Since ortho-quinodimethane was initially suggested in 1957, it has persisted as a difficult yet significant molecule for the synthesis of intricate compounds present in natural substances and pharmaceuticals. However, two chemists from Japan have now discovered a more straightforward method to produce this reactive intermediate from widely accessible chemicals. The Diels–Alder reaction utilizes reactive dienes […]

An evaluation of the monitoring records for surface water in the US has revealed that fewer than 1% of chemicals that may pose environmental risks have adequate monitoring data available. The researchers indicated that these results underscored both the limitations and future opportunities for macroscale assessments of chemical risks in the US and around the […]

Recent studies indicate that drug discovery initiatives that depend heavily on DNA-encoded chemical libraries might be missing numerous viable drug candidates. These libraries assign a unique DNA sequence to each molecule, similar to a barcode, allowing researchers to examine extensive numbers of compounds at the same time. These large datasets are often crucial for training […]

Chemistry was redefined at the 75th Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp for Visually Challenged Students, hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. From the vivid red and green flames of strontium and barium salts during a flame test to the impressive ‘golden rain’ produced by the reaction between lead nitrate and potassium iodide, the […]

It has been just over two decades since the human genome project was finalized, which decoded the chemical structure of (almost) our entire genetic code and set the stage for numerous medical innovations, along with gene-editing technologies. After reading and editing the genetic blueprint, researchers now aspire to compose it. Recent strides in developing the […]

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, a distinguished private philanthropic entity located in California, is poised to allocate nearly $100 million (£73 million) towards an innovative green chemistry project. This trailblazing seven-year undertaking signifies the foundation’s inaugural investment centered on chemistry and will be led by the esteemed green chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas. Anastas, a […]

A group of scientists is starting a bold initiative to develop novel tools designed for synthesizing the human genome in the laboratory. Wellcome is financing the Synthetic Human Genome Project with £10 million, hoping it will lead to groundbreaking medical therapies. This effort to assemble the complete genome, which contains three billion base pairs, is […]

Incorporating minimal quantities of oxidants into methane pyrolysis has demonstrated a notable increase in carbon and hydrogen outputs while maintaining catalyst performance, challenging established notions regarding the process. Traditionally, methane pyrolysis entails the decomposition of methane without oxygen, employing a catalyst to reduce the temperature and speed up the reaction, thereby offering a promising low-emission […]

A major advancement in lanthanide chemistry has been realized with the establishment of a lanthanide–carbon triple bond for the first instance. This bond, specifically between cerium and carbon, exists within a C₈₀ fullerene cage, representing a significant milestone given the historic difficulties in isolating lanthanide–ligand multiple bonds. In the last twenty years, scientists have made […]

The UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria) is currently seeking a new leader, following the announcement from its chief executive, Ilan Gur, that he plans to resign. Having led the agency since its establishment three years ago, Gur’s exit signifies a crucial juncture for Aria. Inspired by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, […]