The H/D exchange reaction is similar to a form of phase-change, and a preferential reordering of a loaded metal matrix, and it can be seen in the usual one-way form (conservative) or as sequential (a thermal anomaly). It is surprisingly energetic but is chemical – non-nuclear.
OK, that does not go far enough. How can magnetism change the preferential ordering of a metal matrix where D has already replaced H for net chemical gain over time? This would be necessary if the energetic effect is to be made sequential and cumulative– and not a one-way affair. When we look at the spin, magnetic moment and NMR properties of the two isotopes, there is an enormous difference. Magnetic moment alone is triple for protons over deuterons and NMR frequency variation is even more lopsided. In short, the magnetic variation is so extreme between the two isotopes that the small preference for deuterium in the chemical exchange reaction is easily modulated to the extent the near-field oscillates, and is felt more by protons than by deuterons. It can be noted that the B-field of samarium-cobalt can be .4 T at one micron, but at 10 nm spacing – its effect on protons could be significantly higher (if inverse square holds). A magnetic Casimir force will provide that “free” oscillation in the context of a balance between superparamagnetism and superferromagnetism. In short, this may be the key to understanding the H/D exchange reaction as a sequential route to thermal gain in the Cravens NI-Week experiment http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superparamagnetism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen%E2%80%93deuterium_exchange … so much so - that now seems to be the appropriate time for “name that novel effect” … :-) … hmm… we cannot name it the “Cravens effect” since he is on record as favoring a nuclear M.O., so how about the SPADEX effect? For superparamagnetic deuterium exchange? Jones
