Molecular Dynamics Calculation of the Activation Volume for Water Exchange on Li⁺

The activation volume of water exchange around Li+ (aq) was determined from reactive flux calculations using molecular dynamics simulations with a classical force field. The barrier height for exchange decreases with pressure, giving a negative activation volume, in agreement with the current paradigm for inferring exchange mechanism from activation volume. However, it is also demonstrated that pressure-dependent transmission effects make a significant contribution to the overall activation volume. These calculations indicate that small activation volumes should not be regarded as mechanistically indicative because of the potential contributions from transmission effects.