Targeting RNA with small molecules represents an attractive medicinal approach, and profiling the small molecule-binding landscapes of various types of RNA structures is critical. Here, the authors develop a large-scale approach for investigating small molecule-RNA structure interaction profiles using a multiplexed pull-down assay with various RNA structure libraries, and validate the assay using G-clamp and thiazole orange derivatives.

Biomolecular coacervates are emerging model systems to understand biological processes. Here, the authors reveal details on how the length and sequence of the DNA binders influence the multivalency-driven coacervate formation, how to introduce switching and autonomous behavior in reaction circuits, as well as how to engineer wetting, engulfment, and fusion in multi-coacervate system.

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is known to be a cancer biomarker correlated to androgen synthesis, and causes drug resistance by direct action on chemotherapeutics and by stabilizing AR splice variant 7 (ARv7). While selective inhibitors against AKR1C3 are developed, the ARv7 is thought to be undruggable. Here, the authors develop an AKR1C3-ARv7 dual PROTAC degrader based on a selective inhibitor against AKR1C3, showing the potential for degradation of AKR1C3 and ARv7 simultaneously.

The fluorine isotope ¹⁸F is a PET nuclide used for imaging studies, but the incorporation of [¹⁸F]HF into 2,2-difluorovinyl groups to generate radiotracers and labeling reagents has only been achieved in low yields. Here, using a combination of Et₃SiH and TEMPO in the absence of oxidizing agents is shown to afford a higher yield, better product quality, and controllable selectivity between the formation of a S–F or C–F bond.

Amides are important intermediates in organic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry, but their low reactivity requires catalysts and/or harsh reaction conditions to esterify them. Here, the authors report a versatile and mild dimethyl sulfate-mediated reaction to activate and esterify C—N bonds, achieving up to 95% amide bond cleavage.

Organosodium compounds are appealing sustainable alternatives to precious transition metal compounds, yet they have rarely been used in homogeneous catalysis. Here, the authors introduce a dihydropyridylsodium compound, Na1,2-tBu-DH(DMAP), and its monomeric variant [Na-1,2-tBuDH(DMAP)]·Me₆TREN, and demonstrate their effectiveness in transfer hydrogenation catalysis of a representative alkene, 1,1-diphenylethylene, using 1,4-cyclohexadiene as a hydrogen source.

Rare-earth telluride clusters enable the construction of highly crystalline rare-earth tellurides, but a general route for preparing such clusters is lacking. Now, a facile reduction approach produces rare-earth clusters supported by (poly)tellurido ligands, including a tri-tellurido ligand with a three-center, four-electron bonding structure.

The chemical reduction of group 1 metal cations to their zero-valent species is challenging. Now, a bipyridine-stabilized borate anion joins the ranks of suitable reducing agents and also proves active in the two-electron reduction of CO₂.

FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data practices are necessary to expedite knowledge discovery, encourage collaboration, and optimise resource use, fostering a robust foundation for future scientific progress. Here, the authors explore the use of FAIR practices to advance materials chemistry research, examining key repositories, highlighting their role in sharing scientific data, and examining the accessibility of these approaches.

Communications Chemistry is pleased to introduce a Collection of articles focused on organomediated polymerization. Here, the Guest Editors highlight the themes within and look towards the future of this research field.

Boroxines, resulting from the reversible dehydration of boronic acids, have been incorporated as structural units into functional materials and molecular assemblies, but their applicability is restricted to non-aqueous environments owing to their inherent water instability. Now, a boroxine structure spontaneously formed from the 2-hydroxyphenylboronic acid dimer enables water-compatible dynamic B–O covalent bonds, expanding their future applicability.