Scientists have long wanted to carry out chemical reactions one molecule at a time. In doing so, they imagined, they would probe the most intimate details of those transformations. Moreover, they’ve hoped they might find ways to create novel compounds that are impossible to make by conventional means. They also have anticipated assembling molecules that might be useful as nanometer-scale devices, they say.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.