The rotational state of a molecule is not generally considered to play a role in how fast it reacts; however, when the temperature is low quantum effects become more important. Now, it is shown that at low temperatures rotationally excited H2 molecules react with He faster than non-rotating ground-state molecules — a process mediated by stronger long-range attraction.
- Yuval Shagam
- Ayelet Klein
- Edvardas Narevicius
