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An electrosynthetic coupling of olefins with ketones provides an alternative approach to synthesize tertiary alcohols traditionally prepared through Grignard addition to ketones, providing a forward path for an unusual disconnection.
Isotopic fractionation of mercury in fish and amphipods reveals that, after release into the atmosphere by human activities, it can reach species in the deep ocean trenches — some of the purest ecosystems.
X-ray crystal structures of transient intermediates obtained during reactions can provide direct evidence of reaction mechanisms and potentially information on structure–reactivity relationships.
Different luminescent beetles harness the same enzymatic reaction to emit different colours of light. This Review describes how subtle differences in luciferase enzymes between species afford a diverse palette of colours.
Several transition-metal and lanthanide complexes undergo circularly polarized luminescence. This Review describes design principles for the complexes and instruments used to measure them, including in the context of security inks.
The introduction of shape anisotropy at the nanoscale is a potent way to access new properties and functionalities. This Review appraises different methods for the bottom-up synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles, and highlights the unique properties and applications of these materials with otherwise inaccessible functionality.
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular systems have emerged as tools for engineering functional lipid-bilayer membranes. This Review highlights their use in controlling binding, ion transport and signalling in membranes.
Correlated disorder drives a variety of important and useful physical properties in crystalline materials. This Review explores the link between disorder and function, and surveys the core design principles that enable targeted control over correlated disorder in crystals.
Demand for energy-dense electrochemical storage systems has drawn increasing focus to metal–gas batteries. This Review describes the chemistry of these batteries and the underlying trade-offs between energy density and electrochemical reversibility.
Affinity selection-mass spectrometry enables rapid screening of compound mixtures against a specific biomolecular target. This assay lets us identify ligands irrespective of their binding site and is amenable to the discovery of novel drugs.
Bimetallic complexes are fertile territory for investigating metal–metal cooperativity. This Perspective highlights how complexes with two proximal metals have tunable features of relevance to bond activation, catalysis and unprecedented reactivity.
Post-translational modifications expand the diversity of the proteome and regulate core biological processes. Chemical biology tools provide access to proteins bearing site-specific post-translational modifications, helping us to decipher their roles in health and disease.
The biosynthesis of inorganic nanomaterials in microorganisms is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis. This Review describes the engineering of microorganisms to rationally prepare nanomaterials for diverse applications.
Exact solution to the Schrödinger equation for multiple electron systems typically comes at high computational cost. PauliNet uses deep learning quantum Monte Carlo to find multidimensional wavefunctions that describe molecules with up to 30 electrons.
This Review details the use of enantioenriched organometallic nucleophiles in stereospecific, Pd-catalysed cross-coupling reactions. Particular focus is placed on the stereochemical outcome of the coupling reactions, which enable the predictable manipulation of 3D molecular structure.
