5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  A cryogenic spectroscopy study revealed a new structure for a phosphoric acid dimer involved in proton transport.

• 2

  The study utilized helium nanodroplet infrared action spectroscopy and D₂-tagging infrared photodissociation spectroscopy.

• 3

  The favored structure, termed A1, features three hydrogen bonds across five oxygen atoms, including a unique hydroxyl coordination.

• 4

  Experimental spectra consistently supported the A1 structure over an alternative model, highlighting the importance of empirical data.

• 5

  The findings may enhance understanding of phosphoric acid's proton conductivity and guide future quantum chemical modeling.