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Disorder in redox-active monolayers arising from pinhole defects, loose packing, heterogeneous distribution of redox-active headgroups, and lateral interactions between immobilized redox-active molecules can cause non-ideal cyclic voltammetry behaviour.
Compartmentalization is crucial for life’s evolution. Yet, the origin of modern phospholipid membranes and their species-dependent homochirality remains unknown. Amphiphile detection in extraterrestrial samples suggests diverse interstellar chemistry, enriching Earth’s prebiotic chemistry with vital membrane precursors. Moreover, chiroptical properties guide research into membrane homochirality origins.
In this Review, synthetic approaches to polycyclic scaffolds, which can act as saturated, three-dimensional bioisosteric replacements of ortho-substituted, meta-substituted and multi-substituted benzenes, are discussed. Their application in medicinal chemistry is also summarized.
Disorder can be used as a design parameter to improve the electrochemical performance of cathode materials. In this Review, the advantages of disorder engineering are highlighted by revisiting cathode materials and the chemical interactions that lead to different types of disorder.
The assessment of the aromaticity of actinide compounds has proven a controversial task. This Perspective highlights the application of state-of-the-art computational tools in assessing the aromaticity of actinide complexes and clusters and explains why commonly used magnetic probes, not just the nucleus-independent chemical shift but also the magnetically induced ring current, might be insufficient for assessing the aromaticity of these species.
The catalyst-controlled stereoselective synthesis of atropisomers is feasible by four main concepts: desymmetrization, (dynamic) kinetic resolution, direct formation of the stereogenic axis and de novo ring construction. In this Review, pioneering work in atroposelective catalysis is discussed alongside recent advances.
Electronic waste (e-waste) can be recycled by physicochemical reactions. This Review discusses the principles, limitations and improvement strategies from a photo-induced, thermal-induced, force-induced, electro-induced and sonication-induced chemical reaction perspective, aiming to guide future e-waste recycling efforts towards more efficient, sustainable and economical procedures.
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.
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.
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.
