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Updated: May 3, 2026

Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
Enhanced chemical synthesis at soft interfaces: a universal reaction-adsorption mechanism in microcompartments
Ali Fallah-Araghi1, Kamel Meguellati1, Jean-Christophe Baret2
1Institut de Sciences et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7006, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, F-67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
Abstract:
A bimolecular synthetic reaction (imine synthesis) was performed compartmentalized in micrometer-diameter emulsion droplets. The apparent equilibrium constant (Keq) and apparent forward rate constant (k1) were both inversely proportional to the droplet radius. The results are explained by a noncatalytic reaction-adsorption model in which reactants adsorb to the droplet interface with relatively low binding energies of a few kBT, react and diffuse back to the bulk. Reaction thermodynamics is therefore modified by compartmentalization at the mesoscale--without confinement on the molecular scale--leading to a universal mechanism for improving unfavorable reactions.
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