DonorMolekül

DonorMolekül is a term used in chemistry to denote a molecule that can donate electron density, chemical groups, or hydrogen bonds to another species. In donor-acceptor systems, the DonorMolekül serves as the source of electrons or functional groups that enable charge transfer, redox processes, or non-covalent interactions with an acceptor partner. The concept appears across disciplines such as organic chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry.

DonorMolekül are typically characterized by high electron density and the presence of lone-pair-bearing atoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. In Lewis acid–base language, a DonorMolekül acts as a Lewis donor. Depending on its structure, it may function as an electron donor in redox reactions, form coordination bonds to metal centers, or donate hydrogen in hydrogen-bonding interactions.

In photochemical or materials contexts, the DonorMolekül is paired with an acceptor whose lowest unoccupied molecular orbital can accept electrons. The efficiency of charge transfer depends on the relative HOMO and LUMO energies, orbital overlap, and the strength of the donor–acceptor interaction.

Applications include organic electronics, such as donor–acceptor polymers in photovoltaics, catalysis where donors participate in electron-transfer steps, and supramolecular chemistry where DonorMolekül initiate assembly through non-covalent interactions. Examples of functional DonorMolekül include electron-rich aromatics and amine groups; hydrogen-bond donors rely on N–H or O–H bonds.

Characterization of a DonorMolekül often involves redox potential measurements, qualitative donor strength scales, and spectroscopic methods to observe charge-transfer complexes and binding interactions.