Studying the phase separation of small molecule systems provides a simplified framework for elucidating assembly pathways that may be obscured in macromolecular systems, but most studies focus on protein- or RNA-based condensates. Here, using nuclear magnetic resonance, the authors reveal that ATP, in the presence of Mg²⁺, undergoes phase separation coupled to percolation (PSCP), where the formation of 1:2 Mg²⁺–ATP nanoclusters precedes system-spanning networks and macroscopic condensation.
- Zihan Li
- Tairan Yuwen
- Chun Tang
