Molecular Activation Technology

A molecule is said to be activated when it absorbs energy by interaction with radiation. In this energy-rich form it may go through a variation of unusual chemical reactions that are normally not available to it in thermal equilibrium.
Electronic activation is production of an electronically excited state of the molecule. This state can be reached (1) by direct excitation by photon absorption, (2) by impact of charged particles, either directly or indirectly through charge neutralization (3) by charge transfer in collision with slow incident positive ions.
Catalytic small molecule activation constitutes a field of chemical science with a strong focus on the transfiguration of  simple entities into value-added commodities, fine-chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients. Small molecules such as N₂, O₂, and CO₂ frequently take part in element cycles and various metabolic processes. Selective functionalization of such molecules into value-added products holds promise for addressing sustainability issues.  Such small molecules, feature rather inert bonds and their activation depends on overcoming significant kinetic barriers.