Suppression of proton mobility by hydrophobic hydration

J Am Chem Soc. 2009 Dec 2;131(47):17070-1. doi: 10.1021/ja9083094.

Abstract

Fluorescence microscopy and conductivity measurements reveal a remarkably strong effect of hydrophobic groups on the mobility of protons in water. The addition of 5 M of tetramethylurea (4 methyl groups per molecule) results in a reduction of the proton mobility by a factor of approximately 10: hydrophobic hydration strongly suppresses proton mobility. These observations demonstrate the collective nature of aqueous proton transport.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Protons*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Protons
  • Water