Themed collection 2021 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
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Can super-resolution microscopy become a standard characterization technique for materials chemistry?
SRM, an advanced nanoscopy technique demands a transition from being a niche sophisticated technique to standard routine method for material characterization. The roadmap of necessary developments through multidisciplinary collaboration is discussed.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 2152-2166
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05506B
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Improving the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion: where are we and where can we go?
We evaluate the improvements over the past two decades in intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion, and highlight opportunities from tuning the electrolyte.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 14-26
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04775B
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Towards a native environment: structure and function of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers by NMR
Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) is a versatile technique that can be used for the characterization of various materials, ranging from small molecules to biological samples, including membrane proteins, as reviewed here.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14332-14342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC02813H
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Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes as a key jigsaw piece for next-generation battery applications
A review of the physicochemical properties of single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes is presented. The standard characterization method, remarkable electrochemical properties and perspectives are further highlighted.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13248-13272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04023E
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Expanding organofluorine chemical space: the design of chiral fluorinated isosteres enabled by I(I)/I(III) catalysis
Short aliphatic groups are prevalent in bioactive small molecules and play an essential role in regulating physicochemistry and molecular recognition phenomena.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 10686-10695
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC02880D
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Azanone (HNO): generation, stabilization and detection
HNO (nitroxyl, azanone), joined the ‘biologically relevant reactive nitrogen species’ family in the 2000s.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 10410-10425
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC02236A
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Challenges and prospects of ambient hybrid solar cell applications
The impending implementation of billions of Internet of Things and wireless sensor network devices has the potential to be the next digital revolution, if energy consumption and sustainability constraints can be overcome.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 5002-5015
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC06477G
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17O NMR spectroscopy of crystalline microporous materials
Cost-effective and atom-efficient isotopic enrichment enables 17O NMR spectroscopy of microporous materials to be used to probe local structure and disorder and to explore chemical reactivity.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 5016-5036
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC00552A
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The atomic-level regulation of single-atom site catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising way to remove CO2 and convert it into useful industrial products. Single-atom site catalysts provide opportunities to regulate the active sites of CO2RR catalysts at the atomic level.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 4201-4215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC07040H
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Template-assisted self-assembly of achiral plasmonic nanoparticles into chiral structures
Diverse templating materials and assembly strategies can be used to induce collective optical activity on achiral plasmonic building blocks. We present the advances, applications, challenges, and prospects of plasmonic–excitonic hybrids.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 595-610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03327A
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Cross-dehydrogenative N–N couplings
For more than a century, the dehydrogenative formation of N–N bonds has remained mostly confidential. Several cross-dehydrogenative N–N coupling methods have appeared recently, promising a soon to come broad applicability of the concept.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14343-14352
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03851F
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State-of-the-art anodes of potassium-ion batteries: synthesis, chemistry, and applications
State-of-the-art tendency, present critical issues and future opportunities of anode active materials in potassium ion batteries are systematically summarized.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 7623-7655
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC06894B
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Recent advances in single atom catalysts for the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction
The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emission and at the same time generate valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 6800-6819
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC01375K
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Kinetic effects of molecular clustering and solvation by extended networks in zeolite acid catalysis
“Solvent effects” at interfaces in heterogeneous catalysts are described by transition state theory treatments that identify kinetic regimes associated with molecular clustering and the solvation of such clusters by extended molecular networks.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 4699-4708
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC00151E
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Coordination-based self-assembled capsules (SACs) for protein, CRISPR–Cas9, DNA and RNA delivery
SACs can be efficiently used to load biologics such as proteins, CRISPR–Cas9, DNA and RNA and release them on-demand.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 2329-2344
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC05975G
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A free boratriptycene-type Lewis superacid
An exceptionally strong ferrocene-containing, cationic boratriptycene-type Lewis acid is stabilized by a weak Fe⋯B through-space interaction.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 1608-1617
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06404E
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Peptide epitope-imprinted polymer microarrays for selective protein recognition. Application for SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein
We introduce highly affine epitope-imprinted polymer-based microarrays for selective protein detection by surface plasmon resonance imaging as shown through the selective recognition of the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 1263-1269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04502D
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Structure, reactivity and luminescence studies of triphenylsiloxide complexes of tetravalent lanthanides
The first observed luminescence emission spectra of Pr(IV) complexes are assigned to a ligand-based emission. Binding of the triphenylsiloxide ligand to the Pr(IV) ion leads to an unprecedented large red shift of its triplet state.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 681-691
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05517H
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A crystal-structural study of Pauling–Corey rippled sheets
Following the seminal theoretical work on the pleated β-sheet published by Pauling and Corey in 1951, the rippled β-sheet was hypothesized by the same authors in 1953.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 671-680
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05731F
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Highest-Tc single-component homochiral organic ferroelectrics
A pair of enantiomeric organic ferroelectrics (R and S)-10-camphorsulfonylimine show the highest Tc among the known single-component organic ferroelectrics.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 657-664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04322F
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The role of cooling rate in crystallization-driven block copolymer self-assembly
In the self-assembly of crystalline-coil block copolymers in solution, heating followed by different cooling rates can lead to different structures.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 396-409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05937H
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Generation of oligonucleotide conjugates via one-pot diselenide-selenoester ligation–deselenization/alkylation
An efficient and versatile approach for the late-stage generation of oligonucleotide conjugates by diselenide-selenoester ligation (DSL)–deselenization/alkylation was developed.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 410-420
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04937B
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Linking metal–organic cages pairwise as a design approach for assembling multivariate crystalline materials
A new strategy to design atomically precise multivariate metal–organic frameworks is presented. This is achieved by linking two preformed metal–organic cages via a precisely tuned Rh–aniline interaction.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 68-73
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05663H
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Asymmetric patterning drives the folding of a tripodal DNA nanotweezer
An extended, multivalent DNA nanotweezer that undergoes large-scale molecular motion upon protein recognition is presented. Our method based on “printing-elongation-folding” combines the DNA-minimal aspect of DNA tile-based assembly, with complexity of DNA origami.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 74-80
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04793K
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Engineering hybrid microgels as particulate emulsifiers for reversible Pickering emulsions
Hybrid poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels are templated from inverse Pickering emulsions, and the tunable wettability renders as-prepared emulsions with reversible feature.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 39-43
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05398A
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General stereoretentive preparation of chiral secondary mixed alkylmagnesium reagents and their use for enantioselective electrophilic aminations
We report a general method for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched secondary alkylmagnesium reagents, which undergo highly stereoselective transition-metal free electrophilic aminations, leading to α-chiral amines in up to 97% ee.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 44-49
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05315A
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Computational and experimental investigation of the effect of cation structure on the solubility of anionic flow battery active-materials
Active-material solubility is critical in determining NRFB energy density, yet a predictive model accounting for solid-state cohesion energy has remained elusive. Herein we present such, based on an empirically calibrated computational framework.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15892-15907
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04990A
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Stereodivergent synthesis via iridium-catalyzed asymmetric double allylic alkylation of cyanoacetate
Ir-catalyzed asymmetric double AAA reaction of cyanoacetate was developed, affording cyanoacetate derivatives in high yield with excellent stereocontrol. Notably, quasi-DKR is involved in the sequential protocol with two distinct allylic carbonates.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15882-15891
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06115A
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Ligand-field transition-induced C–S bond formation from nickelacycles
d–d excitations can accelerate C–S reductive eliminations of nickelacycles via intersystem crossing to a repulsive 3(C-to-Ni charge transfer) state inducing Ni–C bond homolysis. This homolytic photoreactivity is common for organonickel(II) complexes.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15908-15915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05113J
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Silicon – single molecule – silicon circuits
Single-molecule circuits using silicon contacts are robust, conductive, controllable, and highly reproducible in blinking experiments, with enhanced conductance in break-junctions owing to residual dangling bonds.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15870-15881
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04943G
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Direct access to tetrasubstituted cyclopentenyl scaffolds through a diastereoselective isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction
Simple and available reagents are combined in this new three-component isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction providing an interesting and straightforward way to prepare complex and highly functionalized cyclopentenyl rings.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15862-15869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04158D
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Synthesis of a heterobimetallic actinide nitride and an analysis of its bonding
The heterobimetallic actinide nitride [(NR2)3UV(μ-N)ThIV(NR2)3] (R = SiMe3) has an mJ = 5/2 ground state and its highest energy 5f excited state is primarily 5f-Nnitride σ-antibonding in character.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15519-15527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05072A
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Ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones
A robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that enables the exquisite regioselective and chemodivergent C–F bond functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones, is reported.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15511-15518
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05451A
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Ternary complexes of chiral disulfonimides in transfer-hydrogenation of imines: the relevance of late intermediates in ion pair catalysis
In ion pairing catalysis, the structures of advanced intermediates are often not accessible. Here, we present a combined experimental and computational study of ternary complexes in Brønsted acid catalysis, which show unexpected H-bond switching.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15263-15272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03724B
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Uncovering selective and active Ga surface sites in gallia–alumina mixed-oxide propane dehydrogenation catalysts by dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy
Coordination geometry and Lewis acidity of Ga and Al (bulk and surface) sites in mixed oxide gallia–alumina nanoparticles is correlated with the performance in propane dehydrogenation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15273-15283
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05381G
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Redox-active zinc thiolates for low-cost aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries
This study demonstrates the viability of the thiolate/disulfide redox couple in AZIB applications, and provides an in-depth study on the electrochemical mechanism of Zn-thiolates electrode materials.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15253-15262
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04231A
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Towards developing novel and sustainable molecular light-to-heat converters
The synthesis and photophysical properties of phenolic barbiturics are reported. These molecules convert absorbed ultraviolet light to heat with high fidelity and may be suitable for inclusion in foliar sprays to boost crop protection and production.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15239-15252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05077J
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A single-atom Cu–N2 catalyst eliminates oxygen interference for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide in a living animal brain
We have achieved the selective monitoring of H2O2 fluctuation in vivo free from O2 interference by a single-atom Cu–N2 electrocatalyst.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15045-15053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04755H
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One-dimensional core–shell motif nanowires with chemically-bonded transition metal sulfide-carbon heterostructures for efficient sodium-ion storage
A chemical-vapor deposition-like strategy was developed for the synthesis of versatile core–shell transition metal sulfide (TMS)@carbon heterostructured nanowires for electrochemical sodium ion storage.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15054-15060
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04163K
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Picomolar FKBP inhibitors enabled by a single water-displacing methyl group in bicyclic [4.3.1] aza-amides
Enhancement by displacement. A single methyl group displaces a water molecule from the binding site of FKBPs, resulting in the most potent binders known, outperforming the natural products FK506 and rapamycin in biochemical and cellular assays.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14758-14765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04638A
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Rhodium-catalysed ortho-alkynylation of nitroarenes
Rh(III)-catalyzed ortho-alkynylation of nitro-(hetero)arenes leads to a wide variety of alkynylated nitroarenes via a turnover-limiting electrophilic C–H ortho-metalation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14731-14739
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04527J
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Quantification of the charge transport processes inside carbon nanopipettes
The coupled electron transfer (ET) and ion transport (IT) processes in conductive nanopipettes, at both steady and transient states, are elucidated and quantified by experiments and simulation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14752-14757
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04282C
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The solvation structure, transport properties and reduction behavior of carbonate-based electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries
The different roles of the anion, cyclic and linear carbonates, and additive in mixed-carbonate electrolytes are revealed. The anion–solvent exchange mechanism and factors influencing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation are deciphered.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14740-14751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04265C
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Uncovering an oxide ion substitution for the OH− + CH3F reaction
Reaction dynamics simulations on a high-level ab initio analytical potential energy surface reveal a novel oxide ion substitution channel for the OH− + CH3F reaction.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14369-14375
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03834F
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Pair distribution function and 71Ga NMR study of aqueous Ga3+ complexes
With changing pH four different structural regions in Ga3+ aqueous solutions are observed. In contrast the effects of different anions and concentrations are minimal.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14420-14431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05190C
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Synthesis and electronic structure analysis of the actinide allenylidenes, [{(NR2)3}An(CCCPh2)]− (An = U, Th; R = SiMe3)
The actinide allenylidenes [{(NR2)3}An(CCCPh2)]− (An = U, Th, R = SiMe3) feature significant ligand-to-metal donation bonding and partial AnC double bond character.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14383-14388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04666G
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Controlling dispersity in aqueous atom transfer radical polymerization: rapid and quantitative synthesis of one-pot block copolymers
The dispersity of polymers is efficiently controlled in aqueous atom transfer radical polymerization by modulating the reversible dissociation of the bromide ion from the copper deactivator.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14376-14382
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04241F
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Molecular bixbyite-like In12-oxo clusters with tunable functionalization sites for lithography patterning applications
Bixbyite-like In12-oxo clusters with labile coordination sites show tunable solubility, varying film quality and distinct lithography patterning performance.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14414-14419
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04491E
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Choosing the right molecular machine learning potential
This article provides a lifeline for those lost in the sea of the molecular machine learning potentials by providing a balanced overview and evaluation of popular potentials.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14396-14413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03564A
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Tug-of-war: molecular dynamometers against living cells for analyzing sub-piconewton interaction of a specific protein with the cell membrane
A molecular dynamometer is designed to analyze the variation of sub-piconewton interaction between a specific protein and the membrane on living cells.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14389-14395
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03059K
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Artificial transmembrane signal transduction mediated by dynamic covalent chemistry
Reversible formation of covalent adducts between a thiol and a membrane-anchored Michael acceptor has been used to control the activation of a caged enzyme encapsulated inside vesicles.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14059-14064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04741H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Impact of symmetry-breaking of non-fullerene acceptors for efficient and stable organic solar cells
A 9H-indeno[1,2-b]pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile (IPC) moiety in asymmetric non-fullerene acceptors promotes the formation of a densely packed crystalline structure, enabling efficient and long-term stable organic solar cells.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14083-14097
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04153C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Inhibition of (dppf)nickel-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions by α-halo-N-heterocycles
Nickel complexes with a dppf ligand can form inactive dinickel(II) complexes during Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. However, these complexes can react with Grignard reagents in Kumada–Tamao–Corriu cross-coupling reactions.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14074-14082
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04582B
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Origin of the N-coordinated single-atom Ni sites in heterogeneous electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction
A constant-potential first-principles and microkinetic model is developed to uncover the nature of heterogeneous Ni–N–C catalysts. It highlights the crucial role of a pyrrolic-type NiN4 moiety in electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14065-14073
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04094D
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Copper-catalysed low-temperature water–gas shift reaction for selective deuteration of aryl halides
A practical and stable heterogeneous copper catalyst has been developed for dehalogenative deuteration via water–gas shift reaction at low temperature, allowing deuteration of diverse (hetero)aryl halides with good functional group tolerance.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14033-14038
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04259A
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Direct photo-induced reductive Heck cyclization of indoles for the efficient preparation of polycyclic indolinyl compounds
Metal- and photocatalyst-free reductive Heck cyclization of indoles under light irradiation was developed and used to prepare polycyclic compounds and functionalize natural product analogues in moderate to good yields.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14050-14058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04258K
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Shape-shifting thermoreversible diblock copolymer nano-objects via RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate
RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) affords shape-shifting thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nano-objects. 1H NMR studies suggest that such behavior involves uniform plasticization of the PHBA block.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13719-13729
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05022B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Dirhodium(II)-catalysed cycloisomerization of azaenyne: rapid assembly of centrally and axially chiral isoindazole frameworks
Rh(II)-catalyzed asymmetric cycloisomerization of azaenyne through a cap-tether synergistic modulation strategy was described. Diverse centrally and axially chiral isoindazoles were prepared and directed C–H late-stage modifications were developed.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13730-13736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04961E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Selective propargylic C(sp3)–H activation of methyl-substituted alkynes versus [2 + 2] cycloaddition at a titanium imido template
An unexpected reactivity between a titanium imido complex and internal alkynes was unveiled yielding titanaazacyclobutenes instead of the expected [2 + 2] cycloaddition products.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13711-13718
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04334J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Chromophore-radical excited state antiferromagnetic exchange controls the sign of photoinduced ground state spin polarization
A change in the sign of the ground state electron spin polarization (ESP) is reported in complexes where an organic radical (nitronylnitroxide, NN) is covalently attached to a donor–acceptor chromophore via two different meta-phenylene bridges.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13704-13710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC02965G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Structure-based de novo drug design using 3D deep generative models
DeepLigBuilder, a novel deep generative model for structure-based de novo drug design, directly generates 3D structures of drug-like compounds in the target binding site.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13664-13675
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04444C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro peptide inhibitors from modelling substrate and ligand binding
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is central to viral maturation and is a promising drug target. In silico methods reveal structural aspects of how it binds to its 11 natural cleavage sites, the design of novel peptide inhibitors, and insights into drug design.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13686-13703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03628A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A pillar[5]arene-based covalent organic framework with pre-encoded selective host–guest recognition
A novel pillar[5]arene-derived (P5) COF was rationally designed and synthesized, which exhibited superior performance in selective gas adsorption and paraquat binding.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13316-13320
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03680G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Peptoid-based reprogrammable template for cell-permeable inhibitors of protein–protein interactions
A peptoid-based modular approach using oligo(N-substituted alanine) as a reprogrammable template enables independent optimization of N-substituents and facile development of cell-permeable inhibitors of protein–protein interactions.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13292-13300
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC01560E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Characterization of protein–ligand interactions by SABRE
Protein–ligand binding interactions are characterized by the para-H2 based hyperpolarization technique SABRE and flow-NMR. Binding to the protein is identified by R2 change of a ligand first interacting with the Ir polarization transfer catalyst.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12950-12958
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03404A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Leveraging an enzyme/artificial substrate system to enhance cellular persulfides and mitigate neuroinflammation
A persulfide/hydrogen sulfide generation strategy through artificial substrates for 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is reported, which enhances cellular persulfides, attenuates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alleviates inflammation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12939-12949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03828A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Constructing catalyst knowledge networks from catalyst big data in oxidative coupling of methane for designing catalysts
Catalyst data created through high-throughput experimentation is transformed into catalyst knowledge networks, leading to a new method of catalyst design where successfully designed catalysts result in high C2 yields during the OCM reaction.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12546-12555
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04390K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Albumin-targeting of an oxaliplatin-releasing platinum(IV) prodrug results in pronounced anticancer activity due to endocytotic drug uptake in vivo
Albumin-targeting of a maleimide-containing oxaliplatin-releasing platinum(IV) prodrug results in tumor-specific drug delivery and activity as shown by LA-ICP-MS, isotope-labeling and NanoSIMS in cell culture and in vivo.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12587-12599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03311E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Characterization and chemical reactivity of room-temperature-stable MnIII–alkylperoxo complexes
A pair of room-temperature-stable MnIII–alkylperoxo complexes were characterized and shown to oxidize PPh3. Thermal decomposition studies provide evidence of both homolysis and heterolysis of the MnIII–alkylperoxo O–O bond.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12564-12575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC01976G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Mg(II) heterodinuclear catalysts delivering carbon dioxide derived multi-block polymers
Carbon dioxide-based multiblock polymers are synthesised, in one-pot, from a mixture of monomers using a highly selective and active heterodinuclear Co(II)Mg(II) catalyst.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12315-12325
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03856G
About this collection
This on-going web collection showcases all of the HOT Chemical Science articles published in 2021, as recommended by referees. Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles are featured.