{"title":"A speedy but thorough interrogation","authors":"Chenyu Wang","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00630-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00630-1","url":null,"abstract":"A system enabling the rapid multiparameter optimization of conditions for electrocatalytic conversion of biomass into essential chemical feedstocks has been described.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"491-491"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141334370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From lab coats to winning votes","authors":"Najat Aoun Saliba, Stephanie Greed","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00626-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00626-x","url":null,"abstract":"As an atmospheric chemist in Lebanon, Najat Aoun Saliba was propelled towards activism to combat rising pollution levels and inequality. This culminated in her election to become a member of the Lebanese parliament.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 8","pages":"564-565"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141334364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bo Niu, Shanshan E, Qingming Song, Zhenming Xu, Bing Han, Yufei Qin
{"title":"Physicochemical reactions in e-waste recycling","authors":"Bo Niu, Shanshan E, Qingming Song, Zhenming Xu, Bing Han, Yufei Qin","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00616-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00616-z","url":null,"abstract":"Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is becoming a global concern owing to its immense quantity, hazardous character and the potential loss of valuable metals. The many processes involved in e-waste recycling stem from a mixture of physicochemical reactions, and understanding the principles of these reactions can lead to more efficient recycling methods. In this Review, we discuss the principles behind photochemistry, thermochemistry, mechanochemistry, electrochemistry and sonochemistry for metal recovery, polymer decomposition and pollutant elimination from e-waste. We also discuss how these processes induce or improve reaction rates, selectivity and controllability of e-waste recycling based on thermodynamics and kinetics, free radicals, chemical bond energy, electrical potential regulation and more. Lastly, key factors, limitations and suggestions for improvements of these physicochemical reactions for e-waste recycling are highlighted, wherein we also indicate possible research directions for the future. Electronic waste (e-waste) can be recycled by physicochemical reactions. This Review discusses the principles, limitations and improvement strategies from a photo-induced, thermal-induced, force-induced, electro-induced and sonication-induced chemical reaction perspective, aiming to guide future e-waste recycling efforts towards more efficient, sustainable and economical procedures.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 8","pages":"569-586"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141306329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Defects orchestrate concerted CO2 catalysis","authors":"Scott McGuigan, Emmanuel Adu Fosu","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00621-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00621-2","url":null,"abstract":"By combining defect-chemistry with metal organic frameworks, researchers have produced a photocatalyst capable of effectively and selectively producing specific products, such as acetone, from carbon dioxide and water.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"492-492"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141288330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Finding great beauty in cosmetic chemistry","authors":"Kelly A. Dobos","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00620-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00620-3","url":null,"abstract":"Cosmetic science has driven innovations that have substantially improved the quality of life for people around the world. While the field is often first associated with makeup products, research and advances in cosmetic science have had a broader impact on human health, societal progress, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"489-490"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141284257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chiral and magnetic butterflies","authors":"Alexander Rosu-Finsen","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00624-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00624-z","url":null,"abstract":"The fundamental knowledge of molecules with magneto-optical properties is still being built as researchers fine-tune their synthesis to optimize their properties. Researchers now add chiral ligands to magnetic heterometallic lanthanide compounds to study their impact on electronic transitions.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 6","pages":"404-404"},"PeriodicalIF":36.3,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141235897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Counterintuitive chemoselectivity in the reduction of carbonyl compounds","authors":"Takanori Iwasaki, Kyoko Nozaki","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00608-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00608-z","url":null,"abstract":"The reactivity of carbonyl functional groups largely depends on the substituents on the carbon atom. Reversal of the commonly accepted order of reactivity of different carbonyl compounds requires novel synthetic approaches. Achieving selective reduction will enable the transformation of carbon resources such as plastic waste, carbon dioxide and biomass into valuable chemicals. In this Review, we explore the reduction of less reactive carbonyl groups in the presence of those typically considered more reactive. We discuss reductions, including the controlled reduction of ureas, amides and esters to aldehydes, as well as chemoselective reductions of carbonyl groups, including the reduction of ureas over carbamates, amides and esters; the reduction of amides over esters, ketones and aldehydes; and the reduction of ketones over aldehydes. Reversing the intuitive order of reactivity of functional groups provides new synthetic strategies and enables utilization of chemical feedstocks, such as plastic waste, carbon dioxide and biomass. This Review highlights the chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds with a counterintuitive reactivity order.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"518-534"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141237985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chromatic inclusivity in chemistry","authors":"Nicholas J. Roberts, Jennifer L. MacDonald","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00619-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00619-w","url":null,"abstract":"Reliance on colour-based experiments in the undergraduate laboratory is a considerable hurdle for those with colour vision deficiency. Designing course material that relies on interpretation and not perception creates a more accessible environment for all.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"487-488"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141236005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synthetic techniques for thermodynamically disfavoured substituted six-membered rings","authors":"Yangyang Li, Hongjin Shi, Guoyin Yin","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00612-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00612-3","url":null,"abstract":"Six-membered rings are ubiquitous structural motifs in bioactive compounds and multifunctional materials. Notably, their thermodynamically disfavoured isomers, like disubstituted cyclohexanes featuring one substituent in an equatorial position and the other in an axial position, often exhibit enhanced physical and biological activities in comparison with their opposite isomers. However, the synthesis of thermodynamically disfavoured isomers is, by its nature, challenging, with only a limited number of possible approaches. In this Review, we summarize and compare synthetic methodologies that produce substituted six-membered rings with thermodynamically disfavoured substitution patterns. We place particular emphasis on elucidating the crucial stereoinduction factors within each transformation. Our aim is to stimulate interest in the synthesis of these unique structures, while simultaneously providing synthetic chemists with a guide to approaching this synthetic challenge. The synthesis of thermodynamically disfavoured substituted six-membered rings provides a notable challenge compared with that of the thermodynamically stable stereoisomer counterparts. This Review provides a summary of current strategies for their synthesis.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"535-550"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141182535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Catalytically faster power","authors":"Shengmei Chen, Chunyi Zhi","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00614-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00614-1","url":null,"abstract":"Improving zinc–air batteries is challenging due to kinetics and limited electrochemical reversibility, partly attributed to sluggish four-electron redox chemistry. Now, substantial strides are noted with two-electron redox chemistry and catalysts, resulting in unprecedentedly stable zinc–air batteries with 61% energy efficiencies.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"493-494"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140953970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}