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Novel green chemistry: A safe, low-cost, and eco-friendly conversion process for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides, a world first!

A research group from Osaka University has developed a novel green chemistry method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This process uses easily accessible raw materials, thiols and disulfides, and produces only non-toxic sodium and potassium salts as byproducts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Novel spectroscopy technique sheds light on NOx reduction

Lehigh University researchers developed a novel spectroscopy technique called modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) to study selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides. The results, published in Nature Communications, reveal the correct reaction pathway and have significant implications for optimizing catalytic converters.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2024

Towards non-toxic antifouling agents: A novel method for total synthesis of scabrolide F

Researchers at Okayama University developed a novel method for the total synthesis of scabrolide F, a natural marine compound. The study revealed that synthetic scabrolide F and its related compounds exhibited strong antifouling activity without toxicity, making it a potential solution to prevent biofouling damage.

SourceOkayama University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Choosing outcomes: new switchable process for synthesizing 3-aminoindolines and 2’-aminoarylacetic acids from same substrate

Researchers at Okayama University developed a switchable process to synthesize 3-aminoindolines and 2'-aminoaryl acetic acids from a common substrate using Grignard reagents and azide compounds. The new protocol utilizes tautomerism to control chemoselectivity and achieves efficient synthesis with good yields.

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Bridging the gap: From frequent molecular changes to observable phenomena

A Japanese research team has developed a framework that accurately describes how first-order reactions appear depending on the time interval used to measure the reaction. The work uses a 'shutter speed' analogy to simplify complex molecular changes, allowing for precise predictions of reaction outcomes.

SourceInstitute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024

Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact

Researchers discovered that adding water-resistant materials to an electrode can dramatically speed up chemical reactions in water, known as 'fouling'. This process can increase reaction rates up to six times faster than traditional methods. By leveraging this method, the chemical industry may be able to reduce its reliance on fossil f...

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 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

Synthesizing π-extended carbohelicene-based circularly polarized luminescence emitters

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new strategy to synthesize 3D π-extended carbohelicenes, overcoming molecular distortions and achieving CPL brightness of up to 513 M–1 cm–1. The study provides a solid groundwork for further research and development of high-performance carbohelicenes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Turning plastic trash into chemistry treasure

A team at Hokkaido University has developed a method to reuse plastic waste while improving process safety and efficiency. The approach uses common plastic materials to initiate radical chain reactions, detoxifying hazardous chemicals and reducing toxicity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2023

A fork in the rhod: Janelia researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes

The Janelia Fluor dyes have become a staple in biology labs worldwide, and the team has now expanded their spectrum with a new set of far-red shifted dyes that can penetrate deeper into tissue. The researchers developed a novel chemistry to synthesize these dyes, enabling them to create dozens of functional versions relatively quickly.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2023

An electrical switch to control chemical reactions

A UNIGE team has developed an electrical device that can activate and accelerate chemical reactions using a simple electric field. The device, called an electrochemical microfluidic reactor, enables chemists to control chemical reactions with ease, reducing the need for complex strategies and resources.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2023

Carbon atoms coming together in space

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a mechanism for carbon atoms to come together on the surface of interstellar ice grains, producing complex organic molecules. This process occurs at temperatures above 30 Kelvin and may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

Successful polycarbonate synthesis using the photo-on-demand interfacial polymerization method

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully synthesized polycarbonate using the photo-on-demand interfacial polymerization method, offering a safe and practical scale, high-yield synthesis. This new method reduces synthesis costs, saves on purification, and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Total recall on HIV

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

The correlation between the structures of bimetallic tartrate complexes in solutions for laser-induced synthesis and sensor characteristics of microbiosensors materials

Researchers discovered bimetallic tartrate complexes with unique structures, formed by insufficient ligand, leading to improved sensor characteristics for microbiosensors. The study showcases the potential of laser-induced chemical liquid phase deposition for creating nanostructures with various applications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateJul 11, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Birch reduction simplified to a one-minute mechanochemical process

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simplified Birch reduction method that avoids liquid ammonia and can be carried out in ambient air, making it faster and more eco-friendly. The mechanochemical approach uses a ball mill to break through the surface layer on lithium metal, enabling the Birch reduction to proceed.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 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

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

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

Hope for inflammatory bowel disease with novel “green” synthesis of drug candidate

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel 'green' synthesis technique for the production of NEt-3IB, a promising small-molecule oral drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The new method produces large quantities of NEt-3IB with high purity and a total yield of over 30%, using only recoverable organic solve...

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2022

Novel enzyme catalyzing the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties characterized

Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

After 70 years, advanced carbon-based magnetic material finally synthesized

Osaka University researchers have successfully synthesized a stable, crystalline nanographene with predicted magnetic properties, opening the door to revolutionary advances in electronics and magnets. The breakthrough uses a simplified model system called triangulene, which has long been elusive due to polymerization issues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones with isotopic differences at the ortho position

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology synthesized atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones, showing unprecedented isotopic atropisomerism due to rotational restriction around an N-Ar bond. The findings support the formation of diastereomers and have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

MTU engineers clean up water pollution with sunlight

Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021