Research Highlights in 2022

An examination of metal–organic frameworks at high pressure in a water medium reveals an increased water uptake as the pressure increases.

Fluorophenols can be activated towards S_NAr reactions by forming a transient electron-withdrawing phenoxyl radical.

Cyclic cell-penetrating peptides are able to enter cells and deliver cargo molecules without being positively charged, previously assumed to be a prerequisite for inducing endocytosis.

A hydrogen-bonded organic framework undergoes hierarchical assembly leading to a porous material with both micro- and macroporosity.

An organic scintillator with high imaging resolution and a low detection limit is fabricated by using heavy atoms to increase the X-ray absorption of thermally activated delayed fluorescence chromophores.

Light can be used to trigger the simultaneous, reversible deconstruction and reassembly from one cage complex to another.

Pressure-adapted organisms are able to survive in the depths of the ocean because of trimethylamine N-oxide-assisted hydrogen bonding between water molecules.

Enzyme-activatable chemokine probes have been shown to selectively target tumour-associated macrophages for the first time.

A diatomic catalyst comprising PdCu in 2D phosphorene rapidly removes nitrates from water by converting them into nitrogen.

Remarkably simple conditions can convert fac-Ir(iii) arylpyridine complexes to the less thermodynamically stable mer-isomers. The organoiridium complexes are considered highly effective luminescent molecular switches.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on oligomeric linkers can be used to understand materials properties of intermediates between pure MOFs and polymeric MOFs.

A computational framework has been developed to search for molecules with the right properties to make them successful active species in redox flow batteries.

A new proposal for the origin of asymmetry and, by extension, the origin of life uses spin-polarized electrons to induce enantioselective chemistry in the prebiotic world.

Incorporating cleavable bonds into polymers allows for their chemical recycling without the loss of their desirable plastic properties.

Flow chemistry provides a platform for the α-metallation and functionalization of tetrahydrofuran (THF).

As an alternative to fossil fuels for shipping, aviation and rocketry, high-energy polycyclopropanated fuels can be generated using a bacterial host.

New synthetic methodology enables the formation of a fluorine-substituted benzene bioisostere: strained, saturated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane.

Centrifugal force can be used to improve the alignment of block copolymer domains in a thin film.

The use of molecular balances allows for dissecting competing solvent effects from hydrogen bonding interactions.

Solid-state synthesis provides a route to more sustainable fertilizer.