From boiling stones to smart crystals: Supramolecular and magnetic isotope control of radical-radical reactions in zeolites

The chemistry of radicals adsorbed on zeolites is remarkable in that the products of radical-radical reactions, which are nonselective in solution, can be made selective and can be controlled by supramolecular effects and magnetic isotope effects. The photolysis of ketones adsorbed on zeolites can be manipulated so that either primary or secondary radicals produced by photolysis can be directed to selected radical-radical reactions which are unknown in solution.