{"title":"Recent Developments in Borrowing Hydrogen Methodology in N-alkylation of Amines","authors":"Shruti Yadav, Deepti Pal, Sushil K. Maurya","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00523-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00523-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In modern organic synthesis, the catalytic borrowing hydrogen methodology has emerged as a transformative strategy for the <i>N</i>-alkylation of amines with water as the only byproduct. Here, we have highlighted the recent developments over the period (approximately) from 2014 to 2024. We have discussed all the emerging catalytic systems, such as the use of non-metallic, homogeneous, heterogeneous, and electrocatalysts using noble and non-noble metals, with an emphasis on advancements that expand reaction scope, improve selectivity, and enhance selectivity. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of catalytic <i>N</i>-alkylation processes, focusing on sustainable, efficient methodologies for a greener approach.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yonghua Tan, François Pierrard, Kaiyuan Hui, Olivier Riant, Xiaodong Jiang
{"title":"Palladium-Catalyzed Tsuji–Trost-Type Reactions in Bioorthogonal Chemistry: From Test Tubes to Living Systems","authors":"Yonghua Tan, François Pierrard, Kaiyuan Hui, Olivier Riant, Xiaodong Jiang","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00522-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00522-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The potential to conduct palladium-catalyzed Tsuji–Trost reactions in biological systems opens unprecedented opportunities to probe and manipulate cellular processes. However, implementing such transformations remains challenging due to the stringent requirements imposed by biocompatibility. To date, Tsuji–Trost allylation has not yet been successfully demonstrated in living cells, and in vivo applications remain unrealized, primarily due to the presumed incompatibility between traditional organic chemistry and the complex aqueous environments of biological systems. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in this area over the past two decades. The successful execution of a Tsuji–Trost reaction in aqueous media requires careful consideration of several key factors, including the choice of catalyst, ligand, leaving group, and nucleophile, as well as the influence of water on reactivity and selectivity. In this review, we highlight the latest advancements in biocompatible palladium-catalyzed Tsuji–Trost-type reactions, with a particular focus on deprotection and allylation reactions conducted in aqueous environments and in living systems. Further development of in vivo Tsuji–Trost allylation is expected in the near future.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><p>This review explores recent advances in biocompatible Tsuji–Trost-type reactions, with emphasis on mechanistic insights and the transition from conventional benchtop protocols to biological applications.</p>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding the Role of Noncovalent Interactions in Gas Sensing with Metal-Coordinated Complexes (MCCs)","authors":"Brij Mohan","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00530-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00530-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Gas sensing is vital for environmental monitoring, safety, and healthcare. This review highlights the role of noncovalent interactions, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and electrostatic forces in enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of metal-coordinated complexes (MCCs) in gas sensors. These reversible interactions enable rapid, real-time detection through measurable changes in properties. For example, hydrogen bonding in amino-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enhances the detection of ammonia, and π–π stacking in phthalocyanine films aids in identifying aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene. Open metal sites in frameworks allow electrostatic gas binding, affecting electrical resistance, while perturbing the coordination sphere in porphyrins enables optical sensing. This review encompasses MCC platforms, ranging from Schiff base complexes to 3D MOFs and 2D materials, and highlights their tunable properties for gases such as VOCs, CO<sub>2</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, and CH<sub>4</sub>, as well as other gases. Despite the advantages of reversibility and quick response, challenges include environmental stability and complex interactions. Future directions involve integrating machine learning for data analysis and developing durable hybrid materials to improve sensing performance technology.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div><div><p>This review examines how noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking, contribute to enhanced gas sensing in metal-coordinated complexes (MCCs), boosting sensitivity and selectivity. It compares MCCs based on Schiff bases, phthalocyanines, and frameworks with covalent systems, and discusses the challenges in understanding mechanisms and integrating device development</p></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quantum Dots for Visible-Light-Driven Organic Transformations: a Chemist Perspective","authors":"Charul Paliwal, Dharmendra, Bhawana Jat, Nisar A. Dangroo, Siddharth Sharma, Chetna Ameta","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00528-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00528-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Quantum dots (QDs) were initially explored for their unique optical and electronic properties in photocatalysis, where they demonstrated remarkable efficiency in facilitating selective oxidation, reduction, and carbon–carbon (C–C) bond formation under mild conditions. In particular, their strong absorption in the visible-light region enables efficient harnessing of solar energy, making them ideal candidates for visible-light-driven transformations. Over time, their potential has expanded beyond photocatalysis, and QDs have increasingly been utilized as catalysts in organic synthesis, offering energy-efficient alternatives to traditional methods. Their size-dependent bandgap and high surface area make them versatile tools for driving chemical reactions in a sustainable manner. Recent studies have also highlighted their ability to mediate single-electron transfer (SET) processes, which enhance both reaction efficiency and selectivity. Moreover, QDs have been incorporated into artificial photosystems, improving charge transfer mechanisms and broadening their catalytic applications. In this review, we present the recent advancements in the use of quantum dots in organic synthesis, focusing on their growing role as catalysts in a wide range of transformations. We also explore their potential in sustainable chemistry and the expanding applications of nanotechnology-driven, visible-light-mediated chemical processes.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s41061-025-00528-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Spirooxindoles: A Comprehensive Review Organized by Ring Size, Heteroatom Incorporation, and Synthetic Approaches","authors":"Fatemeh Rostami Miankooshki, Mohammad Bayat","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00526-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00526-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Spirooxindole compounds have attracted considerable research interest due to their distinctive structural features and remarkable biological properties. In recent years, a wide range of synthetic strategies has been developed to construct spirooxindoles, particularly those featuring a spiro-carbon Linked to diverse Heterocyclic or carbocyclic frameworks, further enhancing their importance. Given the breadth of these synthetic approaches, a comprehensive review is crucial to providing a systematic overview of the field and facilitate access to various methodologies. This review provides a thorough analysis of current developments in spirooxindole synthesis, covering research published from 2020 to 2024. The classification is organized into four main sections based on the size of the ring attached to the spiro-carbon: three-membered, five-membered, six-membered, and seven-membered rings. These rings may be carbocyclic or may contain one or two heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, further influencing the diversity of synthetic strategies and the properties of the resulting spirooxindoles.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145057691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Anjali, Rijo Rajeev, B. Manoj, Tom Cherian, Anitha Varghese
{"title":"Recent Advances in Tuning of Carbon-Based Nanostructure Surfaces Toward Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: Inquiry to Insights","authors":"Y. Anjali, Rijo Rajeev, B. Manoj, Tom Cherian, Anitha Varghese","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00521-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00521-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present energy-intensive and feedstock-dependent Haber–Bosch (H–B) process is being replaced with an electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (E-NRR) to produce ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>), powered by renewable electricity. The main obstacles to the NRR are the integral inertness of the N<sub>2</sub> molecule and competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although transition metal-based electrocatalysts can overcome the kinetic restriction of N≡N activation via the back-donation method, the <i>d</i>-orbital electrons of transition metal atoms promote the creation of a metal–H bond, which increases the undesired HER. The electrocatalytic NRR activity has increased in recent years owing to carbon-based materials with easily tunable electrical structures. As a result, it is essential to evaluate the latest advances in theoretical and experimental aspects of carbon-based catalysts (CBCs) for NRR. This review focuses on the use of various CBCs and the modifications done to them for their effective use in the E-NRR, providing a comprehensive understanding of the use of CBCs for the E-NRR and aids further research in the field with the aim of making the E-NRR more efficient.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145057715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iurre Olaizola, Ana María Ochoa de Retana, Jesús M. de los Santos
{"title":"Recent Developments in Catalytic Asymmetric Aziridination","authors":"Iurre Olaizola, Ana María Ochoa de Retana, Jesús M. de los Santos","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00519-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00519-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p> Aziridines, structurally related to epoxides, are among the most challenging and fascinating heterocycles in organic chemistry due to their increasing applications in asymmetric synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. These three-membered nitrogen-containing rings serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of chiral amines, complex molecules, and pharmaceutically relevant compounds. This review provides an overview of recent progress in catalytic asymmetric aziridination, focusing on novel methodologies, an analysis of the scope and limitations of each approach, and mechanistic insights.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s41061-025-00519-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145021559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Javad B. M. Parambath, Mahreen Arooj, Kabali Vijai Anand, Sofian Kanan, Ahmed A. Mohamed
{"title":"Rational Design and Applications of Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles","authors":"Javad B. M. Parambath, Mahreen Arooj, Kabali Vijai Anand, Sofian Kanan, Ahmed A. Mohamed","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00520-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00520-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Controlling the size of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been critical in diagnostics, biomolecular sensing, targeted therapy, wastewater treatment, catalysis, and sensing applications. Ultrasmall AuNPs (uAuNPs), with sizes Ranging from 2 to 5 nm, and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), with sizes less than 2 nm, are often dealt with interchangeably in the literature, making it challenging to review them separately. Although they are grouped in our discussion, their chemical and physical properties differ significantly, partly due to their electronic properties. The distinct optoelectronic properties of uAuNPs and AuNCs are usually not observed in gold metal and nanoparticles of larger sizes. Since small AuNPs tend to aggregate, several routes have been developed to prevent the formation of larger sizes, such as nucleation within porous materials. Controlling the particle size using synthesis methods is challenging, and uAuNPs and AuNCs can be fabricated simultaneously in the same preparation, necessitating separation and additional laboratory efforts. AuNCs can be stabilized by the prevalent soft ligands, such as phosphine and thiolate, unlike uAuNPs, in which a wide range of ligand sets can be used for stabilization. This review is organized around core sections concerning the synthesis, medical and environmental applications, and calculation studies of uAuNPs. It remains valuable to address the current stimulating market growth and potential market constraints when reviewing the expanding applications of AuNPs in the healthcare sector. A significant proportion of the synthesis processes involve the fabrication of uAuNPs and AuNCs in aqueous solutions. An obvious advantage of this work is that we focus on the medical and environmental applications, which often require water-dispersible nanoparticles. Calculation investigations explain the structural dynamics and importance of fine-tuning the size of uAuNPs to impart distinct properties. A notable control in the HOMO–LUMO energy gap, associated with the number of gold atoms, significantly affects their performance in various applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhi-wei Yu, Ting-ting Huang, Chang-yi Deng, Juan Xiao, Hui Ding, Guan-cheng Xu, Li Zhang
{"title":"Encompassing Synthetic Methods to Modification Strategies: Cu-MOF-Derived Electrocatalysts for Enhancing CO2 Reduction","authors":"Zhi-wei Yu, Ting-ting Huang, Chang-yi Deng, Juan Xiao, Hui Ding, Guan-cheng Xu, Li Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00524-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00524-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To address the global climate challenge, carbon emissions reduction and carbon neutrality have emerged as pivotal goals for the international community. Copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) derivatives exhibit unique advantages in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR) applications due to their controllable pore structure, abundant active sites, and efficient charge transport. Nevertheless, the structure–activity correlation mechanisms and performance enhancement methodologies of Cu-MOF derivatives have not yet been comprehensively elucidated in existing literature. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in Cu-MOF derivatives for electrocatalytic CO<sub>2</sub>RR, focusing on preparation technologies such as the pyrolysis method, electrochemical in situ reconstruction method, and other methods. Subsequently, we investigated the enhancement mechanism of the reactivity of electrocatalysts by discussing multidimensional aspects, which include structural design, metal composition adjustment, ligand engineering, and composite structure construction. Finally, the critical challenges and future research directions of Cu-MOF derivatives for electrocatalytic CO<sub>2</sub>RR are prospectively discussed, which aims to provide theoretical references for the design methods and modification strategies of Cu-MOF derivatives.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><p>This manuscript highlights the application of copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) derivatives in electrocatalytic CO<sub>2</sub> reduction reaction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR). We specifically carry out the following three key aspects: synthesis methods of Cu-MOF derivatives, modification strategies, and prospects. It aims to propose rational synthesis methods and modification strategies for the preparation of Cu-MOF-derived electrocatalysts with superior CO<sub>2</sub>RR performance.</p>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144990455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Progress in the Application of Piezoelectric Nanomaterials in Catalysis: An Emerging Clean Technology","authors":"Zhenfeng Jing, Pinghui Ge, Haixia Zhang, Shuhui Sun, Sen Zhang, Xingfu Li, Hui Pang, Fengqing Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s41061-025-00527-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41061-025-00527-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In recent years, nano-piezoelectric materials have demonstrated revolutionary potential in catalytic applications owing to their unique electromechanical coupling effects and mechanical-to-chemical energy conversion capabilities. Research focus has shifted from performance optimization of single materials to designing multi-scale band engineering and multi-field coupling mechanisms aimed at enhancing catalytic efficiency. The development of novel nano-piezoelectric cleaning materials has become a research hotspot, with various nontraditional piezoelectric materials being extended into organic degradation, biomedicine, and environmental remediation applications, accelerating the transition of piezocatalysis from laboratory research to practical implementation. This review summarizes recent advancements in piezoelectric nanomaterials for catalysis; briefly introduces the fundamental principles of piezocatalytic technology; highlights applications in organic matter degradation, antibacterial treatment, and heavy metal reduction; and concludes with discussions on current challenges and future development prospects. The article provides valuable references for both research and practical applications of nano-piezoelectric materials in piezocatalysis.</p><h3>Graphic Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":802,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Current Chemistry","volume":"383 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144990543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}