Researchers developed a method called Concentration-Dependent Yield Analysis (CYAN) to connect reaction optimization and kinetic analysis. CYAN extracts kinetic information from yield data, estimating reaction speeds without requiring separate experiments. This approach helps chemists design complex high-yield reactions.
Researchers at Chonnam National University discovered a century-old solvent, dichloromethane, can efficiently synthesize amide bonds. The breakthrough method enables scalable and cost-effective amide synthesis, reducing waste and using benign byproducts.
A research team at the University of Osaka has created a porous crystal that grows into a spring-like helix, changing shape as solvent molecules move in and out. The crystal has a high porosity and retains its structure even at high temperatures.
Finalists in the 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists have been recognized for their groundbreaking research in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering. The 18 Finalists will compete for three $250,000 Laureate prizes, with the remaining 15 receiving $15,000. The Awards aim to support innova...
Scientists systematically map the Biginelli reaction to uncover a previously unknown branch that produces complex bicyclic structures and molecules with unusual supramolecular behavior
A new method allows for the precise and specific binding of carbon to other carbons, a critical reaction for building organic molecules. The approach, developed by Rice University researchers, uses iron, sulfur, and purple light to facilitate the process, making it cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Scientists create new two-step annulative p-extension method for synthesizing structurally diverse nanographenes, including curved and non-planar structures. The research expands the toolbox for chemists to access rare molecular fragments with unique properties.
Organic chemistry is challenging AI researchers to think outside the box, driving advances in how AI represents complex problems and reasons from limited evidence. This is enabling the development of more reliable, efficient, and transparent AI systems that can support various areas of science and society.
Researchers have developed a custom liquid chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry device capable of high-temperature, high-pressure combustion to analyze halogenated compounds. The method provides a new tool for source identification and fate analysis, contributing to effective management strategies.
Researchers purified and characterized four ζ-carotene isomers, revealing UV-A shielding and antioxidant activities. The study suggests ζ-carotene's potential as a natural ingredient for skin health and photoprotection.
Researchers have developed a new 3D-printable cellulose hydrogel that defies freezing temperatures, maintaining ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. The hydrogel exhibits shear-thinning behavior, allowing it to flow through a 3D printer nozzle and hold its shape.
Researchers at OIST have designed and synthesized new multi-functional compounds that change structure under UV light, exhibiting turn-ON fluorescence and bistability. These molecular switches have a range of desirable properties, making them suitable for applications in sensing, low-energy technologies, and responsive systems.
Researchers have discovered that surface hydroxyl groups on platinum catalysts are crucial for controlling the conversion of methanol into hydrogen. The study found that hydroxyl-rich oxide supports can improve platinum-based methanol reforming catalysts, leading to higher hydrogen production rates.
A KAIST research team has demonstrated for the first time that a porous material can arrange disordered gas molecules into a crystal-like structure. Using xenon as a model system, they identified a specific cobalt-based material that stabilizes xenon in a regular lattice, showcasing a breakthrough in gas crystallization.
Binghamton University researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that enables the creation of two chemical changes in a single step. This breakthrough could significantly shorten the route to target molecules for pharmaceutical research.
Researchers have developed an oxidation-free approach to oligonucleotide synthesis using P(V)-fluoridates, enabling rapid coupling and automated synthesis. The new platform offers improved efficiency and stability compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to modify the inside of molecules, creating chiral nanocarbons with unique shapes and properties. These new materials exhibit spiral-shaped light emission, multiple electrical charges, and gas storage capabilities.
Researchers design a vapor-controlled reversible host–guest chemistry system that controls the optical and physical properties of a functional molecular liquid. The FML's optical and physical properties change immediately upon forming a host–guest complex, but can be restored by exposing it to hexane vapors.
The Herbularyo card game combines Filipino folk healing traditions with organic chemistry, teaching students about medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. The game has been shown to be an effective learning tool, increasing student engagement and understanding of the subject.
A novel measurement cell enables in-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements under high pressures and temperatures, providing new insights into thermocatalytic processes such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The setup is suitable for investigating catalytic gas-solid reactions under realistic operating conditions.
Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.
Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.
Yang's research group and collaborators develop a new reaction mechanism that employs photochemistry and metalloenzyme catalysis to form carbon-carbon bonds. This method enables the creation of molecules with multiple stereogenic centers, crucial for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
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.
Researchers at NINN and SOKENDAI develop a new strategy for synthesizing three-dimensional macrocycles in a square shape, featuring acid responsiveness and recyclability. The method uses an imine bond to create the shape, respond to stimuli, and revert back.
Researchers have developed molecular cages that encase tetrazine, allowing for specific targeting of cancer cells for imaging and drug delivery. This technology enables precise spatial control over chemical reactions in living systems, promising improved outcomes for patients with limited side effects.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method to make biomolecules glow in real-time, eliminating unwanted signals in microscopy. This approach ensures only labelled biological molecules emit fluorescence, making experiments clearer and easier to interpret.
Researchers have developed a new synthesis method that enables precise control over chemical reactions at previously inaccessible sites on molecules. This breakthrough enables targeted modifications to carbon-hydrogen bonds, playing a key role in developing new drugs, functional materials, and more efficient chemical processes.
A team of researchers from Okayama University has developed a novel photocatalytic system based on copper(II) that achieves anti-Markovnikov hydration of alkenes with high selectivity. The system operates under visible light and can efficiently convert a broad range of alkenes into alcohols.
Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.
Researchers have developed a novel method to generate diazo compounds without toxic precursors, enabling efficient synthesis of valuable intermediates for chemical and pharmaceutical applications. The phosphine-mediated Michael addition reaction produces β-heteroatom-substituted diazo esters under mild conditions.
Researchers from Nagoya University developed a two-step synthetic method for dihydrodinapthopentalenes, conductive organic molecules with complex synthesis. The new mechanochemical method synthesizes DHDPs in 15 minutes with minimal solvent waste and structural constraints.
Researchers have developed a new methodology for selective molecular transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeting the challenging L-region. This enables the creation of larger PAH structures and new nanographenes, increasing versatility in technological applications.
Researchers at DTU have developed a new magnetic material that features a stable internal magnetic structure and almost no external magnetic field, above room temperature. This could enable faster components and lower energy consumption in spintronics.
Researchers at FAU are developing artificial muscles that can be controlled by light using tiny molecular machines. The technology enables the creation of intelligent materials with programmable properties, such as rigidity and elasticity under different wavelengths of light.
Manchester scientists discovered a new type of aromatic molecule made entirely of metal atoms, with a tiny ring of three bismuth atoms supporting circulating currents like benzene. The finding bridges the gap between organic and all-metal aromaticity, offering insights into chemical bonding.
Researchers at Rice University have solved a long-standing puzzle in organic semiconductors by finding that tiny structural imperfections can improve light conversion efficiency. The study reveals how defects act as energy localization sites that behave differently from the rest of the material, enhancing processes like triplet-triplet...
Researchers from UCO and IQUEMA laboratories analyze pigments in Domus of Salvius to reveal sophisticated understanding of materials and effects. The mixture of cinnabar and iron oxide was applied in a unique way, with a layer of goethite protecting the expensive cinnabar.
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
The team successfully developed a multifunctional catalyst incorporating palladium and copper complexes on mesoporous silica, enabling the efficient activation of ketones and allyl alcohols. This process accelerates the allylation reaction by up to a factor of 15.5 compared to previous catalysts.
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Scientists create precise folding of dye molecules into 'foldamers', leading to increased fluorescence quantum yield and reduced quenching. Stacks of up to 14 units exhibit significant luminescence increase.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of a long-theorized molecule in oxidation, which has implications for atmospheric chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. The discovery was made using a unique mass-spectrometric technique and has significant implications for understanding reaction steps and products in oxidation processes.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst that uses sunlight to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of water-repellent chemicals linked to increased cancer risk. The technology could be scaled up for detection or removal from the environment and human body.
A UC Santa Barbara research team has developed a method to efficiently synthesize non-natural amino acids and apply them to peptide construction. This technique provides greater access to amino acids beyond the 22 found in nature, opening up new possibilities for biochemists, medical researchers, and materials scientists.
Chemists at the University of Münster developed a new method to produce high-grade housane molecules, which are small tri- or quadripartite ring molecules crucial for drug development and materials science. The reaction is triggered by photocatalysis, enabling efficient access to valuable products.
Researchers develop a rigid organic crystal that emits red light under UV irradiation through excimer formation and generates green light through second harmonic generation under near-infrared exposure. The dual-mode optical behavior operates independently within the same crystal without interference.
Researchers achieve highly regio-, stereo-, and enantioselective 1,6-addition of aliphatic Grignard reagents to α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using an iron catalyst with a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. The achievement offers new opportunities for drug discovery, materials chemistry, and fine-chemical synthesis.
Researchers develop versatile molecular platform to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops, exhibiting high circularly polarized luminescence and other advanced photophysical properties. The breakthrough method enables multi-site functionalization and creation of chiral nanohoops with remarkable optical performance.
A new study from Harvard found that North Atlantic pilot whales have 60% lower concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their bodies since the phaseout of these chemicals. The researchers measured bulk organofluorine levels as a proxy for total PFAS concentrations, including newer types of PFAS.
Researchers at UCLA have developed cage-shaped, double-bonded molecules called cubene and quadricyclene that defy expectations by breaking the traditional rules of organic chemistry. The discovery has potential applications in drug development, enabling the creation of more complex 3D structures for new medicines.
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has pioneered a technology for preparing biodegradable polymer capsules using naturally occurring molecules. The new method produces stable, shelf-life-friendly capsules that can store target molecules and undergo photodegradation upon exposure to light.
Scientists successfully observed a quinoxalinyl radical forming within nanoseconds using µSR spectroscopy. The technique enabled real-time detection of highly reactive aromatic heterocyclic radicals in isocyanide insertion reactions.
A new Junior Research Group at the University of Oldenburg aims to create fully biodegradable plastics from organic waste. The team will investigate various processes, including fermentation and downstreaming, to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) based on polybutylene succinate.
A University of Houston chemist has received a nearly $2M grant to develop molecular blueprints for controlling how molecules change shape and reactivity upon absorbing light. This research could lead to breakthroughs in storing and using chemical energy, as well as designing materials that change when exposed to light.
A novel acid-promoted radical substitution strategy achieves selective synthesis of m-phenylenediamine compounds from aromatic amines, offering a more efficient and regioselective approach than current methods. The reaction exhibits good substrate versatility and functional group compatibility.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed an environmentally friendly method to synthesize organosodium reagents using ball-milling mechanochemistry. This approach replaces traditional methods using highly reactive and toxic materials, offering a sustainable alternative in organic synthesis.
Researchers at Okayama University develop a novel photochemical strategy for macrolactonization, transforming hydroxyaldehydes into large ring lactones. The method avoids harsh conditions and multi-step procedures, making it attractive for scaling up synthesis and improving cost-effectiveness.
Researchers found sulfur-containing molecules in ancient Earth's atmosphere, which could have supplied life with building blocks like amino acids. The discovery challenges the idea that these molecules emerged after life already formed, suggesting a more complex role for the environment in life's origin.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that uses metal-organic frameworks to physically injure and kill bacteria, preventing biofilm formation without antibiotics or toxic metals. This innovation eliminates the risk of antibiotic resistance and has potential applications in various industries.