ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Superexchange

Superexchange is a way for two atoms to share electrons with each other without physically touching. Imagine you have two friends who want to share a toy, but they are sitting on opposite sides of a table and can't reach each other. Superexchange is like having another friend who can pass the toy between them.

In the same way, superexchange involves a third atom or molecule that acts as a middleman, allowing two other atoms to "exchange" electrons even though they are not in direct contact. This middleman helps the electrons jump from one atom to the other, like passing the toy between friends.

This process is important in many chemical reactions and materials science because it can enable faster and more efficient transfer of electrons. It can also influence the magnetic and electronic properties of materials. In other words, superexchange allows atoms to communicate and work together even when they are physically separated.