Tunneling Control: The Third Reactivity Paradigm Next to Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control

Abstract

Quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that enables particles to penetrate potential energy barrier despite a lack of energy to overcome it. It has become clear that how important tunneling is for understanding the rates and selectivities of chemical reactions in the last few years. In this short review, recent examples of hydrogen tunneling reactions are described.