Themed collection 2026 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection

This review highlights recent advances in radical-mediated alkene and alkyne difunctionalization, leveraging a docking–migration strategy with novel bifunctional reagents.

We report the first wavelength-dependent quantum yields of a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition generating the heterodimers of 7-hydroxycoumarin (7HCou) and styrene via a photochemical action plot.

Multiscale simulations integrating machine learning and diabatic dynamics uncover the sequential electron transfer–proton transfer pathways in CO₂ electroreduction, highlighting the role of solvent fluctuations and quantum nuclear effects.

Post-synthetic gridization transforms conventional TADF emitters into nanogrid macrocycles with enhanced spin-flip dynamics, horizontal alignment, and ozone stability, enabling the fabrication of highly efficient solution-processed OLEDs.

A novel microcontact printing approach utilizing DNA hybridization has been developed for the fabrication of multi-component patterned polymer brushes. This approach facilitates reversible cleavage and regeneration of these polymer brushes.

This study reveals a strong Ru structural effect. Subnanometer Ru clusters (Ru_SNCs-WO_x) regulate interfacial water via d–π coupling, promoting water dissociation and *OH formation, and then facilitates *O–*O coupling.

Mononuclear Zn complexes that harness Zn orbitals for visible-light absorption are developed. The key is an empty C–Zn π orbital, realized by appropriate orientation and energy-level matching between the empty carbene(2p) and Zn(4p) orbitals.

A redox-neutral, metal-free organophotocatalytic tandem reaction enables the selective perfluoroalkylation and remote C(sp³)–H alkylation of alkenes, delivering diverse 1,n-difunctionalization and substituted cyclopentanes via controlled HAT.

The position of mobile active and inactive ions, specifically ion insertion sites, within organic crystals, significantly affects the properties of organic materials used for energy storage and ionic transport.

SELF makes steric effects visible and measurable. Built from quantum calculations, it maps steric repulsion in 3D, from drug scaffolds to catalysis, turning abstract theory into intuitive, practical chemical insight.

The integrated CO₂RR-HMFOR system achieves 43.3% total energy conversion efficiency at 1.7 V cell voltage, with faradaic efficiency of 91.9% for anodic FDCA and 94.7% (66.1% CO, 28.6% H₂) for the cathode.

The piezoelectricity of various natural monosaccharide-based supramolecular materials was systematically investigated to determine material applicability for energy harvesting and information transmission.

In sandwich-like Pt/np-CFO@C electrode, the middle carbon layer not only plays bridging role between np-CFO support and Pt nanoparticles but also leads to load more zero-valent Pt, thereby exhibiting long-lifespan of rechargeable zinc–air battery.

This study demonstrates the abiotic formation of biorelevant nitriles—key precursors to amino acids and nucleobases—in interstellar ice analogues of hydrogen cyanide.

A water-soluble Pd₆L₄ coordination cage, presenting a distorted octahedral geometry, was utilized for selective oxidative cleavage of terminal alkynes to the corresponding carboxylic acids in aqueous medium.

Single-layer graphene quantum dots (61.3% yield) derived from spent graphite anodes embedded in hydrogel electrolyte enhance zinc-ion battery performance, offering sustainable recycling for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

The isomeric imine linkage in D–A COFs boosts the built-in electric field for enhanced charge separation and an ∼30% reduction in exciton binding energy, leading to high-performance organic dehydrogenation coupled with H₂O₂ production.