A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that ultraviolet rays, not cosmic rays or X-rays, fuel chemistry in late-stage planet development. This discovery provides a chemical signature to trace exoplanets back to their cosmic nurseries.
A Cornell University collaboration has made an innovative discovery by incorporating carbon dioxide into organic molecules via electrosynthesis. The team successfully created carboxylated pyridines, which are vital to medicinal chemistry, using a novel electrochemical reactor setup.
A team led by prof. Sashuk created a semirotaxane molecule that can control the position of another molecule on its axis, regulating the rate of a particular chemical reaction. When exposed to blue light, the system accelerates the C-N coupling reaction by up to 5.4 times.
Researchers at Baylor University have synthesized a new, one-step Lewis superacid called tris(ortho-carboranyl)borane (BoCb3), which has applications in the production of common plastics. The compound is more efficient to produce, safer for the environment, and could potentially save billions of dollars in manufacturing costs.
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a general synthesis method for 1,2,3,5-tetrazines, a family of compounds with great promise for making new pharmaceuticals and chemical products. The new method is more efficient than previous approaches, requiring just five reaction steps to produce myriad versions of these compounds.
Researchers develop a new type of sustainable click chemistry by incorporating copper ions into biodegradable proteins, making it non-toxic to living organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of greener technologies and products.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully used click chemistry to deliver radiopharmaceuticals specifically to tumors in large dogs with bone cancer, increasing effectiveness and minimizing circulation. This breakthrough could pave the way for click chemistry-based treatments for humans with cancer in the future.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an AI-powered system that uses a molecule-making machine to find optimal reaction conditions for synthesizing chemicals. The system doubled the average yield of a challenging class of reactions, paving the way for faster innovation and automation in biomedical and materials research.
The review discusses how functional carbon materials (FCMs) tackle dendrite growth in metal batteries through surface chemistry, multi-dimensional carbon material engineering, and defects engineering. FCMs provide metal deposition sites, guide ion flux, and shield dendrites.
Researchers found a way for peptide-forming reactions to occur in water, solving a decades-long puzzle about early Earth chemistry. The process requires rapid reactions on the margins of water droplets, where amino acids can transform into life's building blocks.
An international team found that more than 90% of fine aerosol particles detrimental to health and the climate originate from human-made sources. The study revealed high concentrations of nitrogen oxides, exceeding WHO guidelines, and linked air pollution to an annual excess mortality rate of 745 people per 100,000 in the region.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to synthesize medicines using carbenes, reducing the need for explosive intermediates. This breakthrough could enable faster production of cyclopropanes, a key ingredient in COVID-19 treatments and other medications.
Researchers found that photochemical aging of soot on particles can increase their hydrophilicity, making them better cloud condensation nuclei. This transformation affects the fate and effects of soot aerosols in the atmosphere, influencing wet deposition processes.
A new battery health assessment indicator SoNA was proposed to evaluate nonlinear aging in lithium batteries. The research developed a multidimensional grading system combining traditional SoH with SoNA to comprehensively assess battery safety and nonlinearity.
A team from Tokyo Tech has developed a new methodology to observe dynamic bonding between atoms, revealing transient structures resulting from atomic assembly. They used video tracking and ADF-STEM to directly visualize metallic dimers and trimers, achieving high atom discrimination accuracy.
Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cobalt-based molecule that can detect extremely subtle temperature shifts inside the body, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging and therapy. The noninvasive probe uses radiofrequency waves to read out temperature signals from the body.
A unique ratio of metabolites in blood samples may facilitate faster diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The discovery promises to reduce reliance on amyloid fragments, which can be detected using existing equipment.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.
A new study reveals that smoke from major wildfires can destroy atmospheric ozone in the Southern Hemisphere for months. Researchers warn that more frequent wildfires with a changing climate will lead to increased damage and exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
A field study in South Korea has provided valuable tests of photochemical models' ability to represent atmospheric chemistry, especially in polluted environments. The analysis of airborne measurements of hydroxyl radical and other chemical species showed agreement with model values when uncertainties are considered.
In 2021, researchers made notable discoveries, such as the identification of pain-causing proteins in snake venom and the development of bite-sized protein structures that can be felt with the tongue. The year also saw significant progress in plastics recycling and molecular editing, which holds promise for medicinal chemists.
A new CU Boulder study reveals that iodine from desert dust can decrease ozone air pollution but prolong greenhouse gas lifetimes. The finding has significant implications for air quality and climate, forcing researchers to re-evaluate how particles from land impact the atmosphere's chemistry.
Researchers have mapped the atomic structure of amphotericin B, a powerful but toxic antifungal agent. The detailed structure reveals how the drug kills fungal cells by robbing them of sterol molecules, providing a roadmap for synthesizing less-toxic derivatives.
The Estée Lauder Companies has released its Green Score methodology to assess and measure the sustainability of ingredients and formulas based on green chemistry principles. The approach uses a quantitative tool to evaluate human health, ecosystem health, and environmental impact across its product portfolio.
Researchers have paired Barton's base, a 1980s catalyst, with click chemistry to accelerate complex molecule generation in biomedical research and drug development. The new ASCC method skips intermediate steps, reducing waste and enhancing 'green credentials',
Peng Li, an assistant professor at West Virginia University, has received the 2021 Young Investigator Award from Eli Lilly for his groundbreaking research on acoustic waves and microfluidic devices. His innovation, VSSI technology, offers improved performance, smaller size, and lower cost compared to commercial products.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered a new chemistry involving water-soluble particle surfaces, which may be useful for sewage treatment and other industrial applications. The study found that these surfaces can absorb water and dissolve, promoting previously undiscovered chemical reactions.
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.
Scientists have directly observed carbon-centered hydroperoxyalkyl radical (QOOH), a crucial intermediate product in climate change models and combustion engine design. The study's results improve understanding of oxidation reactions and their impact on atmospheric pollution.
The University of Hong Kong researchers have developed a novel quantum chemistry technique to reveal complex electron and energy transfer pathways in photophysical processes. The study reveals that strong electron-electron correlations and electron-vibration couplings govern the efficient singlet fission process in organic materials.
Researchers developed a new analytical technique to isolate and characterize individual organelles within cells, allowing for rapid chemical analysis. The study found heterogeneity among vesicle types, indicating the potential for earlier disease detection.
A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.
Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a simple method to produce fluorine-containing heterocycles, which are promising building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The new compounds were found to be highly chemically active and selectively entered into various reactions.
Researchers have developed a machine-learning algorithm to categorize metal-organic frameworks by oxidation state, providing a solution to the long-standing problem in chemistry. The collective knowledge of the chemistry community was used to train the model, which captured the errors and inconsistencies in existing methods.
Researchers from University of Tsukuba have demonstrated successive proton transport mechanism in a material that may be a future source of reliable primary and backup power. The study reveals the chemistry underlying this phenomenon, which has implications for improving fuel cell efficiency and stability.
Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz will measure concentrations of reactive organic gases in a forested field site and simulate rain events to quantify the removal of pollutants from the atmosphere. His research may provide fundamental insights into the chemistry of the atmosphere and improve air quality predictions.
Researchers at Samara Polytech systematized main transformation pathways of o-quinone methides into chromene and chromanes. The review article highlights compounds of interest for medical chemistry.
Insilico Medicine will present its latest results in modern and next-generation AI for generative chemistry at ACS Spring 2021. The company's Chemistry42 platform facilitates the discovery of novel small molecule leads in several therapeutic areas, integrating AI techniques with computational and medicinal chemistry methods.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a highly efficient method to produce silicon polymers using surface chemistry. The breakthrough allows for the creation of long polymers with mild reaction conditions, paving the way for new material properties and potential applications as organic semi-conductors.
Donald Sparks has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal for his pioneering work on soil chemistry and carbon dynamics. He is recognized as a global leader in environmental soil chemistry, having carried out visionary science throughout his career.
A new study highlights barriers for women and marginalized groups in supramolecular chemistry, including the need for mentoring opportunities and visibility. The study also found that women face obstacles during career breaks and parenting, while men do not.
Researchers from Osaka University studied single atoms of rutherfordium reacting with common bases, uncovering differences in reactivity due to relativistic chemistry. These findings may lead to new applications and materials development.
Danna Freedman, a Northwestern University professor, presents a novel approach to quantum chemistry, enabling the creation of next-generation quantum technology. Her research challenges the assumption that molecules are too complex to study effectively, paving the way for new understandings.
A study of indoor ozone chemistry in an occupied house found overall low ozone concentrations but multiple VOCs indicating ozone reactions with skin lipids and other surface chemicals. Volatile oxidation products from skin oil persisted for up to 5 days, suggesting a significant contribution of skin lipids to indoor ozone chemistry
A research team led by Professor Chi-Ming Che and Dr. Jun Yang has resolved a long-standing problem in metal-metal closed-shell interaction, finding strong M-M' Pauli repulsion leads to repulsive metallophilicity. This discovery has profound implications for the fabrication of self-assemblies by transition metal complexes.
The American Chemical Society outlines key business and policy issues in chemistry for 2021, with a focus on climate goals and the impact of open access publishing. The organization also notes that chemical firms are looking to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and manufacturers will remain busy producing COVID-19 vaccines.
Research on chemistry PhD students reveals women from historically marginalized groups have fewer positive interactions with advisors and less financial support. Despite this, students from underrepresented groups are more likely to express commitment to scholastic goals when supported by faculty members from similar backgrounds.
A study reveals systemic gender and racial inequities in US chemistry graduate programs, leading to lower retention and completion rates for underrepresented groups. Inadequate financial support and poor peer interactions also hinder career aspirations.
The novel coronavirus was a major focus of chemistry research in 2020, with thousands of papers published on mask efficacy, disinfectants and virus transmission. Other notable topics included new insights into planetary atmospheres and the impact of climate change on wildfires.
An international research team has developed a new zinc-air battery chemistry using a non-alkaline, aqueous electrolyte, overcoming previous technical obstacles. The new battery exhibits higher chemical stability and electrochemical reversibility, with potential to compete with lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers developed a novel multifaceted catalyst to access transient carbocation intermediates, achieving regiocontrolled elimination reactions. The new catalyst produces ring-shaped molecules highly sought after in synthetic, organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
The American Chemical Society has unveiled its annual list of 10 promising chemistry start-ups, focusing on innovative solutions for drug discovery, waste recycling, sustainable materials, and quantum computing. Companies like Aryballe and Evrnu are developing groundbreaking technologies to address pressing global challenges.
Researchers at TalTech have created a mechanochemical synthesis method that produces chemicals faster and with fewer environmental impacts. The technique replaces solvent-based processes, reducing toxic waste and speeding up production time.
A Virginia Tech chemistry lab has successfully split water molecules into hydrogen fuel and oxygen gas, paving the way for a renewable energy future. The team's new technique reassembles a catalyst to improve efficiency and stability, solving a key barrier in the process.
The American Chemical Society's 'Talented 12' program recognizes early-career researchers tackling difficult global challenges. This year's class includes innovators in chemistry, biobased building blocks, and faster reagents. They will be featured in this week's issue of CEN.
A new study introduces a virtual escape room game that mimics cooperative learning, allowing undergraduate students to solve chemistry problems and 'escape' a chocolate factory theme. The game promotes effective collaboration and provides an engaging alternative to traditional lab activities.
Researchers at Michigan Tech and University of Edinburgh highlight the importance of understanding virus surface stability and interaction in various environmental conditions. They propose new techniques for studying surface chemistry, which could help design effective vaccines and treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemics.
Researchers from the Advanced Science Research Center at CUNY will explore new methods of chemical synthesis using mechanical force. The team aims to develop predictive rules that anticipate how reactive chemicals respond to mechanical stress, leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical syntheses.