Inverse kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) are rarely observed. Here, the authors report an inverse KIE in the charge transfer reaction of \({{\rm{Xe}}}^{+}\) with ammonia. \({{\rm{ND}}}_{3}\) reacts more than 3 times faster than \({{\rm{NH}}}_{3}\), despite no N-H or N-D bonds being broken, with implications for our understanding of interstellar chemistry.
- L. S. Petralia
- A. Tsikritea
- B. R. Heazlewood
