Kinetics of a Three‐Step Reaction Observed at the Single‐Molecule Level

An electrical detection method was used to monitor a three-step reaction at the single-molecule level as it occurs within a protein pore (see picture). The reaction involved the breakdown of a protected carbamic acid and was initiated with light. Rate constants for the reaction could be determined by measuring the current multiple times. This approach reveals reactive intermediates, uncovers minor pathways, and quantifies the kinetics of steps invisible in conventional kinetic techniques.