Themed collection ChemComm 60th Anniversary Collection
Targeting sub-cellular organelles for boosting precision photodynamic therapy
In this review, recent advances and representative photosensitizers used in organelle targeted photodynamic therapy have been reviewed with a focus on organelle targeting strategies and organelle-mediated cell death signalling pathways.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11610-11624
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02702G
Recent progress in asymmetric radical reactions enabled by chiral iron catalysts
In this highlight, we discuss recently developed chiral iron catalysts and their application in radical asymmetric reactions for the construction of axial or central chirality.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03047H
Progress and limitations in reactive oxygen species quantitation
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be quantified using fluorescence, electrochemical, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques. Detection of ROS is critical in a wide range of chemical and biological systems.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03578J
Electrochemical deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations
This highlight summarises electrochemical approaches for the deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via the fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11190-11201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03279A
Asymmetric electrophilic functionalization of amino-substituted heteroaromatic compounds: a convenient tool for the enantioselective synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles
The catalytic asymmetric electrophilic functionalization of the less reactive N-heteroaromatic compounds has been reported using the approach of the introduction of an exocyclic amino substituent.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03680H
Surface properties of carbon nitride materials used in photocatalytic systems for energy and environmental applications
We review what is known of the surface properties of carbon nitrides, increasingly popular photocatalysts, with a focus on hydrogen production and arsenic remediation.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03898C
Macrocyclic receptors for anion recognition
Macrocyclic receptors play a pivotal role in molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry. This review highlights recent advances in the design, synthesis, and applications of macrocyclic receptors specifically tailored for anion recognition.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04521A
Advancing the dynamic mechanical analysis of organic semiconductor materials
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is powerful for characterizing the mechanical properties of organic/polymeric semiconductors.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10795-10804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03254C
Stereochemistry of natural products from vibrational circular dichroism
VCD spectroscopy associated with DFT calculations is a powerful tool to unambiguously assign both the absolute configurations and conformations of chiral secondary metabolites directly in solution.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10439-10450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02481H
Lithium metal based battery systems with ultra-high energy density beyond 500 W h kg−1
This highlight focuses on breakthroughs, future perspectives and applications of ultra-high-energy-density lithium-based battery systems beyond 500 W h kg−1, represented by systems such as Li–S/Se batteries, Li–gas batteries, Li–CFx batteries, etc.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10245-10264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03177F
Photocatalytic decarboxylation of free carboxylic acids and their functionalization
This highlight article summarizes the complete development of photodecarboxylative functionalization of free carboxylic acids via a concerted single electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (ET) pathways.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9645-9658
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03189J
Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography for investigating structural dynamics of chemical systems
This article highlights the expansion of time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to chemical systems by overcoming the challenges in SFX for small molecules.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9472-9482
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03185G
Functional implications of unusual NOS and SONOS covalent linkages found in proteins
Novel NOS linkages stabilize protein tertiary and quaternary structures and may be as prevalent as disulfide bonds. They regulate enzyme activity and have other important roles.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9463-9471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03191A
Chiral 2D and quasi-2D hybrid organic inorganic perovskites: from fundamentals to applications
The field of chiral 2D and quasi-2D perovskite is reviewed highlighting the most important results to date and indicating future directions for advancement.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9310-9327
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03314K
Recent advances in dual photoredox/nickel catalyzed alkene carbofunctionalised reactions
Alkene carbofunctionalization reactions have great potential for synthesizing complex molecules and constructing complex structures in natural products and medicinal chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8946-8977
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02914C
Silk-based intelligent fibers and textiles: structures, properties, and applications
This review summarizes the hierarchical structure and multifaceted properties of natural silk fibers, and provides an in-depth analysis of their extensive applications in the realms of biomedicine and advanced smart fiber technology.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7801-7823
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02276A
Electrifying oxidation of ethylene and propylene
This highlight discusses the advantages of various oxidation methods for improved performance of the electrochemical oxidation of ethylene and propylene, and provides an overview of current challenges and problems requiring further efforts.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6703-6716
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02025A
Evolution of catalyst design for controlled synthesis of chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes
Three strategies to realize the chirality-controlled growth of SWCNTs are presented.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6222-6238
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01227E
Recent developments in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide
This highlight article summarizes the recent developments and challenges in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide and looks forward to the development direction of this field.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5354-5368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01577K
Recent advances in electrosynthesis of H2O2via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction
This review provides an electrosynthesis strategy of H2O2via the 2e− ORR, covering aspects of reaction mechanisms, performance assessment, catalyst engineering, and setups for scaling up H2O2 production.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5232-5244
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01476F
CRISPR/Cas systems combined with DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications
DNA nanostructures are easy to design and construct, have good biocompatibility, and show great potential in biosensing and drug delivery when combined with CRISPR/Cas systems.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3098-3117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00290C
Common ground and divergence: OLED emitters as photocatalysts
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04409F
Synthesis and catalytic application of nanostructured metal oxides and phosphates
This work summarizes catalyst design methodologies based on crystalline complex oxide nanostructures through the synthesis, catalytic application, and structure–activity relationship.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11483-11499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03233K
Recent advances in metal carbene-induced semipinacol rearrangements
This review provides a complete overview of the advances in the semipinacol rearrangement-mediated 1,2-group migration onto metal carbene centers which were reported in the past decades.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11253-11266
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03252G
Organoboron catalysis for direct amide/peptide bond formation
This review explores studies on the development of direct dehydrative amide/peptide bond formation from carboxylic acids using organoboron catalysis.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11202-11222
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02994A
Progress on critical cell fabrication parameters and designs for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
This feature article examines recent lithium–sulfur studies, with a focus on high-loading sulfur cathodes in lean-electrolyte and solid state-electrolyte cells, and highlights recent achievements, challenges, and strategies for future research.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11017-11033
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03085K
Luminescent lanthanide metallopeptides for biomolecule sensing and cellular imaging
Lanthanide ions display unique luminescent properties, such as long-lived excited states and relatively narrow emission bands, that make them particularly attractive for the development of bioprobes in combination with peptides.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03205E
Recent progress in electrochemical C–N coupling: metal catalyst strategies and applications
This paper's innovation lies in systematically summarizing and evaluating the latest metal catalyst design strategies and exploring their application in nitrogen sources.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10822-10837
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03256J
Europium(II/III) coordination chemistry toward applications
This article describes applications of Eu, including MRI, luminescence, catalysis, and separation science.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10655-10671
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03080J
Productive chemistry induced by mechanochemically generated macroradicals
Mechanochemical backbone fracture by homolysis of covalent bonds generates highly reactive macroradicals, providing potential strategy to form new load-bearing bonds enabling new synthetic applications and development of stress-responsive polymers.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10629-10641
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03206C
Spectrometric monitoring of CO2 electrolysis on a molecularly modified copper surface
Recent works on in situ monitoring of organically modified copper with vibrational spectroscopy have revealed a wide scale of effect modifiers can cause on CO2 electrolysis performance, which can also help design active organic/copper interface.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03973D
Mechanically interlocked host systems for ion-pair recognition
This review details utilising mechanically interlocked host molecules containing cation and anion binding motifs to achieve ion-pair recognition.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03916E
New insights into coordination-cage based catalysis
Recent work on catalysed reactions using coordination cage hosts, including new mechanistic insights and reactions types, is reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10464-10475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03678F
DNA-modulated dimerization and oligomerization of cell membrane receptors
Versatile DNA nanodevices that modulate membrane receptor aggregation and reprogram cell signaling with high precision and programmability.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10265-10279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03077J
Strategies in photochemical alcohol oxidation on noble-metal free nanomaterials as heterogeneous catalysts
We highlight the challenges and recent progress in using semiconductors to harvest solar energy for carrying out alcohol oxidation.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10295-10305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01204F
Transition metal oxide clusters: advanced electrocatalysts for a sustainable energy future
This article summarizes small-sized transition metal oxide (TMO) clusters for electrocatalysis. The synergistic actions between TMO and TM–Nx sites and mechanisms by DFT studies are comprehensively highlighted.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9918-9929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02722A
Recent advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of monofluoromethyl-substituted stereocenters
This feature article comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of monofluoromethyl-substituted stereocenters.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03788J
Supramolecular chemical biology: designed receptors and dynamic chemical systems
Supramolecular approaches to face chemical biology problems targeting different types of species are illustrated with selected representative examples, using conventional receptor design or dynamic covalent chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9692-9703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03163F
Recent progress in transition metal complexes featuring silylene as ligands
This review highlights recent advances in transition metal complexes of silylene, showcasing their efficacy in hydroboration, hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, hydrogen isotope exchange, and small molecule activation chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9483-9512
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01930J
Unveiling the potential of triphenylphosphine salts in tuning organic room temperature phosphorescence
This article summarizes the potential of TPP salts in tuning RTP properties and their applications in multi-level information encryption, high-level anticounterfeiting tags, and X-ray scintillators.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9328-9339
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03156C
Cascading responses of stimuli-responsive materials
Cascading responses are a new concept for integrating stimulus-responsive materials to obtain output responses from the original input stimulus through successive conversions of the stimuli in a system.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9163-9176
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02827A
Spin characteristics in conjugated stable diradicals
The burgeoning interest in stable conjugated diradicals is attributed to their distinctive spin characteristics. In this review, we emphasize how to precisely control these spin characteristics to understand their role in the molecules and as functional radical materials.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8997-9006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03067B
Zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks and their roles in electrocatalysis
This article discusses the roles of Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis, and the challenges and opportunities in using Zr-MOFs in electrocatalytic applications.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8360-8374
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02793K
Advances and challenges in molecular engineering of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures
Advances in the understanding and applications of perovskite 2D/3D heterostructures were overviewed with a focus on ligand design principles.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7824-7842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02299H
Organocatalysis as an enabling tool for enantioselective ring-opening reactions of cyclopropanes
In this article we disclose our contributions to use of cyclopropanes as unconventional reagents for the development of enantioselective transformations under different organocatalytic activation manifolds for the synthesis of chiral building blocks.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7288-7298
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01933D
Uncovering tetrazoles as building blocks for constructing discrete and polymeric assemblies
This review introduces tetrazoles as the building blocks. The tetrazole ring offers four nitrogens, thereby assisting in multiple binding sites. The consequence is usually polymeric networks, but meticulous stratagem can form discrete cages as well.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5573-5585
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01616E
Transition metal-based electrocatalysts for alkaline overall water splitting: advancements, challenges, and perspectives
This review has examined the advancements and challenges in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts for the alkaline water splitting reaction in the last decade.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5104-5135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC06015B
Unveiling new [1+1] Schiff-base macrocycles towards high energy-barrier hexagonal bipyramidal Dy(III) single-molecule magnets
Molecular engineering of the macrocycles’ donor atoms (LN6 vs LN3O3) has led to a mononuclear DyIII complex with hexagonal bipyramidal geometry and single-molecule magnet behavior with an effective energy barrier of 1300 K.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04551C
Chemoselective seleno-click amidation in kinetic target-guided synthesis
We used seleno-click amidation in KTGS at 37 °C and 4 °C to form an amide-linked Mcl-1 inhibitor, demonstrating potential as a bioorthogonal reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04491F
Hydroxylation boosted low-overpotential CO2 reduction to ethylene for a Cu/PTFE electrode
A Cu/PTFE electrode prepared by ion-sputtering in a moist Ar atmosphere with abundant surface *OH achieves ultra-low-overpotential CO2 reduction to ethylene.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03845B
Modulating photophysical properties in a flexible porous host by regulating guest-assisted charge transfer interactions
This study highlights the potential of using crystalline host–guest platforms for designing donor–acceptor materials with tailored photophysical properties.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03630A
Csp2–H/F bond activation and borylation with low valent iron
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04127E
Ultra-shallow p-type doping of silicon by performing atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 thin films onto SiO2/Si
Atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 onto intrinsic Si and ultra-shallow p-type doping of Si after rapid thermal processing, respectively.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11754-11757
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04510F
Exploring aromatic rings with planar tetracoordinate group 13–15 atoms
This study introduces systems with planar tetracoordinate group 13–15 atoms (E) in pentagonal C4H2E rings bridged by Si or Ge.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11790-11793
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02780A
Multifunctional polyacrylonitrile-SiO2/TiO2 hollow particle nanofibrous membranes with robust ultraviolet resistance and antibacterial effect
Multifunctional nanofibrous membranes displaying superior UV-resistance, antibacterial effect, and breathability were fabricated by encapsulating lyophobized SiO2/TiO2 hollow particles into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers via electrospinning.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11758-11761
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03212H
Hybrid materials comprising ferrocene and diaminoborane moieties: linear concatenation versus macrocyclization
The combination of borane and diaminoferrocene monomers results in a treasure chest of macrocycles and linear chains.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11706-11709
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03813D
Implementation of 2,2′-azobispyridine radical mono- and dianions in dinuclear rare earth metal complexes
An unprecedented dinuclear rare earth metal complex with a bridging 2,2'-azobispyridyl radical anion was isolated from the one-electron oxidation of the parent neutral complex. Both were characterized through crystallography, spectroscopy, and DFT.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11702-11705
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03222E
Body temperature protein X-ray crystallography at 37 °C: a rhenium protein complex seeking a physiological condition structure
The retention of the covalent binding of an organometalllic rhenium complex to a protein at physiological body temperature (37 °C) is described and compared to the related 100 K crystal structure.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04245J
A core-shell model of polymetallic hybrid metal halides
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04454A
Inhibition of Acinetobacter nosocomialis twitching motility by quinolones produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Quinolones from P. aeruginosa inhibit the twitching motility of A. nosocomialis without interfering with its growth. This finding suggests an intriguing quinolone-based mechanism that enables P. aeruginosa to limit encroachment of other microbes.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04270K
PdPt/SrTiO3:Al-catalysed redox-selective photoreduction of unsaturated carboxylic acids using minimal electron-donor and water
We developed a semiconductor photocatalyst, Pd–Pt alloy nanoparticle-loaded, Al-doped SrTiO3 (PdPt/STO:Al), for photoreduction of unsaturated carboxylic acids.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03791J
Phosphination of aryl/alkyl bromides via Mn-mediated reductive C–P coupling
Organic bromides were efficiently phosphinated via Mn-mediated reductive cross-couplings.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04750H
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO catalysed by lanthanide complexes
CO2 can be efficiently converted into CO under light irradiation with water as a sacrificial reagent, using a lanthanide complex as a photocatalyst.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03175J
Dual-emitting cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with salicylaldimine-bound fluorophores for ratiometric oxygen sensing
Ratiometric oxygen sensors are described which link cyclometalated iridium phosphors with coumarin fluorophores via bidentate salicylaldimine linkers.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11572-11575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03220A
Pyrrolidine-2,3-diones: heterocyclic scaffolds that inhibit and eradicate S. aureus biofilms
Due to the looming risk of a new pre-antibiotic era, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a novel library of pyrrolidine-2,3-diones. As a new class of antimicrobials, these compounds have shown promising effectiveness against S. aureus planktonic and biofilm phenotypes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11540-11543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02708F
Ligand effects on gas adsorption in nanoporous phthalocyanine crystals
Sorption of CO and NO in phthalocyanine nanoporous crystals with 4,4′ bipyridine or 4,4′ bipyrimidine trans coordinated to open Co2+ sites has been studied, demonstrating how the ligands influence gas sorption properties and structures.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11508-11511
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03896G
Electrochemical deconstruction of alkyl substituted boron clusters to produce alkyl boronate esters
In situ generated hexaborate dianions can engage in nucleophilic substitution followed by bulk electrolysis to produce organoboronate esters.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11548-11551
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04232H
Probing the binding and antiparasitic efficacy of azobenzene G-quadruplex ligands to investigate G4 ligand design
Azobenzene ligands targeting G4 DNA exhibit subnanomolar antiparasitic activity against T. brucei and a remarkable selectivity index (IC50 MRC-5/T. brucei) of 2285-fold.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11520-11523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03106G
Direct electron transfer in a covalent triazine framework for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
The design strategies for direct electron transfer in a covalent triazine framework for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11552-11555
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03240C
Metal-ion-selective chiral gelation of a mannose-grafted polyoxometalate cluster
A series of chiral supramolecular hydrogels, constructed by the selective coordination of transition metal ions to an Anderson-polyoxometalate that has grafted mannose groups, are made up of helical nanofibers with a staggered stacking structure.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11536-11539
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03417A
About this collection
ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.
This collection brings together the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors, who have taken this journey with us. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community.
We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.