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Nature 452, 415-416 (27 March 2008) | doi:10.1038/452415a; Published online 26 March 2008
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Catalysis: Triumph of a chemical underdog
Gorka Peris1 & Scott J. Miller1
Abstract
In the fable of the tortoise and the hare, the reptilian slowcoach beats its fleet-footed rival in a race. A zinc catalyst recreates this story by giving a less reactive chemical group a turn of speed over a rival group.
Ranking the inherent reactivity of chemical groups was crucial for propelling organic chemistry into the realms of rational science. This groundwork was achieved over the course of many decades, and a basic knowledge of which groups react faster than others is still essential today.
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