Out of Equilibrium Chemical Systems Fueled by Trichloroacetic Acid

Dissipative systems are based on the supply of energy to a system by fuel pulses and dissipation of this energy through the fuel decomposition, resulting in repetition of a given physical or biological function. Such out of equilibrium processes are at the heart of all living organisms, and in the past decade, researchers have attempted to transpose these principles to purely synthetic systems. However, upon fuel decomposition, the resulting waste generated tends to accumulate in the system, rapidly inhibiting the machinery after a few cycles of fuel pulses. In order to solve this issue, trichloroacetic acid has appeared as a fuel of choice to reversibly change the acidity of a system, liberating volatile chloroform and CO2 upon fuel decomposition. In this Perspective, we present the advantages of this fuel and successful applications ranging from conformational switches to rotary motors to temporal control over crystallization or smart materials.

Automated summary

Dissipative systems are based on the supply of energy and its dissipation through fuel pulses and decomposition, allowing for repetitive physical or biological functions. Researchers have attempted to apply these principles to synthetic systems, but the accumulation of waste from fuel decomposition hampers the system's operation. To solve this issue, trichloroacetic acid has emerged as a preferred fuel choice, altering the system's acidity reversibly and liberating volatile chloroform and CO2 upon fuel decomposition. This Perspective highlights the advantages of this fuel and its successful applications.