Themed collection ChemComm 60th Anniversary Collection
Stereochemistry of natural products from vibrational circular dichroism
VCD spectroscopy associated with DFT calculations is a powerful tool to unambiguously assign both the absolute configurations and conformations of chiral secondary metabolites directly in solution.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10439-10450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02481H
Macrocyclic Receptors for Anion Recognition
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04521A
Lithium metal based battery systems with ultra-high energy density beyond 500 W h kg−1
This highlight focuses on breakthroughs, future perspectives and applications of ultra-high-energy-density lithium-based battery systems beyond 500 W h kg−1, represented by systems such as Li–S/Se batteries, Li–gas batteries, Li–CFx batteries, etc.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10245-10264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03177F
Targeting Sub-Cellular Organelles for Boosting Precision Photodynamic Therapy
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02702G
Electrochemical deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations
This highlight summarises electrochemical approaches for the deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via the fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03279A
Advancing the dynamic mechanical analysis of organic semiconductor materials
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is powerful for characterizing the mechanical properties of organic/polymeric semiconductors.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03254C
Photocatalytic decarboxylation of free carboxylic acids and their functionalization
This highlight article summarizes the complete development of photodecarboxylative functionalization of free carboxylic acids via a concerted single electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (ET) pathways.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9645-9658
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03189J
Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography for investigating structural dynamics of chemical systems
This article highlights the expansion of time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to chemical systems by overcoming the challenges in SFX for small molecules.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9472-9482
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03185G
Functional implications of unusual NOS and SONOS covalent linkages found in proteins
Novel NOS linkages stabilize protein tertiary and quaternary structures and may be as prevalent as disulfide bonds. They regulate enzyme activity and have other important roles.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9463-9471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03191A
Chiral 2D and quasi-2D hybrid organic inorganic perovskites: from fundamentals to applications
The field of chiral 2D and quasi-2D perovskite is reviewed highlighting the most important results to date and indicating future directions for advancement.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9310-9327
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03314K
Recent advances in dual photoredox/nickel catalyzed alkene carbofunctionalised reactions
Alkene carbofunctionalization reactions have great potential for synthesizing complex molecules and constructing complex structures in natural products and medicinal chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8946-8977
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02914C
Silk-based intelligent fibers and textiles: structures, properties, and applications
This review summarizes the hierarchical structure and multifaceted properties of natural silk fibers, and provides an in-depth analysis of their extensive applications in the realms of biomedicine and advanced smart fiber technology.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7801-7823
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02276A
Electrifying oxidation of ethylene and propylene
This highlight discusses the advantages of various oxidation methods for improved performance of the electrochemical oxidation of ethylene and propylene, and provides an overview of current challenges and problems requiring further efforts.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6703-6716
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02025A
Evolution of catalyst design for controlled synthesis of chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes
Three strategies to realize the chirality-controlled growth of SWCNTs are presented.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6222-6238
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01227E
Recent developments in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide
This highlight article summarizes the recent developments and challenges in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide and looks forward to the development direction of this field.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5354-5368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01577K
Recent advances in electrosynthesis of H2O2via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction
This review provides an electrosynthesis strategy of H2O2via the 2e− ORR, covering aspects of reaction mechanisms, performance assessment, catalyst engineering, and setups for scaling up H2O2 production.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5232-5244
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01476F
CRISPR/Cas systems combined with DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications
DNA nanostructures are easy to design and construct, have good biocompatibility, and show great potential in biosensing and drug delivery when combined with CRISPR/Cas systems.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3098-3117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00290C
Mechanically interlocked host systems for ion-pair recognition
This review details utilising mechanically interlocked host molecules containing cation and anion binding motifs to achieve ion-pair recognition.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03916E
New insights into coordination-cage based catalysis
Recent work on catalysed reactions using coordination cage hosts, including new mechanistic insights and reactions types, is reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10464-10475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03678F
Synthesis and catalytic application of nanostructured metal oxides and phosphates
This work summarizes catalyst design methodologies based on crystalline complex oxide nanostructures through the synthesis, catalytic application, and structure–activity relationship.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03233K
DNA-modulated dimerization and oligomerization of cell membrane receptors
Versatile DNA nanodevices that modulate membrane receptor aggregation and reprogram cell signaling with high precision and programmability.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10265-10279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03077J
Strategies in photochemical alcohol oxidation on noble-metal free nanomaterials as heterogeneous catalysts
We highlight the challenges and recent progress in using semiconductors to harvest solar energy for carrying out alcohol oxidation.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10295-10305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01204F
Spectrometric Monitoring of CO2 Electrolysis on Molecularly Modified Copper Surface
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03973D
Recent advances in metal carbene-induced semipinacol rearrangements
This review provides a complete overview of the advances in the semipinacol rearrangement-mediated 1,2-group migration onto metal carbene centers which were reported in the past decades.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03252G
Transition metal oxide clusters: advanced electrocatalysts for a sustainable energy future
This article summarizes small-sized transition metal oxide (TMO) clusters for electrocatalysis. The synergistic actions between TMO and TM–Nx sites and mechanisms by DFT studies are comprehensively highlighted.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9918-9929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02722A
Recent advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of monofluoromethyl-substituted stereocenters
This feature article comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of monofluoromethyl-substituted stereocenters.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03788J
Recent progress in electrochemical C–N coupling: metal catalyst strategies and applications
This paper's innovation lies in systematically summarizing and evaluating the latest metal catalyst design strategies and exploring their application in nitrogen sources.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03256J
Supramolecular chemical biology: designed receptors and dynamic chemical systems
Supramolecular approaches to face chemical biology problems targeting different types of species are illustrated with selected representative examples, using conventional receptor design or dynamic covalent chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9692-9703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03163F
Europium(II/III) coordination chemistry toward applications
This article describes applications of Eu, including MRI, luminescence, catalysis, and separation science.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03080J
Recent progress in transition metal complexes featuring silylene as ligands
This review highlights recent advances in transition metal complexes of silylene, showcasing their efficacy in hydroboration, hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, hydrogen isotope exchange, and small molecule activation chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9483-9512
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01930J
Organoboron catalysis for direct amide/peptide bond formation
This review explores studies on the development of direct dehydrative amide/peptide bond formation from carboxylic acids using organoboron catalysis.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02994A
Unveiling the potential of triphenylphosphine salts in tuning organic room temperature phosphorescence
This article summarizes the potential of TPP salts in tuning RTP properties and their applications in multi-level information encryption, high-level anticounterfeiting tags, and X-ray scintillators.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9328-9339
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03156C
Productive chemistry induced by mechanochemically generated macroradicals
Mechanochemical backbone fracture by homolysis of covalent bonds generates highly reactive macroradicals, providing potential strategy to form new load-bearing bonds enabling new synthetic applications and development of stress-responsive polymers.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03206C
Cascading responses of stimuli-responsive materials
Cascading responses are a new concept for integrating stimulus-responsive materials to obtain output responses from the original input stimulus through successive conversions of the stimuli in a system.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 9163-9176
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02827A
Spin characteristics in conjugated stable diradicals
The burgeoning interest in stable conjugated diradicals is attributed to their distinctive spin characteristics. In this review, we emphasize how to precisely control these spin characteristics to understand their role in the molecules and as functional radical materials.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8997-9006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03067B
Progress on critical cell fabrication parameters and designs for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
This feature article examines recent lithium–sulfur studies, with a focus on high-loading sulfur cathodes in lean-electrolyte and solid state-electrolyte cells, and highlights recent achievements, challenges, and strategies for future research.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03085K
Zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks and their roles in electrocatalysis
This article discusses the roles of Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis, and the challenges and opportunities in using Zr-MOFs in electrocatalytic applications.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8360-8374
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02793K
Advances and challenges in molecular engineering of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures
Advances in the understanding and applications of perovskite 2D/3D heterostructures were overviewed with a focus on ligand design principles.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7824-7842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02299H
Organocatalysis as an enabling tool for enantioselective ring-opening reactions of cyclopropanes
In this article we disclose our contributions to use of cyclopropanes as unconventional reagents for the development of enantioselective transformations under different organocatalytic activation manifolds for the synthesis of chiral building blocks.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7288-7298
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01933D
Uncovering tetrazoles as building blocks for constructing discrete and polymeric assemblies
This review introduces tetrazoles as the building blocks. The tetrazole ring offers four nitrogens, thereby assisting in multiple binding sites. The consequence is usually polymeric networks, but meticulous stratagem can form discrete cages as well.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5573-5585
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01616E
Transition metal-based electrocatalysts for alkaline overall water splitting: advancements, challenges, and perspectives
This review has examined the advancements and challenges in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts for the alkaline water splitting reaction in the last decade.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5104-5135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC06015B
Asymmetric Phthalocyanine-Based Hole-Transporting Materials: Evaluating the Role of Heterocyclic Units and PMMA Additive
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03739A
Orally Bioavailable STING Antagonist Synthesized via Multi-component Povarov-Doebner Type Reaction
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03228D
Modulating Photophysical Properties in a Flexible Porous Host by Regulating Guest-Assisted Charge Transfer Interactions
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03630A
Ligand Effects on Gas Adsorption in Nanoporous Phthalocyanine Crystals
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03896G
Substituent-dependent [4+2] or [2+2] cycloadditions of phenylallenyl phosphine oxides with arynes
A substituent-dependent synthetic strategy to precisely convert easily accessible phenylallenyl phosphine oxides into phenanthren-9-yldiphenylphosphine oxides and benzo[b][1,4]oxaphosphinin-4-iums is reported.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03507K
From Li2NiO3 to high-performance LiNiO2 cathodes for application in Li-ion and all-solid-state batteries
Thermal decomposition of overlithiated Li1+xNi1−xO2 yields high-quality LiNiO2 cathode materials that show potential for application in different kinds of batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03873H
Polyoxometalate-incorporated NiFe-based oxyhydroxides for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media
NiFe–PMA/CNTs homogeneous/heterogeneous hybrid catalyst exhibits low overpotential and a high TOF for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03874F
Binaphthyl-based chiral covalent organic frameworks for chiral drug separation
A novel binaphthyl-based chiral (R)-BHTP-COF was synthesized that can serve as an efficient CSP for HPLC. The COF-packed HPLC columns provide high resolution, selectivity, and durability for the chiral separation of six racemic drugs.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10580-10583
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02028F
Synthesis and characterization of tetrapodal nickel complexes with adaptable ligand binding geometries
This study explores the versatile binding properties of a tetrapodal ligand framework with nickel, demonstrating ligand fluxionality through the interconversions of several complexes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10564-10567
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03186E
(NHC)Ni(II)-catalyzed regioselective hydroalkenylation of norbornene derivatives: fine-tuning of NHC ligands and donor alkenes
This study introduced a novel cross-hydroalkenylation approach for addressing a resilient challenge in C5-exo-selective norbornene derivative functionalization by using a suitable choice of terminal olefin.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10508-10511
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03258F
A povarov-type reaction to access tetrahydroquinolines from N-benzylhydroxylamines and alkenes in HFIP
Here, we report the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines between newly developed N-benzylhydroxylamine reagents and alkenes using HFIP as a solvent.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10504-10507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04014G
Investigating the radical properties of oxidized carbon materials under photo-irradiation: behavior of carbon radicals and their application in catalytic reactions
Oxidized carbon materials have abundant surface functional groups and customizable properties, making them an excellent platform for generating radicals.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10544-10547
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03101F
Nanostructure impact on electrocatalysis in gold nanodimers via electrochemiluminescence microscopy
An exploration of enhanced electrocatalysis mechanism of gold nanodimers via electrochemiluminescence microscopy is proposed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10556-10559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03443K
Rh(III)-catalyzed aldehydic and aryl C–H alkylation with cyclopropanols via C–H/C–C bond activation
Herein, we developed an efficient C–H alkylation of 2-aminobenzaldehydes and anilines employing cyclopropanol as an alkylating agent under Rh(III)-catalysis for accessing a wide range of 1,4-diketones and β-aryl ketones in good to excellent yields.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10576-10579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03797A
Impacts of trace level chromium on formation of superoxide within uranyl triperoxide complexes
U(VI) triperoxide solids oxidize to superoxide forms in the presence of trace-level chromium. In solution, the U(VI) superoxide grows in after 48 h and can be detected by EPR spectroscopy without the use of a spin-trap.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10584-10587
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03194F
Multi-arm quinoxaline-based acceptors formed by π-conjugation extension for efficient organic solar cells
A novel method for constructing multi-arm acceptors through extended conjugation in quinoxaline-based materials was developed, which achieved a high PCE of 18.82% in OSCs.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10548-10551
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03236E
A ligand-modulated photostable Mn(I)–carbonyl complex for preferential conversion of CO2 to CO in water
A strategically designed redox-active ligand ensures proper electronic balance in an Mn(I)–carbonyl template to induce photostability and water solubility.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10492-10495
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03202K
Metal cations recognition by bowl-shaped N-pyrrolic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Supramolecular interactions between metal cations and bowl-shaped N-pyrrolic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were evidenced using potentiometry, spectrofluorimetry, and theoretical calculations (DFT).
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10488-10491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02586E
Fundamentally intertwined: anharmonic intermolecular interactions dictate both thermal expansion and terahertz lattice dynamics in molecular crystals
Anisotropic thermal expansion behavior of a co-crystalline system was investigated using low-frequency vibrational spectroscopy within the context of anharmonic dynamics.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03307H
Exploring Aromatic Rings with Planar Tetracoordinate Group 13-15 Atoms
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02780A
Electrochemical deconstruction of alkyl substituted boron clusters to produce alkyl boronate esters
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04232H
Efficient multicolour and white circularly polarized luminescence from liquid crystalline polymer networks
Several liquid crystalline polymer network films with bright multicolour and white circularly polarized luminescence have been fabricated, which exhibit luminescence dissymmetry factors up to 0.85 and fluorescence quantum yields up to 90%.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02966F
A Zr-hydroxamate metal–organic framework with intrinsic chelating sites for postsynthetic Pd metalation and Suzuki–Miyaura catalysis
A highly crystalline and robust Zr-hydroxamate MOF was made from a pyrazine-derived ligand. Featuring abundant chelating sites which were readily metalated with a high Pd loading, the MOF became a versatile and recyclable Suzuki–Miyaura catalyst.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03895A
Unusual defect properties of the one-dimensional photovoltaic semiconductor selenium
We demonstrate the intrinsic benign point defect properties of the one-dimensional photovoltaic semiconductor Se through a detailed theoretical investigation.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03174A
Direct observation of arene⋯sulphur dioxide interaction: role of metal ions in electronic modulation for binding and activation
In a quest to understand bio-inspired interactions of SO2 with hosts, we have observed the lone pair⋯π interaction between the aromatic ring and O of SO2 (3.11 Å), in addition to the interaction between S of SO2 and metal-bound thiolate (2.63 Å).
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02329C
Unveiling the importance of catalyst framework and non covalent interactions in an asymmetric Fe-catalyzed O–H insertion: insights from computational tools
A mechanistic study is carried out to understand the high enantioselectivity in an Fe-catalyzed O–H insertion reaction. Our DFT calculations reveal the importance of non covalent interactions and catalyst framework in the catalyst-enol complex.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10322-10325
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03498H
Transient cucurbit[7]uril-mediated host–guest complexes for time-dependent fluorescence and information-self-erasing hydrogel
A non-equilibrium supramolecular host–guest system is fabricated, showing transient assembly behavior, time-dependent fluorescence, and positive feedback regulation. A dynamic fluorescent hydrogel is further developed for information encryption.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10342-10345
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02531H
Geometric constraints regulated regioselectivity: Pd-catalyzed α-deuteration of pyridines with secondary phosphine oxide
The regioselectivity of deuterium labelling is controlled by the geometric constraints introduced by a supporting ligand.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10338-10341
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03089C
Rationalising catalytic performance using a unique correlation matrix
A novel multidimensional analytical tool was used to vindicate and improve the performance of bifunctional catalysts used for the one-pot conversion of CO2 to sustainable fuels.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 10314-10317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03193H
About this collection
ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.
This collection brings together the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors, who have taken this journey with us. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community.
We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.