Scientific Research
IM4
Henry has been dubbed “The founder of the modern study of inorganic mechanisms.” Publishing more than 300 scientific papers he was no doubt a leader in his field of research. He is most well-known for his contributions to the understanding of the mechanism of electron transfer reactions, for which he received his Nobel Prize in 1983.
In the late 1940s, Henry conducted a number of experiments to show that metal ions within a water solution form chemical bonds with some of the water molecules. He was also trying to show that the stability and arrangement of these metal complexes (or coordination compounds) vary, depending on factors such as the ions identity and oxidation state.
The oxidation or reduction of one metal ion by another requires the transfer of at least one electron. These reactions can occur quickly in an aqueous solution even though water molecules should act as a barrier (the stable arrangement of the water molecules should keep the ions from getting close enough to make the transfer within the solution). Henry discovered that this was made possible by the ligand (in this case the water molecule) acting like a temporary bridge. A chemical bond is formed between one of the ions and a ligand that is already attached to another. The ligand now acts as a bridge. The ions can transfer electrons and then break away from the ligand, completing the reaction. Later, Henry showed that the structure of the bridge also affected how this electron transfer worked.
Henry’s discovery has been made useful in the selection of metallic compounds as catalysts, superconductors, pigments etc.
In the late 1940s, Henry conducted a number of experiments to show that metal ions within a water solution form chemical bonds with some of the water molecules. He was also trying to show that the stability and arrangement of these metal complexes (or coordination compounds) vary, depending on factors such as the ions identity and oxidation state.
The oxidation or reduction of one metal ion by another requires the transfer of at least one electron. These reactions can occur quickly in an aqueous solution even though water molecules should act as a barrier (the stable arrangement of the water molecules should keep the ions from getting close enough to make the transfer within the solution). Henry discovered that this was made possible by the ligand (in this case the water molecule) acting like a temporary bridge. A chemical bond is formed between one of the ions and a ligand that is already attached to another. The ligand now acts as a bridge. The ions can transfer electrons and then break away from the ligand, completing the reaction. Later, Henry showed that the structure of the bridge also affected how this electron transfer worked.
Henry’s discovery has been made useful in the selection of metallic compounds as catalysts, superconductors, pigments etc.