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| Open AccessSustainable reference points for multispecies coral reef fisheries
The sustainability of the majority of multispecies reef fisheries around the globe remains unassessed. This study provides context-specific sustainable reference points for coral reef fish using environmental conditions. Using these reference points, they show that most reef fish stocks have failed at least one fisheries sustainability benchmark.
- Jessica Zamborain-Mason
- , Joshua E. Cinner
- & Sean R. Connolly
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Article
| Open AccessHydrogenation of different carbon substrates into light hydrocarbons by ball milling
Conventional methods to gasify or liquefy carbon-based polymers use high temperatures because of carbon–carbon bond stability. Here, the authors describe a mechanochemical ball milling method to break carbon–carbon bonds without heating.
- Linfeng Li
- , Olena Vozniuk
- & Ferdi Schüth
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Article
| Open AccessTruck platooning reshapes greenhouse gas emissions of the integrated vehicle-road infrastructure system
Truck platooning allows for trucks to travel synchronously in close proximity to improve fuel efficiency. Here, authors evaluate the decarbonization effects of platooning on the vehicle-road system at a large-scale road network level revealing a trade-off between emission reduction and cost rise.
- Huailei Cheng
- , Yuhong Wang
- & Tian Jin
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Article
| Open AccessA lignin-derived material improves plant nutrient bioavailability and growth through its metal chelating capacity
Biorefinery lignin waste has little value in the market. Here, Liu et al. find that water-soluble lignin, converted from sulfuric acid lignin, improves plant iron bioavailability and growth through a metal chelating capacity comparable to the metal chelator EDTA.
- Qiang Liu
- , Tsubasa Kawai
- & Baohai Li
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding catalytic synergy in dinuclear polymerization catalysts for sustainable polymers
Understanding the intermetallic synergy and the structure-performances relationships of catalysts remains challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate a relationship between both the rates, selectivity and the s-block metal acidity in a series of heterodinuclear catalysts based on Co(III) in combination with alkali and alkaline earth metals for three different polymerization reactios.
- Francesca Fiorentini
- , Wilfred T. Diment
- & Charlotte K. Williams
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Article
| Open AccessTransforming sustainable plant proteins into high performance lubricating microgels
Demand for plant proteins is increasing, but these often give an astringent sensation due to poor lubrication performance. Here, the authors report the development of plantprotein microgels with improved lubricity with potential in sustainable foods.
- Ben Kew
- , Melvin Holmes
- & Anwesha Sarkar
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Article
| Open AccessHydrogenation versus hydrogenolysis during alkaline electrochemical valorization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over oxide-derived Cu-bimetallics
Electrochemical conversion of biomass emerges as a green alternative to high pressure, high temperature and hazardous equivalents from classical organic chemistry. Here, the authors show that the electrochemical hydrogenolysis can prevail over the hydrogenation under strong alkaline conditions.
- Philipp Hauke
- , Thomas Merzdorf
- & Peter Strasser
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Article
| Open AccessModulating adsorbed hydrogen drives electrochemical CO2-to-C2 products
A dual-site catalyst consisting of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and atomic Cu sites is designed. The atomic Cu boosts H2O dissociation for modulating the *H coverage on Cu NPs, improving the efficiency of CO2 electroreduction to multi-carbon products.
- Jiaqi Feng
- , Libing Zhang
- & Buxing Han
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Comment
| Open AccessDirect synthesis of urea from carbon dioxide and ammonia
Urea, a crucial nitrogen fertilizer, plays a vital role in meeting global food demand. However, its current production method is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. In this commentary article, the authors propose strategies to address and overcome these challenges.
- Jie Ding
- , Runping Ye
- & Maohong Fan
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Article
| Open AccessDiscovery and rational engineering of PET hydrolase with both mesophilic and thermophilic PET hydrolase properties
Extensive research efforts have been directed towards the development of PET hydrolases with improved activity, but template enzymes used are limited. Here, the authors report a PET hydrolase from Cryptosporangium aurantiacum (CaPETase) that exhibits high thermostability and PET degradation activity at ambient temperatures and determine its crystal structure.
- Hwaseok Hong
- , Dongwoo Ki
- & Kyung-Jin Kim
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Article
| Open AccessEnhancing polyol/sugar cascade oxidation to formic acid with defect rich MnO2 catalysts
This work develops defective MnO2 catalysts with Frustrated Lewis Pairs through a coordination number reduction strategy to enhance the aerobic oxidation of various polyols/sugars to formic acid.
- Hao Yan
- , Bowen Liu
- & Ning Yan
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Article
| Open AccessPhotothermal recycling of waste polyolefin plastics into liquid fuels with high selectivity under solvent-free conditions
Sustainable recycling of waste plastics is of highly strategic significance. Here, the authors report a photothermal recycling system for transforming polyolefin plastics into high-selectivity liquid fuels through the synergistic utilization of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared irradiation.
- Yingxuan Miao
- , Yunxuan Zhao
- & Tierui Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessGlobal forest fragmentation change from 2000 to 2020
Forest losses and gains are highly dynamic processes. Here, the authors present a forest fragmentation index to map distribution and temporal changes of forest fragments globally, revealing major trends and patterns during the first two decades of the 21st century.
- Jun Ma
- , Jiawei Li
- & Jiajia Liu
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Article
| Open AccessBuilt structures influence patterns of energy demand and CO2 emissions across countries
Extent and spatial patterns of settlements and infrastructures strongly affect resource demand of national economies worldwide. Their influence on final energy and CO2 emissions is almost as large as that of gross domestic product (GDP).
- Helmut Haberl
- , Markus Löw
- & Juan Antonio Duro
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Article
| Open AccessStakeholder integration predicts better outcomes from groundwater sustainability policy
This paper shows that integrating diverse stakeholders into management plans results in better protection, especially for those most vulnerable to the impacts of natural resource depletion.
- Debra Perrone
- , Melissa M. Rohde
- & E. J. Remson
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Article
| Open AccessOffshore freshened groundwater in the Pearl River estuary and shelf as a significant water resource
A large and relatively fresh groundwater reservoir is identified in Pearl River estuary and adjacent shelf. This offshore low-salinity groundwater, likely a global phenomenon, has great potential to alleviate the pressure of future water shortages.
- Chong Sheng
- , Jiu Jimmy Jiao
- & Jinghe Cao
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Article
| Open AccessQuantitative evaluation of large corporate climate action initiatives shows mixed progress in their first half-decade
More companies are setting climate targets, but detailed evaluations remain scarce, raising questions on their effectiveness. Here, authors assess the progress of 102 of the largest companies in the world by revenue for the period 2015–2019.
- Ivan Ruiz Manuel
- & Kornelis Blok
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Article
| Open AccessAcetolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate for upcycling and life-cycle assessment study
The recycling of polyethylene terephthalate is of utmost importance to reduce environmental pollution and reliance on fossil resources however, the existing methods do not process colored or blended polyethylene terephthalate materials. Here, the authors demonstrate the acetolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate into terephthalic acid and simultaneous acidic degradation of dyes and additives
- Yuantao Peng
- , Jie Yang
- & Yao Fu
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Article
| Open AccessInsights into substitution strategy towards thermodynamic and property regulation of chemically recyclable polymers
The global plastic pollution crisis can be mitigated by developing chemically recyclable polymers following the monomer design principle. Here, the authors evaluate substitution effects and structure−property relationships in the ɛ-caprolactone system to guide the design of monomers for the preparation of chemically recyclable polymers.
- Yi-Min Tu
- , Fu-Long Gong
- & Jian-Bo Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessThe global power sector’s low-carbon transition may enhance sustainable development goal achievement
The low-carbon power transition could enhance global sustainable development goal (SDG) progress, but hinder that of developing economies under fossil fuel-based scenarios. Meanwhile, SDG synergies and trade-offs exist within and between economies.
- Kun Peng
- , Kuishuang Feng
- & Jiashuo Li
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Article
| Open AccessElectrosynthesis of a nylon-6 precursor from cyclohexanone and nitrite under ambient conditions
The sustainable synthesis of cyclohexanone oxime, the precursor of nylon-6, without toxic SO2 or H2O2 usage is desirable. Here, the electrosynthesis of cyclohexanone oxime from nitrite and cyclohexanone under ambient conditions is reported.
- Yongmeng Wu
- , Jinghui Zhao
- & Bin Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessDirect conversion of lignin to functionalized diaryl ethers via oxidative cross-coupling
Efficient valorization of lignin, a sustainable source of functionalized aromatic products, would reduce dependence on fossil-derived feedstocks. Here, the authors directly transform lignin into valuable functionalized diaryl ethers in near-theoretical-maximum yields, using oxidative cross coupling under copper catalysis.
- Mingyang Liu
- & Paul J. Dyson
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Article
| Open AccessWater decontamination via nonradical process by nanoconfined Fenton-like catalysts
There is an urgent need to develop effective heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for water treatment. Here, the authors demonstrate that nanoconfinement of cobalt oxide catalysts in carbon nanotubes can selectively degrade pollutants at high reaction rate.
- Tongcai Liu
- , Shaoze Xiao
- & Yalei Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessDirect synthesis of oxalic acid via oxidative CO coupling mediated by a dinuclear hydroxycarbonylcobalt(III) complex
Oxidative coupling of CO is a straightforward but currently underdeveloped economically benign synthetic route to target α-diketones. Here, the authors synthesize a rare coplanar dinuclear hydroxycarbonylcobalt(III) complex and demonstrate that the Co – carboxylate bonds can be easily cleaved leading to the formation of oxalic acid.
- Yingzhuang Xu
- , Songyi Li
- & Huayi Fang
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Article
| Open AccessAllocating capital-associated CO2 emissions along the full lifespan of capital investments helps diffuse emission responsibility
This study proposes an alternative approach for assessing CO2 responsibility of capital assets, through allocating required CO2 from the production of assets over their lifespans of use. It improves the assessment of emission equity across generations.
- Quanliang Ye
- , Maarten S. Krol
- & Klaus Hubacek
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Article
| Open AccessRoom temperature phosphorescence from natural wood activated by external chloride anion treatment
Converting natural wood to room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials is a complex process often requiring toxic reagents. Here the authors convert natural wood to a RTP material using external chloride ions from a MgCl2 solution, obtaining a promising luminescent additive material for 3D printing.
- Yingxiang Zhai
- , Shujun Li
- & Zhijun Chen
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Article
| Open AccessRegulation of molecular transport in polymer membranes with voltage-controlled pore size at the angstrom scale
The ability to regulate membrane pore size as needed has been a topic of active research for developing next-generation stimuli-responsive smart membranes. Herein, the authors report the observation of operando regulation of the pore size of A membrane based on electro-osmotic swelling.
- Yuzhang Zhu
- , Liangliang Gui
- & Jian Jin
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Article
| Open AccessA selective and atom-economic rearrangement of uridine by cascade biocatalysis for production of pseudouridine
Pseudouridine (Ψ), the C-nucleoside isomer of uridine, and its 1-N-methyl derivative, are incorporated in mRNA vaccines and essential for their efficiency, but difficult to synthetically access. Here, the authors report on selective and atom-economic 1N-5C rearrangement of β-d-ribosyl on uracil to obtain Ψ from unprotected U in quantitative yield
- Martin Pfeiffer
- , Andrej Ribar
- & Bernd Nidetzky
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Article
| Open AccessThe role of oxygen-vacancy in bifunctional indium oxyhydroxide catalysts for electrochemical coupling of biomass valorization with CO2 conversion
Electrochemical coupling of biomass valorization with CO2 conversion provides a promising approach to generate value-added chemicals on both sides. However, bifunctional catalysts are lacking. Here the authors report oxygen-vacancy-rich indium oxyhydroxide as a bifunctional catalyst for CO2 reduction to formate and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural electrooxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with faradaic efficiencies for both > 90.0%.
- Fenghui Ye
- , Shishi Zhang
- & Chuangang Hu
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing influencing factors on global waste distribution via deep-learning based dumpsite detection from satellite imagery
Dumpsites are hard to locate globally. Here the authors apply deep networks to satellite images to provide an effective and low-cost way to detect dumpsites with the new method saving more than 96.8% of the manual time with a strong sensitivity to dumpsites.
- Xian Sun
- , Dongshuo Yin
- & Kun Fu
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Article
| Open AccessMixed-valence molybdenum oxide as a recyclable sorbent for silver removal and recovery from wastewater
Silver ions in wastewater are a major health hazard, and there is an urgent need to develop methods to reliably extract them. Here, the authors show that mixed-valence molybdenum oxide can selectively adsorb and reduce Ag+ from wastewater and be easily recycled while maintaining high selectivity towards Ag+.
- Penghui Shao
- , Ziwen Chang
- & Liming Yang
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Article
| Open AccessAssessing coupling interactions in a safe and just operating space for regional sustainability
Here the authors propose an operationalizable framework, integrating safe and just operating space with Sustainable Development Goals, to assess regional sustainability and develops targeted strategies for actualizing sustainable development across scales.
- Dongni Han
- , Deyong Yu
- & Jiangxiao Qiu
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Article
| Open AccessIn-situ forming dynamic covalently crosslinked nanofibers with one-pot closed-loop recyclability
Polymeric nanofibers are attractive nanomaterials owing to their high surfacearea- to-volume ratio and superior flexibility but designing durable and recyclable polymer nanofibers is challenging. Here, the authors integrate the concept of covalent adaptable networks to produce dynamic covalently crosslinked nanofibers via electrospinning.
- Sheng Wang
- , Nannan Wang
- & Zibiao Li
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning covalent organic frameworks with Co-O4 atomic sites for efficient CO2 photoreduction
A class of inexpensive aminoanthraquinone organic dyes are shown to facilitate visible-light-driven CO2 reduction. Overall reaction efficiencies were found to be optimal when both electron donating and accepting groups were on a single dye molecule.
- Qian Zhang
- , Shuaiqi Gao
- & Jianji Wang
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Article
| Open AccessRenewable formate from sunlight, biomass and carbon dioxide in a photoelectrochemical cell
The sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from waste carbon sources holds significant promise for reducing our dependence on fossil resources. Here, the authors demonstrate renewable formate production from biomass wastes and CO2 powered by solar energy.
- Yuyang Pan
- , Huiyan Zhang
- & Sheng Chu
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Article
| Open AccessLife cycle net energy assessment of sustainable H2 production and hydrogenation of chemicals in a coupled photoelectrochemical device
Integrating green hydrogen production with the generation of valuable chemicals has the potential to increase the competitiveness of the system. Here, the authors quantitatively evaluate the energetic benefit of coupling hydrogen production with the hydrogenation of feedstocks in a photoelectrochemical device.
- Xinyi Zhang
- , Michael Schwarze
- & Fatwa F. Abdi
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Article
| Open AccessRational design of N-heterocyclic compound classes via regenerative cyclization of diamines
Introducing unknown compound classes is the key to extent the chemical space qualitatively. Here the authors report on a concept to design heterocyclic compound classes rationally and the synthesis of unknown classes of N-heterocyclic compounds
- Robin Fertig
- , Felix Leowsky-Künstler
- & Rhett Kempe
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Article
| Open AccessStabilizing copper sites in coordination polymers toward efficient electrochemical C-C coupling
Typically, Cu catalysts agglomerate under electrochemical conditions. Here, the authors report a coordination polymer catalyst with neighboring Cu sites which remain isolated and reduce CO2 to C2H4 with high selectivity and stability
- Yongxiang Liang
- , Jiankang Zhao
- & Jie Zeng
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Article
| Open AccessSelective photoelectrochemical oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid by single atom Pt decorated defective TiO2
Photoelectrochemical oxidation provides a promising strategy for glucaric acid production. Here, selective oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid is realized on the photoanode of defective TiO2 decorated with single-atom Pt via a photoelectrochemical strategy.
- Zhangliu Tian
- , Yumin Da
- & Wei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessOvercoming global inequality is critical for land-based mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement
In a world of deepening inequalities, climate polices might be feasible in high-income countries only. Here the authors find that overcoming global inequality through sustainable socio-economic development is critical for land-based mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement.
- Florian Humpenöder
- , Alexander Popp
- & Quentin Lejeune
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Article
| Open AccessOvercoming the low reactivity of biobased, secondary diols in polyester synthesis
Glucose-derived isosorbide is a rigid polyester monomer with a low reactivity. Here, the authors report the synthesis of high molecular weight biobased polyesters with promising barrier and mechanical properties via in situ generation of reactive aryl ester groups.
- Daniel H. Weinland
- , Kevin van der Maas
- & Gert-Jan M. Gruter
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Comment
| Open AccessChallenging the financial capture of urban greening
Financing of urban greening has traditionally prioritized economic growth. Here the authors argue for action to ensure more socially just green financing.
- Melissa García-Lamarca
- , Isabelle Anguelovski
- & Kayin Venner
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Article
| Open AccessConstructing molecular bridge for high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells based on P3HT
The poor contact at poly(3-hexylthiophene)/perovskite interface has led to unsatisfactory performance in solar cells. To resolve this issue, the authors introduce a molecular bridge to form a charge transport channel, realizing devices with maximum efficiency value of 22.87% and long-term stability.
- Dongdong Xu
- , Zhiming Gong
- & Jinwei Gao
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Article
| Open AccessRegulating electron configuration of single Cu sites via unsaturated N,O-coordination for selective oxidation of benzene
Developing highly efficient catalysts for selective oxidation of benzene to phenol with low H2O2 consumption remains challenging. Here the authors report a highly active and selective non-noble metal catalyst for selective oxidation of benzene to phenol with low H2O2 addition via regulating the electron configuration of single-atom Cu catalyst.
- Ting Zhang
- , Zhe Sun
- & Zhongkui Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessAir quality impacts of crop residue burning in India and mitigation alternatives
We quantify the air quality and health impacts of Indian crop residue burning and trace these impacts back to individual burning events by hour and district. We find that small interventions, such as burning one hour earlier in the day, may provide broad public health benefits
- Ruoyu Lan
- , Sebastian D. Eastham
- & Steven R. H. Barrett
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Article
| Open AccessAqueous synthesis of highly functional, hydrophobic, and chemically recyclable cellulose nanomaterials through oxime ligation
Water is a standing challenge in the chemical modification of cellulose nanofibrils. Here, authors employ oxime-ligation to solve this by direct covalent chemistry on dialdehyde-CNF in water and assess the material for potential applications in green electronics and triboelectric nanogenerators.
- Elena Subbotina
- , Farsa Ram
- & Peter Olsén
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Article
| Open AccessThe impact of phosphorus on projected Sub-Saharan Africa food security futures
New research finds future rock fertiliser use as a contributor towards food security in Sub-Saharan Africa can be achieved with both sustainability-driven and fossil-fuel-driven economic growth.
- Daniel Magnone
- , Vahid J. Niasar
- & Sheida Z. Sattari
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Article
| Open AccessImproving public support for climate action through multilateralism
A new study reports survey-experimental results suggesting that multilateral approaches to climate action increase domestic carbon tax approval. The appeal of multilateralism reflects improved sustainability beliefs about effectiveness, fairness, and reciprocity.
- Michael M. Bechtel
- , Kenneth F. Scheve
- & Elisabeth van Lieshout
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Article
| Open AccessOne-pot H/D exchange and low-coordinated iron electrocatalyzed deuteration of nitriles in D2O to α,β-deuterio aryl ethylamines
One-pot efficient synthesis of α,β-deuterio aryl ethylamines with high deuterium ratios using an easy-to-handle deuterated source under ambient conditions is desirable. Here the author report the electrosynthesis of α,β-deuterio aryl ethylamines from aryl acetonitriles using D2O.
- Rui Li
- , Yongmeng Wu
- & Bin Zhang