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Scientists achieve the first total synthesis of a complex alkaloids isolated from plant

Researchers at Chiba University successfully synthesize bisleuconothine A and bousigonine B using a new organocatalytic reaction, unlocking the efficient production of these complex alkaloids with unique medical potential. The development paves the way for new therapeutics and accelerates research into complex indole alkaloids.

SourceChiba University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

Heterogeneous photocatalyst achieves record-breaking performance for CO2 conversion

A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 11, 2024

A holy grail found for catalytic alkane activation

Hokkaido University researchers have developed a novel method to activate alkanes, making it easier to convert these building blocks into valuable compounds. The new technique utilizes confined chiral Brønsted acids, improving efficiency and selectivity in producing desired products.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Building-kit catalyst

A metal-free organic framework catalyst has been developed for the electrocatalytic production of ethylene from carbon dioxide. The catalyst, based on a nitrogen-containing covalent organic framework (COF), demonstrated high selectivity and performance for the production of ethylene.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Computing takes the guesswork out of chemistry

A team of researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to identify a highly effective boron-based catalyst for chemical transformations of amino acids and peptides. The new catalyst generates only water as a coproduct and promotes high-yield reactions with minimal environmental impact. By leveraging computational methods, th...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Discovery of organic catalyst could lead to cheaper fuel cells

A team from the University of Virginia has identified an organic molecule that can effectively substitute expensive metal catalysts in fuel-cell technology, potentially leading to cheaper and more sustainable energy solutions. The discovery presents a significant step forward in the search for efficient fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 15, 2024

A better way to create space

Researchers at KAUST have developed a simple technique to create highly porous organic polymers, known as poly(aryl thioether), for applications in photocatalysis and optoelectronics. The material exhibits high surface area and tunable porosity, making it suitable for removing organic micropollutants and toxic mercury ions from water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2023

A tailored and rapid approach for ozonation catalyst design

A new study employs artificial neural networks to predict and optimize ozonation catalyst performance based on data from 52 different catalysts. The approach integrates fluorescence spectroscopy to determine optimal impregnation concentrations and times, resulting in improved catalytic performance and removal of total organic carbon.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJun 25, 2023

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 2023

It takes two: cooperating catalysts provide new route for utilizing formate salts

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Robots and A.I. team up to discover highly selective catalysts

Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

New enzyme could mean better drugs

Rice University scientists identified a new Diels-Alderase enzyme, CtdP, which catalyzes the Diels-Alder reaction with precise stereochemistry control. This discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical synthesis and development of more effective drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Three strikes and acid is out

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new protocol for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using three catalysts that hydroxylate alkenes quickly and cheaply. This method enables the precise control of electrons and protons to convert unactivated alkenes into reactive carbocation equivalents under mild reaction conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Fast and facile synthesis of antibacterial amino acid Schiff base copper complexes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a fast and facile synthesis method for antibacterial amino acid Schiff base copper complexes using microwave irradiation. The new technique produces high-purity products with promising antimicrobial activity, overcoming the challenge of long synthesis times.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers develop novel heterostructure catalyst for effective hydrogen generation from water splitting

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have created a new catalyst that can efficiently generate hydrogen from water without the need for expensive noble metals. The innovative heterostructured material boosts both the half-reactions, improving its overall performance and paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Chemists’ HAT trick for greener chemical synthesis

Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Step toward a circular economy?

Researchers have discovered a zirconium-based metal–organic framework material that catalyzes the degradation of PET into its monomers. This process can be reused to make high-value PET products, enabling the development of a circular economy. The catalyst breaks down PET waste at 260°C with yields up to 98%

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Cheap, eco-friendly catalyst opens new possibilities for organic molecules built from pyruvate

Researchers develop an eco-friendly organic catalyst system that improves the production of organic molecules from pyruvate, a key biomolecule in metabolic pathways. The catalyst promotes reactions where pyruvate donates electrons to produce molecules like amino acids.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Well oriented

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed new palladium catalysts for polymerization, enabling the efficient synthesis of isotactic polar polypropylene (iPPP) with high isotacticity. The discovery opens up new possibilities for creating specialty plastics with improved wettability or enhanced degradability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 30, 2020

Support drives fate of protected gold nanoclusters as catalysts

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that the choice of a support material for gold nanocluster catalysts can drastically affect their structure. On certain supports, clusters disintegrate completely, while on others, the protective organic layer peels away, leaving behind intact metallic nanoclusters.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJun 16, 2020

Catalyst enables reactions with the help of green light

Chemists have developed a titanium catalyst that makes light usable for selective chemical reactions, producing highly selective products that can be used for antiviral drugs or luminescent dyes. The new catalyst uses green light to trigger reactions without destroying organic compounds.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 20, 2020

Catalytic protocells get zingy

Researchers have developed artificial cells capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide and generating oxygen, as well as implementing a rudimentary chemical signalling pathway between the cells. The new protocells use a combination of synthetic and biological catalysts to create multi-functional activity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020