Themed collection Chemical Communications HOT Articles 2024
Unveiling the potential of MOF-based single-atom photocatalysts for the production of clean fuel and valuable chemical
Our highlight provides a comprehensive/insightful review on the achievement of combining a MOF and single atoms to generate high-performance photocatalysts for energy-related reactions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10989-10999
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03479A
Dual-stimuli responsive theranostic agents based on small molecules
This Highlight summarizes the recent progress of dual-stimuli responsive theranostic agents based on small molecules.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9860-9870
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02565B
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
Value addition of MXenes as photo-/electrocatalysts in water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production
Recent advances in the use of MXenes for (photo)electrocatalytic water splitting applications are reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8789-8805
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01811G
Electrocatalytic water-to-oxygenates conversion: redox-mediated versus direct oxygen transfer
Elucidating the oxygen transfer route can facilitate the development of electro-catalytic oxygenation reactions. Herein, we introduce oxygen transfer routes including the redox-mediated pathway and the direct oxygen transfer (DOT) method.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7523-7534
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01960A
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
Mechanism-based and data-driven modeling in cell-free synthetic biology
This highlight discusses state-of-the-art mechanism-based modeling and machine-learning approaches in cell-free synthetic biology and their potential for designing and optimizing novel genetic circuits.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6466-6475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01289E
Recent advances in C(sp3)–N bond formation via metallaphoto-redox catalysis
In this review, the state-of-the-art advances in radical-involved C(sp3)–N bond formation via metallaphotoredox catalysis have been highlighted, which are organized according to different catalytic modes, reaction types, and substrate classes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6340-6361
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01969E
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
Enantioselective merged gold/organocatalysis
This highlight demonstrates the state of the art in the field of the enantioselective merged gold/organocatalysis by leveraging the unique reactivity of each catalyst.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3607-3623
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00114A
Visual monitoring of biocatalytic processes using small molecular fluorescent probes: strategies-mechanisms-applications
Real-time monitoring of biocatalytic-based processes is significantly improved and simplified when they can be visualized.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2716-2731
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05626K
Catalysts and electrolyzers for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction: from laboratory to industrial applications
To cope with the environmental pollution and energy shortage, reducing carbon dioxide molecules and producing fuels and chemicals via electrocatalytic methods, is one of the effective pathways to achieve carbon neutrality.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 1207-1221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05453E
Spot the difference in reactivity: a comprehensive review of site-selective multicomponent conjugation exploiting multi-azide compounds
This review outlines methods and strategies to exploit specific azide positions for molecular conjugation in the presence of multiple azido groups. Illustrative examples spanning di-, tri- and tetraazide click scaffolds are included.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 12062-12100
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03359K
Common ground and divergence: OLED emitters as photocatalysts
Many photocatalysts were initially developed or used as emitters for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Requirements for photocatalysts and OLED emitters overlap in many aspects but diverge in some.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04409F
1,3-Bishomocubane: a kinetic rock, a thermodynamic powerhouse and a compelling chiral synthetic scaffold
Over the last several decades, saturated polycyclic cage compounds have remained a point of interest for organic chemists because of their unique characteristics and reactivity.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04290E
Development of chemiluminescent systems and devices for analytical applications
Chemiluminescent luminophores, coreactants, catalysts and sonochemiluminescence devices are highlighted.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11837-11848
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04414B
Metal-free small molecule-based piezoelectric energy harvesters
The recent progress in the design of metal-free small-molecule derived piezoelectric materials and their utilization as all-organic piezoelectric energy harvesters has been discussed in this feature article.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11655-11672
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03939D
Advances in designing efficient electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction from a theoretical perspective
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction to ammonia (eNO3−RR) is a potential way for harmonizing the nitrogen cycle. This feature article summarizes the recent advances in electrocatalyst design for the eNO3−RR from a theoretical perspective.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11642-11654
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04046E
Biomimetic light-harvesting antennas via the self-assembly of chemically programmed chlorophylls
This feature article describes strategies for constructing supramolecular aggregates of (semi)synthetic dyes, particularly chlorophyll derivatives to mimic the photosynthetic light-harvesting antennas.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04363D
Advances in the self-organized total synthesis of natural products
In this review, we account for the definition, delimitation, and categorization of self-organized total synthesis and then elucidate a comprehensive understanding of this synthetic strategy based on our intensive explorations.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04288C
Heterogeneous catalysis of methane hydroxylation with nearly total selectivity under mild conditions
Recent advancements in methane hydroxylation catalysis have achieved nearly total selectivity. A deeper understanding of catalyst design, reaction mechanism, and parameter optimization is crucial for minimizing CO2 and boosting oxygenate yield.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11034-11051
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02802C
Supramolecular light-harvesting systems utilizing tetraphenylethylene chromophores as antennas
This comprehensive Feature Article summarizes the recent progress of supramolecular light-harvesting systems utilizing tetraphenylethylene (TPE) chromophores as antennas.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10064-10079
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03693J
Cationic ligands – from monodentate to pincer systems
Incorporation of cationic ligands within pincer frameworks allowed to develop them from obscure peculiarities into a diverse class of ancillary ligands.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9871-9906
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01489H
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
Glycosylation with sulfoxide-based glycosyl donors
This feature article elucidates the development and notable progress of glycosyl sulfoxide-based glycosylation reactions, with a specific emphasis on cases where sulfinyl groups are situated either directly at the anomeric position or more distally.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8670-8683
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02838D
Mechanistic insights into facilitating reductive elimination from Ni(II) species
The possible modes have been summarized to disclose the reductive elimination from Ni(II) species.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8008-8019
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02667E
Ru(0)-catalysed synthesis of borylated polyene building blocks by cross-dimerisation toward cross-coupling
A series of borylated polyenes is synthesised by cross-dimerisation as a synthetic building block for cross-coupling reactions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7672-7686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02566K
Recent advances in circularly polarized luminescence of planar chiral organic compounds
This review overviews recent research on circularly polarized luminescence from planar chiral organic compounds, focusing on their synthetic strategies, properties and applications.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6728-6740
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01698J
Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based materials for pyroptosis-mediated cancer therapy
This manuscript summarized the recent progress of MOF-based pyroptosis inducers in immunotherapy.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6476-6487
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02084G
Hydrogen bond types which do not fit accepted definitions
There are various interactions that either partially fit or do not fit the currently accepted definitions of the hydrogen bond.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6239-6255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01769B
All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of polymer and polyelectrolyte brushes
New discoveries on polymer and polyelectrolyte brush systems and the corresponding brush-supported ions and water, arising from employing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, have been thoroughly reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6093-6129
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01557F
Molecule engineering strategy of toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists designed for potentiating immune stimuli activation
We highlighted the recent research progress concerning the molecule engineering strategy of toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists for enhancing immunotherapy, including our research work and some related emerging works.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5474-5485
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00792A
Cascade ring expansion reactions for the synthesis of medium-sized rings and macrocycles
Recent advances in the development of cascade ring expansion reactions for the synthesis of medium-sized rings and macrocycles are described.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4999-5009
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01303D
Cooperative small molecule activation by apolar and weakly polar bonds through the lens of a suitable computational protocol
Through the magnifying glass of a suitable computational protocol, both support and guidance of experimental advances in small molecules activation mediated by apolar and weakly polar bonds are made possible.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 1222-1238
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05614G
Artificial transmembrane potassium transporters: designs, functions, mechanisms and applications
In this review, we provide the very first comprehensive exposition of artificial potassium transporters developed mostly over the past ten years.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 482-500
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04488B
Emerging sensing platforms based on Cucurbit[n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes
Cucurbit[n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes facilitate the development of sensing platforms based on recognition tunneling, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, single molecule force spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 150-167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04851A
Sample transformation in online separations: how chemical conversion advances analytical technology
Sample transformation can be used to provide insights into the properties of complex samples.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 36-50
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03599A
Cobalt-Catalyzed Dithiolation of Unactivated Alkenes with Thiols: A Facile Access to Diverse Vicinal Dithioethers
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04746J
Selective 17O-labeling of silica
Silanol groups on the surface of silica are labile and spontaneously exchange their oxygen atoms with water. This enables the synthesis of silica materials that are selectively labeled in 17O at either the silanol or siloxane positions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 12189-12192
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04584J
Isolation of a chloride-capped cerium polyoxo nanocluster built from 52 metal ions
A chloride/water terminated Ce–oxo cluster built from 52 metal ions, with the longest Ce–Ce distance measuring roughly 1.6 nm, was isolated from acidic aqueous solution using pyridinium counterions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 12185-12188
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03144J
Diastereoselective dearomative cycloaddition of bicyclobutanes with pyridinium ylides: a modular approach to multisubstituted azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes
Structurally-dense and stereochemically-defined tricyclic heterocycles are easily accessed by (3+3) cycloaddition, leading to versatile Csp3-rich scaffolds.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04730C
Copper-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of propargyl gem-dichlorides
We developed a method for the copper-catalyzed coupling of propargyl gem-dichlorides with (DMPU)2Zn(Rf)2 to assemble chloro-substituted fluoroalkylated allenes. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04307C
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
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
A Ternary Composite Nanofiber-Derived Thin Membrane Electrolyte for Solid-State Li Metal Batteries
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04550E
Unravelling the prebiotic origins of the simplest α-ketoacids in cometary ices: a computational investigation
Extra-terrestrial origins of the simplest α-ketoacids, central to many prebiotic metabolic cycles, have been revealed by simulating the soft impact-induced compression of cometary ices.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11283-11286
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03074E
Polyoxometalate-incorporated NiFe-based oxyhydroxides for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media
NiFe–PMA/CNTs homogeneous/heterogeneous hybrid catalyst exhibits low overpotential and a high TOF for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 11287-11290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03874F
Nitrogen fixation by alkali and alkaline earth metal hydrides assisted by plasma
The chemical behaviors of alkali and alkaline earth metal hydrides under nitrogen plasma differ significantly from one another, exhibiting an ammonia production trend that contrasts with that observed under thermal conditions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10760-10763
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03866E
Molten-salt-induced structural heterogeneity of carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production
In the prepared molecular heterostructured carbon nitride, the intimately connected heptazine and triazine units effectively accelerate charge transport, leading to a remarkably enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10732-10735
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04007D
Covalently grafting a covalent organic framework onto carbon nanotubes as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
A combined nanoscale and molecular-level strategy was developed to coat Ni(II) modified bipyridine-based COF on amino-functionalized CNTs through covalent bonding as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting in alkaline solution.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10700-10703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03117B
A povarov-type reaction to access tetrahydroquinolines from N-benzylhydroxylamines and alkenes in HFIP
Here, we report the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines between newly developed N-benzylhydroxylamine reagents and alkenes using HFIP as a solvent.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10504-10507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04014G
Low-temperature de-alloying and unique self-filling interface optimization mechanism of layered silicon for enhanced lithium storage
The safe synthesis and unique self-filling interface optimization mechanism of high-purity layered silicon for lithium storage.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10500-10503
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03857F
Developing non-radioactive, radical methods to screen for radiolytic stability
A non-radioactive, radical method is reported as a screening tool for radiolytic degradation. Similar degradation products and trends are observed between this newly developed, higher-throughput assay and traditional gamma radiolysis.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03762F
Iminobispyrazole (IBP) photoswitches: two pyrazole rings can be better than one
Sometimes, two pyrazoles are better than one: exploring the photoswitching properties of synthetically accessible iminobispyrazoles.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03517H
An isolable stannaimine and its cycloaddition/metathesis reactions with carbon dioxide
An isolable stannaimine deoxygenates carbon dioxide to form a dimeric stannaoxane and a new isocyanate.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10350-10353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04006F
Photochemical α-amination of carbonyl groups with iodinanes
We report on a photochemical reaction of silyl enol ethers with iminoiodinanes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10128-10131
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03564J
One-, two- and three-dimensional interlocked polymers based on hybrid inorganic–organic rotaxanes
We report three new polymers, based on mechanically interlocked inorganic–organic rotaxanes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10124-10127
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03566F
Thiophene assisted cellular uptake enhancement for highly efficient NIR-II cancer phototheranostics
We proposed a strategy of thiophene assisted cellular uptake enhancement for achieving highly efficient NIR-II cancer phototheranostics.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9942-9945
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03308F
Organo-cation catalyzed enantioselective α-hydroxylation of pyridinone-fused lactones: asymmetric synthesis of SN-38 and irinotecan
A catalytic asymmetric α-hydroxylation of pyridinone-fused lactones has been developed, enabling the highly enantioselective formation of oxa-quaternary stereogenic centre of this tricyclic scaffold.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9954-9957
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03580A
Optical control of pH via chromoselective photodosimetry
The precise control over the pH levels of a medium is achieved through irradiation with two different colours of light dosing photonic energy to trigger two independent chemical transformation.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9745-9748
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03076A
Polyurethanes synthesized using biomass-derived furan diols as sustainable triboelectric materials
Polyurethanes prepared using biomass-derived furan diols showed promising energy harvesting performance as tribopositive materials.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9741-9744
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03073G
Tetraphenylpentalenide organolanthanide complexes
Lanthanide sandwiches of the D2h 1,3,4,6-tetraphenylpentalenide are reported. The Ph4Pn dianion shows promise for new electron-rich f-block organometallics using the metal's dz2 orbital, in contrast to the more widely used cyclooctatetraenyl dianion.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9749-9752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02570A
Chemical reduction of π-expanded functionalized pentacene: cooperation of side group in alkali metal binding
Two-fold reduction of a vertically expanded functionalized pentacene with Na metal is accompanied by a loss of diatropicity in the resulting dianion and engagement of side groups in sodium ion coordination.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9526-9529
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03318C
Construction of imine–hydrazone dual linkage covalent organic frameworks
Herein, imine–hydrazone dual linkage covalent organic frameworks (DL-COFs) were developed for the first time.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9534-9537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03708A
High throughput production of a self-floating MIL-88A(Fe)@polyurethane sponge for efficient oil/water separation
A hydrophobic/superoleophilic MIL-88A(Fe)-modified polyurethane sponge with high throughput was fabricated via the dip-coating technique, which exhibited excellent oil/water separation performance.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9530-9533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03367A
The lithium effect in ketenyl anion chemistry
Ketenyl lithium compounds were found to be less thermally stable than their potassium analogues due to the stronger binding of the oxygen of the ketene moiety to the lithium ion, resulting in a more pronounced ynolate character.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9372-9375
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03167A
Indium oxide with oxygen vacancies boosts O2 adsorption and activation for electrocatalytic H2O2 production
In2O3−x with oxygen vacancies promotes the adsorption and activation of O2 and stabilizes oxygen intermediates, improving H2O2 selectivity.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9364-9367
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03361B
Chemical synthesis of natural and azido-modified UDP-rhamnose and -arabinofuranose for glycan array-based characterization of plant glycosyltransferases
Chemical syntheses of UDP-rhamnose and UDP-arabinofuranose and respective azido-modified analogues are reported. These UDP sugars were used on glycan microarrays for on-chip substrate specificity analyses of plant glycosyltransferases.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9368-9371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02095B
Construction of a supramolecular antibacterial material based on water-soluble pillar[5]arene and a zwitterionic guest molecule
A complex of pillar[5]arene with a zwitterionic guest demonstrated excellent antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition and dispersal activities against E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9202-9205
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01737D
About this collection
This ongoing web-collection features the articles published in ChemComm in 2024 that have been marked as HOT by our Editors and trusted Reviewers. Many Congratulations to all those featured!