Researchers have identified a mechanism by which chemical reactions can be slowed within mirrored optical cavities, where molecules interact with light. This process was examined using Quantum-Electrodynamical Density-Functional Theory (QEDFT), revealing that the confined environment alters the vibrational energy of atoms around molecular bonds, which are vital for reactions. This study, involving an international team from institutions including the Max Planck Institute and Harvard University, focuses on the deprotection reaction of 1-phenyl-2-trimethylsilylacetylene.
Findings indicate that within the cavity, energy is redistributed rather than concentrated on a single bond, decreasing the likelihood of bond breakage—crucial for initiating chemical reactions. This insight into how light-matter interactions influence reaction rates represents a significant advancement in the field of polaritonic chemistry, with implications for developing new materials and medicines by allowing more precise manipulation of chemical reactions. The authors emphasize the need for further experimental validation but believe their work lays the groundwork for understanding and potentially controlling a broader range of chemical reactions influenced by strong light-matter coupling.
