studies often carried out at low temperatures and in vacuum. Demonstrating the effect under room-temperature solution conditions made the finding relevant to researchers considering molecular-device applications, but it did not by itself solve the separate challenge of turning a custom research molecule into a working, reliable device.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The significance is therefore both specific and broader: the 840-fold figure belongs to one controlled comparison, while the proposed mechanisms offer insight into how molecular structure may be used to influence charge transfer.
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
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
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.
