{"title":"On the aromaticity of actinide compounds","authors":"Zahra Badri, Cina Foroutan-Nejad","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00617-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00617-y","url":null,"abstract":"The chemistry of actinides has flourished since the late 2010s with the synthesis of new actinide complexes and clusters. On the theoretical side, a range of tools is available for the characterization of these heavy element-containing compounds, but discrepancies in the assessment of aromaticity using different tools have led to controversies. In this Perspective, we examine the origin of controversies relating to the aromaticity of metallic compounds, with a focus on actinides. The aromaticity of actinides is important, not because these molecules are numerous or have a special role in catalysis or reactivity, but because this topic pushes theories of aromaticity to their limits. Owing to its reference independence, the magnetic criterion of aromaticity has been the most popular choice for the characterization of the aromaticity of metallic compounds, including actinide compounds. Through examination of several case studies, we show why this criterion might be misleading for metallic species and explain how findings relating to actinide compounds could reshape theories of aromaticity, not just for actinides but perhaps also for well-known hydrocarbons. The assessment of the aromaticity of actinide compounds has proven a controversial task. This Perspective highlights the application of state-of-the-art computational tools in assessing the aromaticity of actinide complexes and clusters and explains why commonly used magnetic probes, not just the nucleus-independent chemical shift but also the magnetically induced ring current, might be insufficient for assessing the aromaticity of these species.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"551-560"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141436051","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":"Hot electrodes, cool reduction","authors":"Sergio Fernández, Alexandria R. C. Bredar","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00628-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00628-9","url":null,"abstract":"Increasing the temperature of chemical systems often speeds up reactions, however, it can be expensive and inefficient to heat an entire reaction system. Here, researchers study the impact on electrochemical reactions by only heating the surfaces of electrodes.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 8","pages":"567-567"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141432346","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}
Tanno A. Schmidt, Valeriia Hutskalova, Christof Sparr
{"title":"Atroposelective catalysis","authors":"Tanno A. Schmidt, Valeriia Hutskalova, Christof Sparr","doi":"10.1038/s41570-024-00618-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41570-024-00618-x","url":null,"abstract":"Atropisomeric compounds—stereoisomers that arise from the restricted rotation about a single bond—have attracted widespread attention in recent years due to their immense potential for applications in a variety of fields, including medicinal chemistry, catalysis and molecular nanoscience. This increased interest led to the invention of new molecular motors, the incorporation of atropisomers into drug discovery programmes and a wide range of novel atroposelective reactions, including those that simultaneously control multiple stereogenic axes. A diverse set of synthetic methodologies, which can be grouped into desymmetrizations, (dynamic) kinetic resolutions, cross-coupling reactions and de novo ring formations, is available for the catalyst-controlled stereoselective synthesis of various atropisomer classes. In this Review, we generalize the concepts for the catalyst-controlled stereoselective synthesis of atropisomers within these categories with an emphasis on recent advancements and underdeveloped atropisomeric scaffolds beyond stereogenic C(sp2)–C(sp2) axes. We also discuss more complex systems with multiple stereogenic axes or higher-order stereogenicity. The catalyst-controlled stereoselective synthesis of atropisomers is feasible by four main concepts: desymmetrization, (dynamic) kinetic resolution, direct formation of the stereogenic axis and de novo ring construction. In this Review, pioneering work in atroposelective catalysis is discussed alongside recent advances.","PeriodicalId":18849,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews. Chemistry","volume":"8 7","pages":"497-517"},"PeriodicalIF":38.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141419809","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":"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}