Themed collection Most popular 2019-2020 review articles
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C–H functionalization reactions enabled by hydrogen atom transfer to carbon-centered radicals
Intramolecular and intermolecular HAT to C-centered radicals enables selective C–H functionalization of organic molecules.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 12974-12993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC04881J
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Electro-organic synthesis – a 21st century technique
This perspective provides insight into recent electro-organic methods and general trends in this field, and opens up prospects for future viewpoints.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 12386-12400
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01848A
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Bimetallic metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives
This review summarizes the design and synthesis of bimetallic MOFs and their derivatives, with superior performance to their monometallic counterparts in many applications.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 5369-5403
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01432J
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Small-molecule fluorescent probes for imaging gaseous signaling molecules: current progress and future implications
This perspective article aims to introduce the design principles and recognition strategies of small-molecule fluorescent probes which are applied for the detection of gas signaling molecules including NO, CO and H2S in biological systems.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 5127-5141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01482F
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Isolating reactive metal-based species in Metal–Organic Frameworks – viable strategies and opportunities
Metal–organic frameworks can be used to stabilise reactive metal-based species, uncover new reactivity, and investigate metal-centred reactions responsible for catalysis.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4031-4050
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00485E
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The Hitchhiker's guide to biocatalysis: recent advances in the use of enzymes in organic synthesis
Enzymes are excellent catalysts that are increasingly being used in industry and academia. This Perspective provides a general and practical guide to enzymes and their synthetic potential, primarily aimed at synthetic organic chemists.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 2587-2605
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05746C
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Aqueous zinc ion batteries: focus on zinc metal anodes
This perspective discusses the main issues with Zn anodes and highlights recent strategies to improve their performance in aqueous zinc ion batteries.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 2028-2044
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00022A
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Tuning the stability of organic radicals: from covalent approaches to non-covalent approaches
Covalent and non-covalent approaches to tune the stability of organic radicals through steric effects and the delocalization of spin density.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1192-1204
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06143F
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Activatable molecular agents for cancer theranostics
Activatable molecualr agents that intergrate diagnosis and treatment modalities have attracted great attention due to its abilities of personalized therapy and real-time monitoring of therapeutic outcome.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 618-630
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05460J
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Metal–organic framework gels and monoliths
This perspective links the synthesis of MOF Gels to the formation of MOF-monoliths and their resultant properties and application.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 310-323
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC04961D
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The hydrogen evolution reaction: from material to interfacial descriptors
This perspective provides a new look into how electrolyte structure at the interface controls the kinetics of water reduction.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 9165-9181
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC03831K
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A synthetic chemist's guide to electroanalytical tools for studying reaction mechanisms
A range of electroanalytical tools can be applied to studying redox reactions, probing key mechanistic questions in synthetic chemistry.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 6404-6422
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC01545K
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Fluorescent probes for organelle-targeted bioactive species imaging
The dynamic fluctuations of bioactive species in living cells are associated with numerous physiological and pathological phenomena. The emergence of organelle-targeted fluorescent probes has significantly facilitated our understanding on the biological functions of these species. This review describes the design, applications, challenges and potential directions of organelle-targeted bioactive species probes.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 6035-6071
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC01652J
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Toward ideal carbon dioxide functionalization
From carbon fixation, Grignard reaction, metal-catalyzed reactions and asymmetric CO2-incorporation, what would be the ideal CO2-functionalization?
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 3905-3926
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05539D
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Doping strategies for small molecule organic hole-transport materials: impacts on perovskite solar cell performance and stability
Dopants for small molecule-based organic hole-transport layers impact both perovskite solar cells initial performance and long-term stability.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1904-1935
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05284K
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Proton transfer in hydrogen-bonded degenerate systems of water and ammonia in metal–organic frameworks
Porous crystalline metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as a new class of proton conductors through the hydrogen-bonded degenerate system.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 16-33
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04475A
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Light opens a new window for N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis
This minireview summarized the recent advances on the photoinduced, NHC-catalyzed organic reactions according to the function of visible light.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 10605-10613
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC03595E
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Synthesis of azetidines by aza Paternò–Büchi reactions
This review discusses the current scope and limitations of the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction between an imine and an alkene component, the aza Paternò–Büchi reaction, and highlights recent improvements within this area of research.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 7553-7561
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01017K
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Recent advances in N-heterocyclic carbene-based radical catalysis
This minireview examines the history and state-of-the-art of the N-heterocyclic carbene-based radical catalysis.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 5630-5636
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01538E
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Novel ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials discovered by chemical substitution-oriented design
A brief introduction to chemical substitution-oriented design to discover high performance ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) solid state materials is presented.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 5404-5409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01936D
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Vitrimers: directing chemical reactivity to control material properties
In this minireview, we survey recent advances in the development of vitrimer materials. Focus on how to chemically control their material properties is used to highlight challenges for boosting the potential of this emerging class of polymer materials.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4855-4870
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01069C
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Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: benefits, trade-offs and future developments
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a vibrational spectroscopy technique with sensitivity down to the single molecule level that provides fine molecular fingerprints, allowing for direct identification of target analytes.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4563-4577
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00809E
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Recent developments in nickel-catalyzed intermolecular dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes
Nickel-catalyzed three-component alkene difunctionalization has rapidly emerged as a powerful tool for forging multiple C–C bonds in a single step.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4287-4296
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06006E
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Recent advances in photoredox and nickel dual-catalyzed cascade reactions: pushing the boundaries of complexity
Cascade reactions that produce multiple chemical bonds in one synthetic operation are important in the efficient construction of complex molecules.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4051-4064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00712A
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Electrochemical CO2 reduction on nanostructured metal electrodes: fact or defect?
Do self-standing porous electrodes truly offer better selectivity, activity, stability and lower onset potentials?
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1738-1749
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05375A
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Surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles for health-related applications
Functionalization of gold nanoparticles is crucial for the effective utilization of these materials in health-related applications.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 923-936
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06497D
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Improving MOF stability: approaches and applications
This review summarizes recent advances in the design and synthesis of stable MOFs and highlights the relationships between the stability and functional applications.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 10209-10230
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC03916C
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Biomedical applications of copper-free click chemistry: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo
Copper-free click chemistry has resulted in a change of paradigm, showing that artificial chemical reactions can occur on cell surfaces, in cell cytosol, or within the body. It has emerged as a valuable tool in biomedical fields.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 7835-7851
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC03368H
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Efficiency vs. stability: dopant-free hole transporting materials towards stabilized perovskite solar cells
Doping of hole transporting materials typically increases the efficiency of perovskite solar cells but remains questionable for overall device stability.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 6748-6769
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC01184F
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Visual kinetic analysis
Naked-eye comparison of reaction profiles is a powerful tool to extract mechanistic information – FAQ, video tutorial and templated examples included.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 348-353
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04698K
About this collection
This specially curated collection pulls together some of the most popular review articles from 2019 and 2020. The collection highlights contributions to fields spanning the chemical sciences, from nickel-catalysed functionalisation to ultraviolet nonlinear optical materials and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and as with all Chemical Science articles – they are all completely free to access and read. We hope you enjoy browsing through this collection.
See also:
Most popular 2019-2020 inorganic, main group and crystal engineering chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 materials and energy chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 physical and theoretical chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 organic chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 catalysis articles
Most popular 2019-2020 analytical chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 supramolecular chemistry articles
Most popular 2019-2020 chemical biology articles