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Light-controlled switches get a glow up

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026

AI and quantum chemistry identify efficient blue OLED materials

Researchers designed an end-to-end workflow to identify new blue OLED materials using AI and quantum chemistry. They developed a virtual library of over 19,000 molecules and used machine learning to select promising candidates, which were then experimentally evaluated and found to have high color purity and efficiency.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Polymers change structure to avert failure and keep elastomers tough

Scientists at The University of Osaka have created a multipath synergistic strategy to toughen elastomers by sequentially activating three energy dissipation pathways. This approach enhances the material's toughness while maintaining its elasticity, making it suitable for various applications such as tires, gloves, and adhesives.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

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

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

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.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

HKUST researchers develop pioneering organocatalytic strategy for chiral sulfinamides with antiviral potential

The team developed an air-stable chiral phosphine-catalyzed approach to synthesize enantioenriched S(IV)-stereogenic vinyl sulfinamides, a promising class of antiviral compounds. These compounds exhibit potent binding activity against the mutant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and HIV-1 ENV protein.

AI tool streamlines drug synthesis

Researchers developed a machine-learning system that predicts how molecules form, cutting lab work time from months to days and reducing costs. The system uses asymmetric cross-coupling reactions to build complex compounds and can be applied across fields, deepening our understanding of chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

Palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of trifluoroacetylsilane and 1,3-enyne to synthesize trifluoromethyl-substituted 2H-pyran compounds

A new palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization reaction has been developed to synthesize trifluoromethyl-substituted 2H-pyran compounds with high efficiency and chemoselectivity. The method involves a cascade reaction of trifluoroacetylsilane and 1,3-enyne, followed by oxa-6π-electrocyclization.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2025

Crystal-free mechanoluminescence illuminates new possibilities for next-generation materials

Scientists at OIST have created crystal-free films of photoluminescent compounds that exhibit mechanoluminescence when stimulated through mechanical forces. This breakthrough removes the need for complex crystal design and engineering in creating mechanoluminescent materials.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025

Chemists develop “Dump-and-Stir” technique for fast and safe carborane synthesis

Researchers from The University of Osaka develop a groundbreaking synthetic method to incorporate boron-rich carboranes into aromatic compounds, eliminating complex steps and hazardous conditions. This 'dump-and-stir' technique enables large-scale production using inexpensive aryl bromides and chlorides.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

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.

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Chemical synthesis driven by high pressure

Researchers have successfully synthesized high-performance materials using high pressure, including superhard and superconducting materials. The article highlights the potential of high-pressure chemistry for discovering new materials and phases, despite challenges remaining in terms of experimental costs and equipment operation.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 21, 2025

Scientists uncover spin–catalytic activity correlation in single-atom and -electron tailored gold nanoclusters

Researchers develop novel synthesis method for multi-shelled gold clusters and precisely remove atoms to study magnetic spin influence on catalytic behavior. They find that spin density concentrates more on iodine atoms than sulfur atoms, indicating potential role in tuning catalytic properties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Synthesis of organophosphorus (III) compounds from white phosphorus via an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach

Scientists have developed a novel synthesis method for trivalent phosphorus compounds, leveraging an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach to produce high-yielding organophosphorus compounds with improved efficiency and selectivity. The approach also enables the in-situ consumption of renewable energy sources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Harnessing multi-element perovskites as catalysts for selective oxidation of light alkanes

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

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

Fluorescent molecules to illuminate life: simplified synthesis with formaldehyde

A research team has developed a simplified synthesis method for organic fluorophores using formaldehyde, reducing molecular size and increasing atomic efficiency. The new technique can also be applied to in vivo environments, showing promise for life sciences research and diagnostics applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2024