Themed collection 15th anniversary: Chemical Science community collection

56 items
Open Access Edge Article

Sequence-defined peptoids via iterative exponential growth

An iterative exponential growth (IEG) strategy relying on orthogonally protected monomers is developed for the synthesis of peptoids. This is a scalable technique that allows for precise control over sequence, chain length, and stereoconfiguration.

Graphical abstract: Sequence-defined peptoids via iterative exponential growth
Open Access Edge Article

Ni doping in CsPbCl3 nanocrystals: the key to enhanced photoluminescence

Vibrationally assisted delayed fluorescence (VADF) in presence of long-lived Ni2+ state near the valence band in CsPbCl3 nanocrystals (NCs) which helps to increase the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and lifetime of Ni2+-doped CsPbCl3 NCs.

Graphical abstract: Ni doping in CsPbCl3 nanocrystals: the key to enhanced photoluminescence
Open Access Edge Article

The impact of whole-molecule disorder on spin-crossover in a family of isomorphous molecular crystals

Seven [Fe(LR)2]2+ (LR = 2-{pyrazolyl}-6-{4-R-pyrazolyl}pyridine) salts are isomorphous, with substituents disordered around the complex, but show a variety of thermal spin-transition behaviors.

Graphical abstract: The impact of whole-molecule disorder on spin-crossover in a family of isomorphous molecular crystals
Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Edge Article

Vacuum evaporation-assisted reaction: sustainable solution for application of rare earth-based halide solid-state electrolytes

Open Access Edge Article

Photoinduced copper-catalysed enantioselective amination of allylic and propargylic C–H bonds

A visible light-activated HAT process combined with copper catalysis enables enantioselective allylic and propargylic C–H amination, converting open-chain alkenes and alkynes into chiral amines with high enantio-, regio-, and E/Z-selectivity.

Graphical abstract: Photoinduced copper-catalysed enantioselective amination of allylic and propargylic C–H bonds
Open Access Edge Article

Stable cationic nanobelts synthesized by chemical oxidation of methylene-bridged [6]cycloparaphenylene

Cationic hydrocarbon nanobelts were synthesized via the chemical oxidation of methylene-bridged [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]MCPP). These species turned out to be remarkably stable in air, which enabled to uncover their unique properties.

Graphical abstract: Stable cationic nanobelts synthesized by chemical oxidation of methylene-bridged [6]cycloparaphenylene
Open Access Edge Article

Direct single-nucleotide resolution sequencing of DNA 5-methylcytosine using engineered DNA methyltransferase-mediated CMD-seq

Utilizing the newly identified M.MedI-N377K methyltransferase, we developed a novel method of CMD-seq for the stoichiometric detection of 5mC in DNA at single-nucleotide resolution.

Graphical abstract: Direct single-nucleotide resolution sequencing of DNA 5-methylcytosine using engineered DNA methyltransferase-mediated CMD-seq
Open Access Edge Article

Accelerated click reactions using boronic acids for heterocyclic synthesis in microdroplets

Accelerated synthesis of heterocycles such as iminoboronates, boroxines, thiazolidines, and diazaborines using the reaction between boronic acid and amines in microdroplets.

Graphical abstract: Accelerated click reactions using boronic acids for heterocyclic synthesis in microdroplets
Open Access Edge Article

Genetically encoded 3-aminotyrosine as catalytic residue in a designer Friedel–Crafts alkylase

An evolved designer enzyme featuring genetically encoded 3-aminotyrosine (aY) as catalytic residue promotes highly enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylations, is enantiocomplementary to a prior design, and enables whole-cell biocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Genetically encoded 3-aminotyrosine as catalytic residue in a designer Friedel–Crafts alkylase
Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Edge Article

Engineering cofacial porphyrin dimers using lacunary polyoxotungstates

Open Access Edge Article

Spin filtering in self-assembled bowl-shaped aromatics

Magnetic-conductive AFM reveals that self-assembled bowl-shaped aromatics function as molecular spin filters.

Graphical abstract: Spin filtering in self-assembled bowl-shaped aromatics
Open Access Edge Article

Multifunctional cerium-based nanozymes as moonlighting protein mimics for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy

Fabrication of multifunctional cerium-based nanozymes as moonlighting protein mimics for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy.

Graphical abstract: Multifunctional cerium-based nanozymes as moonlighting protein mimics for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy
Open Access Edge Article

Deaminase-driven random mutation enables efficient DNA mutagenesis for protein evolution

By harnessing the properties of two engineered deaminases, A3A-RL and ABE8e, we developed a novel DNA mutagenesis approach called DRM. DRM allows for the creation of diverse DNA mutation types in a single round of mutagenesis.

Graphical abstract: Deaminase-driven random mutation enables efficient DNA mutagenesis for protein evolution
Open Access Edge Article

Intramolecular arylsulfide-coordinated diboraanthracenes: effect of B–S coordination on ground-state and excited-state behavior

Boron-embedded π-conjugated molecules with intramolecular sulfur coordination exhibit B–S bond dissociation not only thermally in the ground state but also upon light irradiation, resulting in intriguing photoluminescence properties.

Graphical abstract: Intramolecular arylsulfide-coordinated diboraanthracenes: effect of B–S coordination on ground-state and excited-state behavior
Open Access Edge Article

Functionalization and solubilization of polycyclic aromatic compounds by sulfoniumization

A regioselective sulfoniumization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is described. The obtained sulfonium-salts, soluble in organic and water media, are employed in post-functionalizations, π-extension, and mitochondria-selective bio-imaging.

Graphical abstract: Functionalization and solubilization of polycyclic aromatic compounds by sulfoniumization
Open Access Edge Article

Accurate prediction of the kinetic sequence of physicochemical states using generative artificial intelligence

GPT-based generative modeling of MD trajectories enables efficient prediction of state transitions by capturing long-range correlations, offering accurate kinetic and thermodynamic forecasts for diverse physicochemical systems.

Graphical abstract: Accurate prediction of the kinetic sequence of physicochemical states using generative artificial intelligence
Open Access Edge Article

Unraveling the mechanisms of ketene generation and transformation in syngas-to-olefin conversion over ZnCrOx|SAPO-34 catalysts

Methanol serves as the primary transport intermediate between metal oxides and zeolites, while ketene acts as the dominant intermediate for ethene formation in the OX–ZEO system.

Graphical abstract: Unraveling the mechanisms of ketene generation and transformation in syngas-to-olefin conversion over ZnCrOx|SAPO-34 catalysts
Open Access Edge Article

Location of dopant dictates proton–coupled electron transfer mechanism in vanadium-substituted polyoxotungstates

An externally exposed V dopant imposes H-atom uptake at the polyoxotungstate surface and dictates the proton–coupled electron transfer mechanism.

Graphical abstract: Location of dopant dictates proton–coupled electron transfer mechanism in vanadium-substituted polyoxotungstates
Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Edge Article

Electrochemical Hydrogenative Coupling of Nitrobenzene into Azobenzene over Mesoporous Palladium-Sulfur Cathode

Open Access Edge Article

Mechanically tunable porous gels constructed via the dual coordination/covalent polymerization of coumarin-functionalized rhodium–organic cuboctahedra

Rhodium–organic cuboctahedra were polymerized into colloidal gels bearing coordination and covalent crosslinks with orthogonal stimuli responses, providing porous materials with reversibly tunable mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract: Mechanically tunable porous gels constructed via the dual coordination/covalent polymerization of coumarin-functionalized rhodium–organic cuboctahedra
Open Access Edge Article

Exploring a solid-state nanopore approach for single-molecule protein detection from single cells

This study presents a solid-state nanopore approach for single-molecule protein detection from single cells, utilizing a nanopore electrophoretic driver protein to enhance target protein capture efficiency and analyze protein conformational changes.

Graphical abstract: Exploring a solid-state nanopore approach for single-molecule protein detection from single cells
Open Access Edge Article

Controlled polymerization of levoglucosenone-derived enynes to give bio-based polymers with tunable degradation rates and high glass transition temperatures

In recent years, pollution from plastic waste has intensified the demand for sustainable polymers.

Graphical abstract: Controlled polymerization of levoglucosenone-derived enynes to give bio-based polymers with tunable degradation rates and high glass transition temperatures
Open Access Edge Article

Catalytic asymmetric construction of 1,5-remote Si- and C-stereocenters via desymmetrizing ene reaction of bis(methallyl)silanes

A chiral nickel(II) complex catalyzed desymmetrizing carbonyl–ene reaction of bis(methallyl)silanes with α-keto aldehyde monohydrates was realized, enabling the synthesis of chiral δ-hydroxy silanes featuring 1,5-remote Si- and C-stereocenters.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic asymmetric construction of 1,5-remote Si- and C-stereocenters via desymmetrizing ene reaction of bis(methallyl)silanes
Open Access Edge Article

Machine-learning based classification of 2D-IR liquid biopsies enables stratification of melanoma relapse risk

Ultrafast 2D-IR spectroscopy of clinical blood serum samples combined with Machine Learning shows the ability to detect risk of melanoma relapse.

Graphical abstract: Machine-learning based classification of 2D-IR liquid biopsies enables stratification of melanoma relapse risk
Open Access Edge Article

Retro-forward synthesis design and experimental validation of potent structural analogs of known drugs

Generation of structural analogs to “parent” molecule(s) of interest remains one of the important elements of drug development.

Graphical abstract: Retro-forward synthesis design and experimental validation of potent structural analogs of known drugs
Open Access Edge Article

Base-stabilized acyclic amino(ylidyl)silylenes: electron-rich donors for the stabilization of silicon-element multiple bonds

The incorporation of ylide substituents into acyclic aminosilylenes leads to enhanced donor abilities, enabling the isolation of a remarkably stable silanone and compounds with extended π-conjugated units.

Graphical abstract: Base-stabilized acyclic amino(ylidyl)silylenes: electron-rich donors for the stabilization of silicon-element multiple bonds
Open Access Edge Article

Double helicene possessing B–N dative bonds built on 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core

Green-emitting N,B,S-doped double helicene which was prepared via straightforward four-steps route possesses |glum| = 1.32 × 10−3.

Graphical abstract: Double helicene possessing B–N dative bonds built on 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core
Open Access Edge Article

Catalytic stereoselective synthesis of all-carbon tetra-substituted alkenes via Z-selective alkyne difunctionalization

We report a nickel-catalyzed cascade reaction leading to the arylation of an alkyne-induced acyl migration and the formation of all-carbon tetra-substituted alkenes in good yields with exclusive Z-selectivity.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic stereoselective synthesis of all-carbon tetra-substituted alkenes via Z-selective alkyne difunctionalization
Open Access Edge Article

Bifunctional additive-driven shape transitions of block copolymer particles through synergistic quaternization and protonation

Bifunctional additives synergistically drive quaternization and protonation, tuning block copolymer emulsion interfaces to increase hydrophilicity and electrostatic repulsion, enabling one-pot synthesis of disc and Janus cup particles.

Graphical abstract: Bifunctional additive-driven shape transitions of block copolymer particles through synergistic quaternization and protonation
Open Access Edge Article

Rational design of gold nanoparticle-based chemosensors for detection of the tumor marker 3-methoxytyramine

Computational screening of a 100-tripeptide nanoparticle library ranked the nanoparticles according to their affinity for the neuroblastoma biomarker 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT). Synthesis and testing confirmed their ability to detect 3-MT at 25 μM.

Graphical abstract: Rational design of gold nanoparticle-based chemosensors for detection of the tumor marker 3-methoxytyramine
Open Access Edge Article

Aqueous up-conversion organic phosphorescence and tunable dual emission in a single-molecular emitter

A single-molecular emitter Yn was developed, exhibiting aqueous tunable up-conversion RTP/fluorescence dual emission and excellent biocompatibility for two-photon and time-resolved imaging and ratiometric temperature sensing.

Graphical abstract: Aqueous up-conversion organic phosphorescence and tunable dual emission in a single-molecular emitter
Open Access Edge Article

Integration of RNAseq transcriptomics and N-glycomics reveal biosynthetic pathways and predict structure-specific N-glycan expression

glycoPATH integrates RNAseq transcriptomic and LC-MS/MS glycomic data, providing a platform to identify genes implicated in diseases involving N-glycan biosynthesis and enabling the development of targeted therapeutics for these pathways.

Graphical abstract: Integration of RNAseq transcriptomics and N-glycomics reveal biosynthetic pathways and predict structure-specific N-glycan expression
Open Access Edge Article

Boradigermaallyl: inhibition of CH bond activation by borane CO adduct formation followed by CO insertion

Multifaceted reactions of boradigermaallyl with unsaturated organic molecules are presented. CH activation is suppressed by CO borane adduct formation and subsequent CO insertion results in an α,β-unsaturated acylboron compound.

Graphical abstract: Boradigermaallyl: inhibition of CH bond activation by borane CO adduct formation followed by CO insertion
Open Access Edge Article

Insight into the atomic-level structure of γ-alumina using a multinuclear NMR crystallographic approach

Insight into the detailed bulk and surface structure of γ-Al2O3 is provided by a NMR crystallographic approach, exploiting isotopic enrichment, multinuclear experimental measurements and periodic calculations.

Graphical abstract: Insight into the atomic-level structure of γ-alumina using a multinuclear NMR crystallographic approach
Open Access Edge Article

Deep-blue phosphorescence from platinum(II) bis(acetylide) complexes with sulfur-bridged dipyridyl ligands

New approaches to prepare rarer emitters such as those that are deep-blue are needed to advance OLED technologies.

Graphical abstract: Deep-blue phosphorescence from platinum(ii) bis(acetylide) complexes with sulfur-bridged dipyridyl ligands
Open Access Edge Article

Umpolung of a covalent organic framework for high-performance cathodic sodium ion storage

Umpolung of the typical p-type TPA into n-type ATTO contributes to the COF electrode with a remarkable cathodic capacity of 286.31 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 in SIBs.

Graphical abstract: Umpolung of a covalent organic framework for high-performance cathodic sodium ion storage
Open Access Edge Article

Graphendofullerene: a novel molecular two-dimensional ferromagnet

We introduce graphendofullerene, a novel molecular-based 2D magnetic material formed by trimetallic nitride clusters encapsulated on graphullerene, paving the way for a wide range of possibilities due to the host capabilities of fullerene.

Graphical abstract: Graphendofullerene: a novel molecular two-dimensional ferromagnet
Open Access Edge Article

Diastereoselective 1,3-nitrooxygenation of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes

Diastereoselective 1,3-nitrooxygenation of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with tert-butylnitrite and TEMPO to access 1,1,3-trisubstituted cyclobutanes is reported.

Graphical abstract: Diastereoselective 1,3-nitrooxygenation of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes
Open Access Edge Article

Vacuum infiltration for priming of soybean seeds: optimization and particle tracking using fluorescent silica nanoparticles

Vacuum infiltration of nanoparticles into soybean seeds can promote crop health and yields while reducing environmental impact.

Graphical abstract: Vacuum infiltration for priming of soybean seeds: optimization and particle tracking using fluorescent silica nanoparticles
Open Access Edge Article

The role of the droplet interface in controlling the multiphase oxidation of thiosulfate by ozone

Kinetic modeling shows that the gas–liquid interface influences product yields from the ozone oxidation of thiosulfate in microdroplets. This affects the average sulfur oxidation state after reaction, which may impact global atmospheric chemistry.

Graphical abstract: The role of the droplet interface in controlling the multiphase oxidation of thiosulfate by ozone
Open Access Edge Article

Ultra-high molecular weight polymer synthesis via aqueous dispersion polymerization

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is leveraged for the synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight polymers in concentrated but free-flowing dispersions.

Graphical abstract: Ultra-high molecular weight polymer synthesis via aqueous dispersion polymerization
Open Access Edge Article

Palladium-based coordination cages as dynamic crosslinks in acrylamide hydrogels

Hydrogels with PdnL2n-type junctions can be obtained by photoinitiated copolymerization of palladium cages with acrylamide monomers in water. The dynamic nature of the cage crosslinks allows for an anion-induced switch in network topology.

Graphical abstract: Palladium-based coordination cages as dynamic crosslinks in acrylamide hydrogels
Open Access Edge Article

Efficient and selective hydroboration of alkenes catalyzed by an air-stable (PPCF3P)CoI2 precatalyst

Using a novel (PPP) pincer ligand that features a central π-accepting N-heterocyclic trifluoromethyl phosphine fragment, a highly active air-stable cobalt precatalyst for the anti-Markovnikov hydroboration of alkenes is reported.

Graphical abstract: Efficient and selective hydroboration of alkenes catalyzed by an air-stable (PPCF3P)CoI2 precatalyst
Open Access Edge Article

Linker driven site-specific catalysis in atomically precise silver cluster assemblies

The choice of the linker significantly influences dimensionality, active site preference and catalytic activity across five Ag12 cluster assemblies.

Graphical abstract: Linker driven site-specific catalysis in atomically precise silver cluster assemblies
Open Access Edge Article

Effect of size, charge, and spin state on Hückel and Baird aromaticity in [N]annulenes

A systematic investigation is carried out for the lowest-lying triplet state of neutral and charged [N]annulenes with N = 12–66. Our aromatic stabilization energies prove that energetic (de)stabilization is important only for small annulenes.

Graphical abstract: Effect of size, charge, and spin state on Hückel and Baird aromaticity in [N]annulenes
Open Access Edge Article

An organophotocatalytic redox-neutral strategy for late-stage drug functionalization with SO2 gas

We report here a metal-free, redox-neutral photocatalytic strategy of SO2 gas functionalization resulting in the one-pot synthesis of sulfonamides, sulfonate esters, and thiosulfonates through a photoexcited phenalenyl (PLY) ligand.

Graphical abstract: An organophotocatalytic redox-neutral strategy for late-stage drug functionalization with SO2 gas
Open Access Edge Article

Synergistic engineering of ultraviolet metal-free crystals with exceptional birefringence via pyridine-derived dimers

The introduction of optimized [4-HP/4-H2P]+ cationic dimer pairs, instead of single monovalent [4-AP]+ cations, enhances birefringence by increasing the density of cationic layers and improving the alignment of anionic [3-pySO3] groups.

Graphical abstract: Synergistic engineering of ultraviolet metal-free crystals with exceptional birefringence via pyridine-derived dimers
Open Access Edge Article

Mercapto-NSAIDs generate a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and hydrogen sulfide

A new class of mercapto-NSAIDs that generate persulfide, H2S, and the NSAID is reported.

Graphical abstract: Mercapto-NSAIDs generate a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and hydrogen sulfide
Open Access Edge Article

An argument for abandoning the “allowed” and “forbidden” classification of electrocyclic reactions

The energy gaps between “forbidden” and “allowed” mechanisms of routine electrocyclic reactions can be negligibly small.

Graphical abstract: An argument for abandoning the “allowed” and “forbidden” classification of electrocyclic reactions
Open Access Edge Article

The main factor that determines the formation-efficiencies of photochemically derived one-electron-reduced species

While the quantum yields of photosensitiser-derived one-electron-reduced species (OERS) significantly impact the overall efficiencies of various redox-photosensitised photocatalytic reactions, the primary factors that influence them remained unclear.

Graphical abstract: The main factor that determines the formation-efficiencies of photochemically derived one-electron-reduced species
Open Access Edge Article

Orthologous mammalian A3A-mediated single-nucleotide resolution sequencing of DNA epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine

The OMA-seq method allows for accurate and quantitative detection of 5hmC at single-nucleotide resolution by leveraging natural deaminases. The use of orthologous enzymes for 5hmC detection enhances the toolkit available for epigenetic study.

Graphical abstract: Orthologous mammalian A3A-mediated single-nucleotide resolution sequencing of DNA epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
Open Access Edge Article

Iterative synthesis of stereodefined polyacetals and their domino-Coates–Claisen rearrangement

A simple and effective iterative strategy towards previously unknown unsaturated polyacetals enabled the exploration of an alkene isomerization-domino-Coates–Claisen rearrangement sequence, globally transforming the iteratively assembled backbone.

Graphical abstract: Iterative synthesis of stereodefined polyacetals and their domino-Coates–Claisen rearrangement
Open Access Edge Article

Stereoselective synthesis of atropisomeric amides enabled by intramolecular acyl transfer

A stereoselective strategy to make C–N atropisomeric amides based on intramolecular acyl transfer via a tethered Lewis basic pyridine or tertiary amine group is reported.

Graphical abstract: Stereoselective synthesis of atropisomeric amides enabled by intramolecular acyl transfer
Open Access Edge Article

Low temperature thermal RAFT depolymerization: the effect of Z-group substituents on molecular weight control and yield

Labile RAFT end-groups are crucial for poly(methacrylate) depolymerization. Electron-donating Z-groups improve monomer recovery at lower temperatures, while electron-withdrawing groups provide molecular weight control during depolymerization.

Graphical abstract: Low temperature thermal RAFT depolymerization: the effect of Z-group substituents on molecular weight control and yield
Open Access Edge Article

A fluorobenzene-bound dysprosium half-sandwich dication single-molecule magnet

We show that fluorobenzene-bound dicationic lanthanide complexes containing a single anionic ligand can show interesting single-molecule magnet properties, and can be useful starting materials to heteroleptic complexes containing bulky ligands.

Graphical abstract: A fluorobenzene-bound dysprosium half-sandwich dication single-molecule magnet
From the themed collection: 2024 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
Open Access Edge Article

Radical pathways for 2,4-chromandione synthesis via photoexcitation of 4-hydroxycoumarins

A photochemical method for synthesizing 3,3-disubstituted 2,4-chromandiones is disclosed. Deprotonated 4-hydroxycoumarins, upon purple-light excitation, act as SET reductants, generating radicals to incorporate alkyl or perfluoroalkyl groups into chromanone scaffolds.

Graphical abstract: Radical pathways for 2,4-chromandione synthesis via photoexcitation of 4-hydroxycoumarins
56 items

About this collection

Chemical Science is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025 and we would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank members of our community who have been supporting the journal and publishing in Chemical Science since we launched fifteen years ago. To mark this milestone, we are delighted to present this special community collection, featuring work from our valued Chemical Science community. This collection includes invited papers from our frequent authors, trusted reviewers and Board members past and present. We hope that you enjoy reading this selection of articles, and that we can continue to provide an open and inclusive venue for researchers from across the chemical sciences for many years to come.

The 15th anniversary: Chemical Science community collection, accompanies our 15th anniversary: Leading Investigators collection, showcasing work from leading investigators from across all areas of chemistry who started their independent careers during the lifetime of the journal.

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