The Air–Water Interface as the Reaction Site in Microdroplets: A Case Study of Thiol Oxidation
Abstract
The air–water interface plays a crucial role in microdroplet reactions. In this study, we investigated the oxidation of two thiol molecules on water microdroplets: 2‐mercaptosuccinic acid (MSH) and 3‐phenyl‐2‐sulfanylpropanoic acid (PSH), with PSH being much more amphiphilic than MSH. Mass spectrometric experiments showed much higher oxidation yields of PSH compared to MSH. Theoretical results indicated that PSH anions preferentially partitioned to the air–water interface, but MSH anions showed no enrichment trend, which is consistent with the experimental results. This study highlights the central importance of the air–water interface in microdroplet reactions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications
Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies
Chemical and Physical Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ChemistryEurope
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN