A hidden variable in chemical reactions could hold the key to cleaner and more efficient manufacturing.

Scientists have identified a hidden factor that can determine whether a chemical reaction succeeds or fails. By controlling tiny changes in acidity near electrodes, researchers dramatically improved the production of valuable chemical ingredients, raising the proportion of the desired product from approximately 16% to 97%.

The breakthrough, led by Professor Jaeyune Ryu of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University College of Engineering, could help make chemical manufacturing safer, cleaner, and more efficient. The researchers developed a method that uses oxygen and electricity to produce compounds used in plastics, medicines, adhesives, and other everyday materials without requiring the separate addition of peroxide oxidants.