Organic Chemistry

BESSY II: New sample environment allows glimpse into thermocatalytic processes

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.

Rewriting the reactivity rules: A new catalyst for recycling mixed plastics

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.

Neutral lipids enable precision control over supramolecular polymerization

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.

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.

A new strategy for assembling π-conjugated panels into square molecules

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.

New step toward programmable chemistry may help reduce drug side effects

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.

Making biomolecules glow: new dye solves problem

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.

Controlling chemical reactions more efficiently and sustainably

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.

Light-Activated Copper(II) Complexes for Efficient anti-Markovnikov Alkene Hydration

Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

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.

Azide-to-diazo conversion offers safer route to versatile diazo compounds

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.

Rapid synthesis of conductive organic compounds using mechanochemistry

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.

Conquering the final frontiers in nanographene synthetic methodologies

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.

Artificial muscles that can be controlled by light

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.

Scientists create a magnet with almost no magnetic field

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.

Manchester scientists stabilize rare three‑atom metal ring, revealing new form of aromaticity

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.

Rice study resolves decades-old mystery in organic light-emitting crystals

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...

The UCO discovers an advanced mural painting technique never before seen in Roman Hispania

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.

Native bacteria may break down dioxins without genetic modification

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.

Team reports α-allylation of simple ketones and allyl alcohols on mesoporous silica

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.

New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery

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.

A sudden surge in luminosity: New method for stacking dyes

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.

Scientists confirm existence of molecule long believed to occur in oxidation

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.

New technology could use sunlight to break down ‘forever chemicals’

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.

Scientists unlock a massive new ‘color palette’ for biomedical research by synthesizing non-natural amino acids

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.

New method for housane synthesis

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.

Seeing the unseen: Scientists demonstrate dual-mode color generation from invisible light

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.

Highly selective asymmetric 1,6-addition of aliphatic Grignard reagents to α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

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.

A new route to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops

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.

New data show reduced overall PFAS exposures in subarctic ocean

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.

A year after undermining Bredt’s rule, UCLA scientists have made cage-shaped, double-bonded molecules that defy expectations

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.

Pioneering natural, degradable polymer capsules

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.

Catching a radical in motion with µSR spectroscopy

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.

Turning garden and crop waste into plastics

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.

University of Houston chemist awarded nearly $2M to decode light-activated chemistry

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.

Acid-promoted meta-C-H bond amination of aniline to directly synthesize m-diphenylamine

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.

Towards sustainable organic synthesis – Mechanochemistry replaces lithium with sodium in organic reactions

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.

Okayama University chemists pioneer light-driven macrolactone 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.

A new possibility for life: Study suggests ancient skies rained down ingredients

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.

Nobel Prize-awarded material that puncture and kill bacteria

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.

Manufacturing the world's tiniest light-emitting diodes

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed nano-OLEDs with pixels measuring just 100 nanometres, enabling ultra-high-resolution displays and microscopes. The tiny light sources also have potential applications in sensors, optics, and information transmission.

Wiley expands spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections

Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.

Light-intensity-dependent transformation of mesoscopic molecular assemblies

Researchers in Japan have developed a supramolecular polymer system that can adaptively transform into different dimensional states depending on the intensity of light applied, revealing mechanisms behind these dynamic transformations using high-speed atomic force microscopy.

Exclusive chemical conversion of PET, bottles, textiles, and plastic waste mixtures

Researchers have developed a novel chemical conversion method for PET, bottles, textiles, and plastic waste mixtures using an inexpensive iron catalyst. The process achieves a high yield of raw materials with minimal environmental impact.

Chemists find clues to the origins of buckyballs in space

Researchers found that radiation in space can transform PAHs into pentagon-bearing molecules, which may be key to converting them into buckyballs. These findings shed light on the formation of fullerenes and could help scientists search for similar molecules using tools like the James Webb Space Telescope.

Pioneering green chemistry: Light and air combine to build key molecules for future medicines

Scientists at The University of Osaka have developed an innovative method for producing NOBIN, a valuable molecule used in pharmaceuticals, by combining a vanadium catalyst and LED light. This clean process yields only water as a byproduct, showcasing exceptional environmental compatibility and waste reduction.

Microwaves for energy-efficient chemical reactions

Researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a method to use microwaves to heat specific areas in industrial processes, reducing energy costs and improving selectivity in chemical reactions. This technique has the potential to optimize catalyst design, improve durability, and scalability for eco-friendly industrial processes.

Using alcohol dehydrogenases for the clean synthesis of amides and thioesters

Researchers have developed an efficient way to synthesize valuable compounds using alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. The enzymes catalyze the formation of amides and thioesters from alcohols and amines or thiols, offering a clean alternative to traditional methods.

"Nanoreactor" cage uses visible light for catalytic and ultra-selective cross-cycloadditions

Researchers engineered a nanoreactor cage with visible-light absorption to drive highly efficient photochemical reactions. The cage achieved perfect stereo- and site-selectivity in cross-[2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, enabling catalytic transformations of chemically inert substrates.

Cassini proves complex chemistry in Enceladus ocean

Scientists have found new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's moon Enceladus, confirming that complex chemical reactions are taking place within its underground ocean. The discovery strengthens the case for a dedicated European Space Agency (ESA) mission to orbit and land on Enceladus.

Upcycling proteins just got easier

Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a gentler, more sustainable way to break down keratins and turn leftover wool and feathers into useful products. The process uses concentrated lithium bromide to create an environment favorable for spontaneous protein unfolding.

New catalysis method can generate a library of novel molecules for drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new catalysis method that can generate a diverse array of valuable compounds, including six distinct molecular scaffolds, using reprogrammed biocatalysts and sunlight-harvesting catalysts. The method opens up new possibilities for medicinal chemistry and accelerates combinatorial synthesis of novel molecules.

New chemical tool may improve development of key drug components

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to generate metal carbenes, highly useful for drug synthesis and materials development. The new approach is 100 times better than previous methods, making it easier and safer to produce these short-lived carbon atoms.

Turning step-growth into chain-growth with click polymerization

Researchers developed a controlled 'living' click polymerization system to achieve well-defined polymers with narrow dispersity, enabling bidirectional synthesis of ABA-type block copolymers. The method leverages copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition and initiators to selectively drive monomer addition in a controlled manner.

Paper outlines more efficient organic photoredox catalysis system inspired by photosynthesis

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.

Caterpillar factories produce fluorescent nanocarbons

Researchers have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories to create and modify complex molecules, including fluorescent nanocarbons. The 'in-insect synthesis' technique enables the production of functional molecules with unprecedented precision and versatility.

Rubber that resists cracking

Materials researchers at Harvard have created a way to produce natural rubber that retains its stretchiness and durability while improving its ability to resist cracking. The new material is four times better at resisting slow crack growth during repeated stretching and 10 times tougher overall.

New atom-swapping method applied to complex organic structures

Researchers at the University of Münster developed a new strategy to swap carbon atoms with nitrogen atoms in pharmaceutical components, yielding biologically relevant compounds. The technique expands the synthetic toolbox for skeletal editing and offers new possibilities for drug design.

Unveiling boracycles: HKUST chemists develop a new approach to synthesizing strained boracycles

Researchers from HKUST have developed an efficient synthetic approach to four-membered boracycles, unlocking their potential in catalysis, synthesis, and materials science. This advancement enables the facile synthesis of previously inaccessible boracycles, which may lead to valuable applications.

Scientists finally confirm vitamin B1 hypothesis from 1958

Chemists have confirmed a 67-year-old theory about vitamin B1 by stabilizing a reactive molecule in water. The discovery opens doors to more efficient ways of making pharmaceuticals using cleaner solvents.