Fluxionality by quantum tunnelling: nonclassical 21-homododecahedryl cation rearrangement re-revisited

The 21-homododecahedryl cation is a unique system in terms of its complete fluxionality based on two different rearrangements. In this work, we report the quantum tunneling effects that drive the reactions at temperatures where the semi-classical kinetics are impossible. We postulate that the tunnel effect in this system can serve to create a refrigerator that may operate at arbitrarily low temperatures.

Automated summary

The 21-homododecahedryl cation is a unique system with complete fluxionality based on two different rearrangements. Quantum tunneling effects are reported to drive reactions at temperatures where classical kinetics are impossible. It is theorized that the tunnel effect in this system could be used to create a refrigerator operating at arbitrarily low temperatures.