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The fundamental knowledge of molecules with magneto-optical properties is still being built as researchers fine-tune their synthesis to optimize their properties. Researchers now add chiral ligands to magnetic heterometallic lanthanide compounds to study their impact on electronic transitions.
Reliance on colour-based experiments in the undergraduate laboratory is a considerable hurdle for those with colour vision deficiency. Designing course material that relies on interpretation and not perception creates a more accessible environment for all.
Reversing the intuitive order of reactivity of functional groups provides new synthetic strategies and enables utilization of chemical feedstocks, such as plastic waste, carbon dioxide and biomass. This Review highlights the chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds with a counterintuitive reactivity order.
The synthesis of thermodynamically disfavoured substituted six-membered rings provides a notable challenge compared with that of the thermodynamically stable stereoisomer counterparts. This Review provides a summary of current strategies for their synthesis.
In 1993, a new route for the synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals was reported that exploited organometallic chemistry to afford nearly monodisperse particles. 30 years later the award of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry can be directly traced to this single publication.
Improving zinc–air batteries is challenging due to kinetics and limited electrochemical reversibility, partly attributed to sluggish four-electron redox chemistry. Now, substantial strides are noted with two-electron redox chemistry and catalysts, resulting in unprecedentedly stable zinc–air batteries with 61% energy efficiencies.
Intercalation of atoms, ions and molecules is a powerful tool for finely regulating atomically thin, 2D materials. This Review highlights the effects of intercalation in 2D materials and discusses their in situ studies.
Structural and dynamic DNA nanosciences offer unique tools for engineering bottom–up synthetic cells. This Review provides a holistic overview for using DNA as a structural material, for designing functional entities, and for information-processing circuits for adaptive and interactive behaviour.
Colloid science has developed through innovative use of silane coupling agents. We highlight the advances in complex colloid synthesis, focussing on 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TPM) and related compounds. We outline the remarkable properties, unique synthesis strategies and ensuing pioneering applications of TPM colloids.
Catherine Ngila, executive director of the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (AFoWYESTI), talks about her experience of academia and her hopes to promote diversity in STEM.
Radiation-induced redox chemistry is an important consideration for practical applications such as production and storage of nuclear fuels. Furthering our fundamental understanding of radioactive elements, here, the decay kinetics of californium in the presence of common anionic compounds is studied.
Peptide stapling has traditionally relied on the incorporation of unnatural amino acids and symmetric stapling. A recent article targets a typically inert C–H bond within the serine side chain, offering new avenues for conformational control and side chain engineering.
The four core effects of high-entropy alloys are discussed and greater insights are presented. These clarifications are helpful in understanding materials from low entropy (simple two-component or three-component alloys) to high entropy (five components or greater), and in general materials design.
To achieve net-zero carbon emissions, we must close the carbon cycle for industries that are difficult to electrify. Developing the needed science to provide carbon alternatives and non-fossil carbon will accelerate advances towards defossilization.
From high school to distinguished professor of chemistry at Rhodes University, Tebello Nyokong discusses her inspiration and ambitions to promote science in South Africa.
Substantial progress in halide chemicals and redox mechanisms has spawned a boom in halogen-powered static conversion batteries. This Review tracks the natural benefits and intricate redox behaviour of halogen conversion chemistry, highlighting its pivotal role in electrochemical energy storage.
Radiopharmaceuticals are becoming an essential tool in the fight against cancer, and the field has been diversified with the investigation of f-block elements over the past decade. Here we discuss the highlights in 2023 research leading the charge in utilizing f-block elements in innovative ways, changing how we treat these diseases.
Analog-quantum simulations derived from tracking the evolution of trapped-ion systems hold the potential to simulate molecular quantum dynamics that are beyond the reach of classical-digital strategies. This Review explores the prospects for developing this quantum advantage.