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Ring-expanding carbon-atom insertion reactions are currently limited to the installation of few functional groups. Now researchers show the use of a radical carbyne precursor for the insertion of carbon atoms bearing varied functional groups to access 2-substituted naphthalenes from indene.
Heterogeneous catalysts are often dynamic under operation. Now, the mechanism of CH4 dry reforming on Ni is studied by in situ microscopy and spectroscopy, revealing the formation of metastable surface nickel–oxygen structures from CO2 dissociation that exhibit different catalytic properties and induce rate oscillations.
The electrochemical deoxygenation of carbonyl groups by hydrogenolysis is challenging as the competing hydrogenation usually prevails. Now the electrochemical Clemmensen reduction is proposed, achieving the selective hydrogenolysis of various carbonyl compounds using Zn as the electrocatalyst in a mildly acidic solution.
Photocatalytic overall water splitting on particulate systems represents a possibility for clean energy storage, yet efficiencies for the process are typically low. Here, highly concentrated saltwater is used to polarize photoexcited N-doped TiO2, resulting in enhanced charge separation and a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency approaching 20%.
Coenzyme Q has several important biological functions, but the understanding of the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q in humans remains incomplete. Now, by constructing the entire COQ metabolon in vitro, the enzymes and reactions underlying coenzyme Q biosynthesis are characterized.
The reconstruction of Cu electrocatalysts during CO2 reduction is an impediment to the stability of this technology, yet a clear picture of the species involved in this process remains elusive. Here, the authors demonstrate the presence of transient solution-based Cu(I) species and theoretically predict complexes with CO and oxalate as the likely candidates.
C–C bond formation involving sp3 centres has typically relied on stoichiometric reagents. Here catalytic Ag electrodes modified with Mg(OAc)2 enable electrocatalytic coupling of an organic halide with an aldehyde for the selective formation of a broad scope of alcohol products.
Using N2 as a N source to nitrogenate compounds is highly desirable but also very challenging. Now a cascade electrosynthesis strategy is proposed to prepare (CF3SO2)2NLi and its analogues from N2 via a looped Li–N2 battery.