New light on proton transfer: Spectral and kinetic signature of a transient Eigen complex

Abstract

Despite the long-lasting research on proton transfer as a fundamental chemical reaction, not all details regarding its precise mechanism have been revealed. Particularly, a complete spectroscopic and kinetic characterization of all intermediates remains challenging. In the September issue of Cell Reports Physical Science, Lee et al. identify a transient Eigen complex and determine the molecularity of each elementary step.