Author:
Jay Raphael M.,Banerjee Ambar,Leitner Torsten,Stefanuik Robert,Wang Ru-Pan,Harich Jessica,Beale Emma,Kabanova Victoria,Kahraman Abdullah,Wach Anna,Ozerov Dimitri,Arrell Christopher A.,Johnson Philip J. M.,Smolentsev Grigory,Huthwelker Thomas,Borca Camilia N.,Cirelli Claudio,Bacellar Camila,Milne Christopher J.,Huse Nils,Odelius Michael,Wernet Philippe
Abstract
Using ultrafast X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we observe how a rhodium carbonyl catalyst is formed on femtosecond timescales and reveal the decisive orbital interactions which facilitate the efficient cleavage of an alkane C-H bond from solution.