Themed collection 2023 Chemical Science Covers


Chemical complexity for targeted function in heterometallic titanium–organic frameworks
Heterometallic cluster chemistry to control the function of titanium–organic frameworks.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6826-6840
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01550E

Back to the future of organolanthanide chemistry
By taking inspiration from the structures and reactivities of its past, organolanthanide chemistry has managed to reinvent itself for the challenges of today and the future.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 443-457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC05976B

Polyoxometalate–peptide hybrid materials: from structure–property relationships to applications
Organo-functionalisation of polyoxometalates with peptide moieties is an effective approach to obtain diverse arrays of functional hybrid materials, where each component influences the resulting change, surface chemistry, polarity, and redox properties.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 10-28
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC05105B

Imprinting of nanoparticles in thin films: Quo Vadis?
The combination of molecular imprinting approaches and nanomaterials has recently emerged in new approaches for the imprinting of nanomaterials. This review summarizes the latest studies and the potential implications and applications of this field.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9630-9650
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02178E

Circularity in polymers: addressing performance and sustainability challenges using dynamic covalent chemistries
This review provides a multidisciplinary overview of the challenges and opportunities for dynamic covalent chemistry-based macromolecules towards the design of new, sustainable, and recyclable materials for a circular economy.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5243-5265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00551H

Aptamers 101: aptamer discovery and in vitro applications in biosensors and separations
A primer that covers the discovery and validation process for novel aptamers and highlights recent applications of aptamers in biosensing and cell separations.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4961-4978
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00439B

Modulating paired Ir–O–Ir via electronic perturbations of correlated Ir single atoms to overcome catalytic selectivity
The active center of a paired Ir–O–Ir structure was generated via electronic perturbations of correlated Ir single atoms on Co3O4 nanosheets, and the O atom of which functioned as the main active site for the selective electrocatalysis of As(III).
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9678-9688
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03285J

Guest-induced pore breathing controls the spin state in a cyanido-bridged framework
Variation of three different stimuli: the type of guest molecules, temperature and light enables intentional manipulation of the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of a cyanido-bridged coordination polymer.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9651-9663
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03255H

Why surface hydrophobicity promotes CO2 electroreduction: a case study of hydrophobic polymer N-heterocyclic carbenes
Polymer NHCs as a strong binding motif together with hydrophobicity control the accessibility of substrates at catalyst–electrolyte interface and enhance CO2 electroreduction on metal catalysts.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9664-9677
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02658B

Dynamic self-assembly of supramolecular catalysts from precision macromolecules
Synthetic precision oligomers with complementary sticky ends and functional catalytic groups form dynamic constitutional libraries comprising cyclic di(oligomer)s which prove much more efficient for catalysis than other components of the library.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9283-9292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03133K

Solvent-controlled formation of alkali and alkali-earth-secured cucurbituril/guest trimers
Cucurbit[7]uril complexes aggregate into well-defined trimers in dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of a selection of cations, as long as the host cavity is filled with a guest that leaves one carbonylated portal available for cation binding.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9258-9266
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02032K

Designing multi-target-directed flavonoids: a strategic approach to Alzheimer's disease
Rational structure–mechanism-based strategies for identifying small molecules that are able to control multiple pathological targets in Alzheimer's disease are established, with an example of developing a promising multi-target-directed flavonoid.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9293-9305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00752A

A transient vesicular glue for amplification and temporal regulation of biocatalytic reaction networks
A transient vesicular assembly enables gluing of enzymes, with augmented catalysis. Efficient temporal control of the enzyme activities is achieved even in complex reaction networks.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9267-9282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00195D

Origin of the superior oxygen reduction activity of zirconium nitride in alkaline media
This work identifies a new mechanism for the origin of the superior ORR activity of ZrN in alkaline media, combining electrochemical surface state analysis, density functional theory, and pH-dependent microkinetic modeling.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9000-9009
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01827J

Significance of the connecting position between Zn(II) porphyrin and Re(I) bipyridine tricarbonyl complex units in dyads for room-temperature phosphorescence and photocatalytic CO2 reduction: unexpected enhancement by triethanolamine in catalytic activity
In three Zn porphyrin–Re complex dyads, we explored room-temperature phosphorescence and photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The dyad with a 5-position linkage to the bipyridine ligand showed notable activity due to dual triethanolamine coordination to Zn and Re ions.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8743-8765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02430J

In vitro characterization of nonribosomal peptide synthetase-dependent O-(2-hydrazineylideneacetyl)serine synthesis indicates a stepwise oxidation strategy to generate the α-diazo ester moiety of azaserine
Identification of azaserine biosynthetic gene cluster and in vitro reconstitution of O-(2-hydrazineylideneacetyl)serine synthesis showed that the diazo group of azaserine is synthesized by the stepwise oxidation of a hydrazinoacetic acid moiety.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8766-8776
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01906C

A visible-light-driven molecular motor based on barbituric acid
Yeehaw! The rotation of a visible-light-driven molecular motor based on barbituric acid is tamed by a hydrogen bonding “lasso” mechanism between its serendipitously-formed tertiary hydroxy stereocentre and its lower half carbonyl groups.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8458-8465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03090C

Chemistry of zipping reactions in mesoporous carbon consisting of minimally stacked graphene layers
The progress of graphene-zipping reactions in graphene-based materials is successfully visualized using advanced temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) up to 2073 K.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8448-8457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02163G

Vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of sulfur dioxide and its implications for oxygen production in the early Earth's atmosphere
The emergence of molecular oxygen (O2) in the Earth's primitive atmosphere is an issue of major interest.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8255-8261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03328G

Simple purification of small-molecule-labelled peptides via palladium enolate formation from β-ketoamide tags
A solid-supported palladium complex successfully captured β-ketoamide-tagged peptides as palladium enolates and released them in high yield upon acid treatment.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8249-8254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC03112D

Cationic tetranuclear macrocyclic CaCo3 complexes as highly active catalysts for alternating copolymerization of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide
We found that a cationic hetero tetranuclear complex including a calcium and three cobalts exhibited high catalytic activity toward alternating copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8262-8268
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00974B

Therapeutic efficacy of 211At-radiolabeled 2,6-diisopropylphenyl azide in mouse models of human lung cancer
We developed 211At-radiolabeled 2,6-diisopropylphenyl azide (ADIPA) for targeted α-particle therapy. In the experiment using a mouse model, low-dose (70 kBq) administration of ADIPA effectively suppressed tumor growth without causing adverse effects.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8054-8060
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02513F

Total synthesis of atropisomeric indolosesquiterpenoids via N–N bond formation: dixiamycins A and B
The total synthesis of the naturally occurring N–N atropo-diastereomers dixiamycin A (1a) and dixiamycin B (1b) using a key Cu(I)-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of xiamycin A methyl ester (2b) was developed.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 8047-8053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC07119C

Development of 8–17 XNAzymes that are functional in cells
Modified 8–17 DNAzymes that can induce target gene silencing in cells were developed based on the X-ray crystal structure of 8–17 DNAzyme and the modifications used in designing antisense oligonucleotides.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7620-7629
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01928D

Semi-enzymatic acceleration of oxidative protein folding by N-methylated heteroaromatic thiols
We report the first example of a synthetic thiol-based compound that promotes oxidative protein folding upon 1-equivalent loading to the disulfide bonds in the client protein to afford the native form in over 70% yield.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7630-7636
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01540H

Synthesis and comparison of iso-structural f-block metal complexes (Ce, U, Np, Pu) featuring η6-arene interactions
Reaction of a terphenyl bis(anilide) ligand with trivalent halide precursors of Ce and early actinides yield both neutral and “-ate” complexes. These molecules afford comparative insight into f-block metal–arene bonding.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7438-7446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02194G

First principles reaction discovery: from the Schrodinger equation to experimental prediction for methane pyrolysis
The methane pyrolysis reaction network is constructed from first principles in the ab initio nanoreactor, going from reaction discovery through ab initio molecular dynamics to chemical kinetic modeling and comparison to experiments.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7447-7464
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01202F

Gel transformation as a general strategy for fabrication of highly porous multiscale MOF architectures
The transformation of inorganic gels into MOFs is developed as a general strategy to construct complex porous MOF architectures at nano, micro, and millimeter length scales.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7114-7125
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00905J

Self-assembly of achiral building blocks into chiral cyclophanes using non-directional interactions
The transfer of stereo-electronic information from achiral building blocks and templates to chiral cyclophanes is rationalized and exploited to produce self-assembled macrocyclic species carrying up to 16 stereogenic elements.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7126-7135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01235B

Cyclic peptides target the aromatic cage of a PHD-finger reader domain to modulate epigenetic protein function
We report the development of a potent and selective de novo cyclic peptide ligand for epigenetic methyllysine reader domain. The cyclic peptide binds at the aromatic cage of PHD-finger and modulates the JmjC lysine demethylase activity of KDM7.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 7136-7146
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC05944D

A conductive catecholate-based framework coordinated with unsaturated bismuth boosts CO2 electroreduction to formate
A conductive MOF, named Bi-based catecholate BiHHTP, exhibited excellent catalytic performance towards CO2 electroreduction.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6860-6866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01876H

Highly efficient light harvesting of a Eu(III) complex in a host–guest film by triplet sensitization
Very high photoluminescence intensity of a Eu(III) complex is achieved using a host–guest system. The intensity is 400 times larger than that of the Eu(III) complex itself.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6867-6875
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01817B

Structural and dimensional control of porphyrin capsules using Group 15 tris(3-pyridyl) linkers
Changing the bridgehead atom of E(3-Py)3 (E = P, Sb, Bi) ligands can modulate the size and shape of supramolecular capsules, while coordination to the appropriate metalloporphyrin allows formation of discrete molecular capsules or extended structures.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6522-6530
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC02151C

Probing collective terahertz vibrations of a hydrogen-bonded water network at buried electrochemical interfaces
In a density of states format of the frequency-extended surface-enhanced Raman spectrum, potential-induced variations of the lifetime of hydrogen bonds and their dynamic behavior were observed at aqueous solution/Au interfaces.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6531-6537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01734F

Photoluminescence control by atomically precise surface metallization of C-centered hexagold(I) clusters using N-heterocyclic carbenes
The properties of metal clusters are highly dependent on their molecular surface structure.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6207-6215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01976D

Unveiling catalyst-free electro-photochemical reactivity of aryl diazoesters and facile synthesis of oxazoles, imide-fused pyrroles and tetrahydro-epoxy-pyridines via carbene radical anions
First ever catalyst-free electro-photochemical generation of carbene radical anion from aryl diazoester with direct application into synthesis of interesting N-heterocycles with broad substrate scope and excellent diastereo-selectivity.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 6216-6225
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00089C

AI facilitated fluoro-electrochemical phytoplankton classification
Schematic of fluoro-electrochemical microscopy. (a) Cartoon E. huxleyi is green under normal light, but (b) emits red fluorescence under UV. (c) Placed near an oxidizing electrode, its fluorescence fades and ultimately (d) “switches off”.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5872-5879
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01741A

Laves phase Ir2Sm intermetallic nanoparticles as a highly active electrocatalyst for acidic oxygen evolution reaction
A new phase of Ir2Sm in the Laves phase family was synthesized. Alloying of Sm and Ir tunes the electronic properties of Ir and reduces the binding energy of oxygen intermediates, thereby accelerating the kinetics and enhancing the OER activity.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5887-5893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01052J

Distal meta-C–H functionalization of α-substituted cinnamates
Distal meta-selective C–H olefination, allylation, acetoxylation and cyanation of α-substituted cinnamates have been reported. New coupling partners such as quinones, maleimides and sulfolene were utilized for the first time in meta-C–H activation.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5880-5886
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06206B

Magnetic hysteresis and large coercivity in bisbenzimidazole radical-bridged dilanthanide complexes
Unprecedented bisbenzimidazole (Bbim)3−˙ radical-bridged dilanthanide complexes were isolated where the dysprosium congener features magnetic memory effect and the second highest coercive field for any organic radical-bridged dinuclear compound.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5577-5592
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01562A

Delayed luminescence guided enhanced circularly polarized emission in atomically precise copper nanoclusters
Chiral copper clusters displaying good luminescence and extended lifetimes were synthesised. Enantiomerically pure clusters capped using L- and D-isomers of the ligand displayed mirror image circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5593-5601
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00686G

Photoinduced crystal melting with luminescence evolution based on conformational isomerisation
UV irradiation induced conformational isomerisations of a 1,2-diketone in the crystal, causing multistep luminescence changes and eventual macroscopic melting.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5302-5308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00838J

Solid-state synthesis of cesium manganese halide nanocrystals in glass with bright and broad red emission for white LEDs
Ultra-stable CsMnX3 nanocrystals embedded glasses with bright and broad red photoluminescence (PL) emission at 649 nm were synthesized as an excellent red phosphor for white light-emitting diode (LED) devices with a high color rendering index (CRI).
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5309-5315
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01084H

Chemoselective bicyclobutane-based mass spectrometric detection of biological thiols uncovers human and bacterial metabolites
Thiol-containing metabolites in all organisms are involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes. We have developed a new method comprising bicyclobutane for chemoselective capturing and mass spectrometric analysis of this compound class.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 5291-5301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00224A

Expedient synthesis and luminescence sensing of the inositol pyrophosphate cellular messenger 5-PP-InsP5
We report the first molecular probe for the selective detection of the most abundant cellular inositol pyrophosphate 5-PP-InsP5, supported by computational chemistry, as well as an efficient new synthesis.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4979-4985
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06812E

Cascade autohydrolysis of Alzheimer's Aβ peptides
Peptide self-assembly into proteolytic self-processing amyloid structures associates with the major neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Active aggregates may be employed for cross-seeding of this important process.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4986-4996
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06668H

Induced-volatolomics for the design of tumour activated therapy
We developed a volatile organic compound (VOC)-based probe cocktail for monitoring the dysregulation of tumour-associated enzymes via the detection of volatile tracers in animal breath, thereby allowing the discovery of a new tumour targeted therapy.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4697-4703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06797H

Manifestation of the interplay between spin–orbit and Jahn–Teller effects in Au25 superatom UV-Vis fingerprint spectra
Atomically precise nanoclusters play an important role in nanoscaled catalysis, photonics, and quantum information science.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4666-4671
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00944K

Unraveling the catalytic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease with allosteric modulation of C270 mutation using multiscale computational approaches
This theoretical study sheds light on the proteolysis mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and how the C270R mutation affects the proteolysis activity, paving the way for understanding the function of PLpro and design of novel allosteric inhibitors.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4681-4696
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00166K

Photoelectrochemical water oxidation by a MOF/semiconductor composite
Herein, we report the development of a MOF-semiconductor composite film active for water oxidation at a thermodynamic underpotential.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4672-4680
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06361A

Development of fluorogenic substrates for colorectal tumor-related neuropeptidases for activity-based diagnosis
We revealed higher neurolysin activity in the blood samples of patients with colorectal tumors, indicating that single-molecule neurolysin activity is a promising candidate for a blood biomarker for colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4495-4499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC07029D

Exploring Au(I) involving halogen bonding with N-heterocyclic carbene Au(I) aryl complexes in crystalline media
The halogen bonding involving the Au(I) metal center was systematically studied using a series of nine co-crystals between NHC Au(I) aryl complexes and iodoperfluoroarenes through XRD and solid-state NMR techniques, as well as DFT calculations.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4485-4494
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00373F

Chirally and chemically reversible Strecker reaction
An asymmetric Strecker reaction of a chiral crystal of achiral imine was realized to give aminonitrile with >99% ee thanks to an amplification of ee. A retro-Strecker reaction proceeded with the stereoinversion of a chiral crystal of achiral imine.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4480-4484
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00359K

Structure-guided semi-rational design of an imine reductase for enantio-complementary synthesis of pyrrolidinamine
In this study, engineered imine reductases (IREDs) of IRED M5, originally from Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis, were obtained through structure-guided semi-rational design.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4265-4272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC07014F

A rare isocyanide derived from an unprecedented neutral yttrium(II) bis(amide) complex
A room temperature stable Y(II)bis(amide) has been prepared and fully characterized. The complex reacts with tert-butylisocyanide to make a rare example of a transition metal isocyanide, CN–Y(NHAr*)2.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4257-4264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00171G

Synthesis of triarylmethanes by silyl radical-mediated cross-coupling of aryl fluorides and arylmethanes
Silylboronate-mediated radical cross-coupling of aryl fluorides with arylalkanes is disclosed for the efficient defluoroalkylation enabling a mild construction of a new C–C bond by selectively coupling a C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–H bond.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 4248-4256
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00154G

Stereoselective synthesis of [2.2]triphenylenophanes via intramolecular double [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions
Base-mediated intermolecular macrocyclization and Rh- or Ni-catalyzed intramolecular double [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions allow enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of planar chiral [2.2]triphenylenophanes.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3963-3972
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00571B

Lipid oxidation controls peptide self-assembly near membranes through a surface attraction mechanism
Oxidized model membranes have differential effects on peptide fibril formation, driven by surface attraction, peptide charge and secondary structure stabilization.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3730-3741
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00159H

SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins react with Au and Si, are electrically conductive and denature at 3 × 108 V m−1: a surface bonding and a single-protein circuit study
SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins react with Au and Si, are electrically conductive as demonstrated by single-molecule scanning tunnelling break junction approaches, change structure at 1.5 × 108 V m−1 and denature at 3 × 108 V m−1.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3428-3440
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06492H

An atomistic mechanism for elasto-plastic bending in molecular crystals
Mechanically flexible single crystals of molecular materials offer potential for exciting new directions in advanced materials design. Unravelling the mechanisms of this fascinating bending phenomenon is needed and developed here.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3441-3450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06470G

Computational evaluation of halogen-bonded cocrystals enables prediction of their mechanochemical interconversion reactions
Periodic density-functional theory (DFT) calculations and dissolution calorimetry measurements were used to predict the thermodynamic stability and the likelihood of interconversion between a series of halogen-bonded cocrystals.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3140-3146
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06770F

Thermal site energy fluctuations in photosystem I: new insights from MD/QM/MM calculations
Site energies and excitonic couplings in cyanobacterial photosystem I are calculated at the DFT/MRCI level of theory, including a fully atomistic model of the natural environment and considering the molecular dynamics of the system.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3117-3131
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06160K

The deeper it goes, the brighter it glows: NIR emissive nitro-terrylene diimides with deep LUMOs
A new low, with a glow: novel NIR-emitting, deep-LUMO (−5.0 eV) nitro-aromatic terrylene diimides are reported.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3147-3153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06162G

Regioselective C–H alkylation of anisoles with olefins by cationic imidazolin-2-iminato scandium(III) alkyl complexes
Highly regioselective C–H alkylation of anisoles and 2-methyl substituted anisoles were achieved by a imidazolin-2-iminato Sc(III) alkyl complex, which afforded the alkylation products in moderate to high yields (56 examples, up to 99% yields).
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 3132-3139
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06725K

Spin polarization assisted facile C–H activation by an S = 1 iron(IV)–bisimido complex: a comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical investigation
A spectroscopic and computational study reveals that bulky electron-withdrawing imido substituents stabilize a rare S = 1 iron(IV)–bisimido complex with a pseudo doubly degenerate ground electronic structure, accounting for its facile HAT reactivity.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2808-2820
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06273A

Theory-guided development of homogeneous catalysts for the reduction of CO2 to formate, formaldehyde, and methanol derivatives
Computational volcano plots are used to predict selectivity in the context of (first-row) transition metal-catalyzed CO2 reduction. The expected trends were tested experimentally and allowed for systematic improvement of the catalyst.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2799-2807
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06793E

Red-light photoswitching of indigos in polymer thin films
Through simple synthetic modifications, the indigo dye becomes an efficient red-light photoswitch – now also in the solid state.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2482-2488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06790K

The vibronic state dependent predissociation of H2S: determination of all fragmentation processes
The comprehensive picture of the fragmentation behaviour of H2S has been provided by detecting the H, S(1D) and S(1S) atom products at wavelengths 155–120 nm.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2501-2517
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06988A

Excited state energy landscape of phosphorescent group 14 complexes
The differing excited state energy landscapes of group 14 complexes can lead to Kasha and non-Kasha phosphorescence.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2489-2500
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06984A

An easy-to-perform evaluation of steric properties of Lewis acids
An easy-to-perform approach to assess and quantify steric properties of Lewis acids is reported. The novel LAB-Rep model (Lewis acid/base repulsion model) is introduced, which judges steric repulsion in Lewis acid/base pairs.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 2275-2288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00037K
About this collection
This collection includes all the articles featured on the covers of Chemical Science in 2023. We hope you enjoy browsing through the collection and seeing the cover images on the front page of each Advance Article PDF! As with all Chemical Science articles, they are completely free to access and read. If a particular cover image appeals to you, do feel free to share on social media using the buttons on each article landing page and use our hashtag: #ChemSciCovers