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When atoms first appeared in the Universe, molecules were needed to help coalesce them into stars. The trihydrogen cation H3+ is among the prime candidates for that process, and now two independent studies provide detailed insight into the ultrafast dynamics of the formation of this important ion from two hydrogen molecules.
Although Li–O2 batteries offer high theoretical energy storage capacities, few approach these limits. Now, a class of redox mediators is shown to send the discharge reaction from the electrode surface into the electrolyte solution, boosting device capacities and providing selection criteria for future efforts.
Scientists have been studying how polymers break in solutions for decades, but the mechanism by which chains are stretched to the point of covalent bond scission is not trivial. Now, an experiment series provides ample support for a dynamic model in which chains uncoil from end to middle, while concurrently relaxing.
Although light-driven conversion of carbon dioxide receives widespread attention, it is also criticized due to the challenge of discerning true product formation from that of impurities. Now, significantly advanced guidelines for proper product identification have been developed, so we can better trust in what we see.
Tandem cycloaddition reactions have significant applications in organic synthetic chemistry. Now, two enzymes are shown to catalyse tandem hetero-Diels–Alder reactions with a synergistic interplay between a calcium cofactor and N-glycan post-translational modifications during the biosynthesis of bistropolone-sesquiterpene secondary metabolites.
The synthesis of natural products with important biological properties has always fascinated chemists, but the development of rapid, efficient and stereoselective transformations remains challenging. Now, a strategy has been developed to produce several strychnan alkaloids through formation of a common bridged morphan core structure.
Pharmacologically inactive prodrugs that can be activated by near-infrared light are attractive candidates for clinical applications. Now, platinum-based photo-oxidants have been shown to eradicate tumours in mice with a new mode of action.
The concepts of multistep processes and regioselectivity — fundamental in covalent synthesis — have now been applied to the non-covalent synthesis of sequence-controlled multiblock supramolecular polymers.
Genetic code expansion beyond α-amino acids is a major challenge, in which stitching together non-natural building blocks within the ribosome is a critical barrier. Now, the molecular determinants for the efficient incorporation of non-natural amino acids into the ribosome have been unlocked, accelerating ribosomal synthesis.
Lactams and pyridines are privileged scaffolds, but strategies for combining these groups into one molecule are lacking. Now, N–N pyridinium ylides have been shown to form triplet state diradicals under photoinduced energy transfer, and subsequent [3+2] cycloaddition with the tethered alkene enables the synthesis of diverse ortho-pyridyl lactams.
The atomically precise assembly of metal nanoparticles offers vast possibilities for materials chemistry. Ring-shaped polyoxometalates have now served to stabilize Ag30 nanoparticles with exposed surfaces.
Complexity is a hallmark of biological systems, but scientific experiments are typically conducted in simplified conditions. Now, diverse polymers that mimic the local environments of complex biological mixtures have been shown to improve protein folding, stability and function.
Constructing aptamers with desired target-binding affinities may lead to new applications but is challenging. Now, a new method using a high-dimensional microfluidic approach enables quantitative isolation of aptamers with programable binding affinities.
From humans designing machines, to machines designing biology, deep learning is turning the tables for assisted exploration of biologically active and diverse protein designs. Now, a deep-learning-based strategy has been used to design artificial enzymes that catalyse a light-emitting reaction.
Dipolar cycloadditions are excellent processes for generating heterocyclic systems from simple starting materials, but arenes as dipolarophiles have not been extensively explored. Now, the intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition of aromatic rings has been achieved using in situ generated diazoalkenes to produce bicyclic or tricyclic heterocycles.
The chemistry of polynitrogens has been enriched by a new isomer of N6 through the synthesis, in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell, of a charged aromatic [N6]4– ring that is recoverable at ambient temperature under high pressure.
Monomeric stibine oxide has remained elusive due to the large antimony orbitals coupled with a high electronegativity difference with oxygen. Now, a free tris(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)stibine oxide has been isolated that can act as oxo-transfer reagent.
Systems that feature long-range order but no translational periodicity are intriguing. Now, a T-shaped molecule consisting of three non-miscible components has been devised that self-assembles into a columnar liquid quasicrystal.
Enantioenriched β-amino acid derivatives are attractive synthetic targets, considering the significance of these motifs in medicinal and material chemistry. Now, using ambiphilic ynamides as two-carbon synthons in a four-component reaction, three classes of β-amino amides with well-defined stereocentres can be accessed.
