Theoretical Studies on Novel Phenomena in Chemical Kinetics

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

Rudolph Marcus of the California Institute of Technology is supported by an award from the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry program to develop kinetic models to explain puzzling and unexplained experimental observations that challenge our understanding of nature. The phenomena under study include 1) infrared laser-selective chemistry in a large heterogeneous system; 2) "on-water" reactions in organic/water emulsions; 3) oscillations in denaturing green fluorescent protein; 4) rapid electron transfer in the deep-inverted region. The research has broad relevance to many important issues facing society such as green chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and solar energy conversion. As a Nobel Laureate, Professor Marcus gives lectures on his research and on other scientific subjects to a wide variety of audiences.