The sweet smell of strawberries and other fruits is thanks to a chemical compound called ester, which is also found in many fats and polyesters. The ubiquitous compound can be broken down to produce desirable alcohols and other chemicals for use across industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, but the process can be costly, both financially … Read more
In recent years, global environmental concerns have prompted a significant shift toward eco-friendly manufacturing processes in organic synthetic chemistry. One such advancement is the use of photoredox catalytic reactions, which leverage light to drive redox reactions via a photoredox catalyst. This method reduces the reliance on harsh and toxic reagents, utilizing visible light as a … Read more
Peptides are short strands of amino acids that are increasingly used therapeutically, as biomaterials and as chemical and biological probes. The capacity to isolate, manipulate and label peptides and larger proteins is limited, however, by the ability to reliably attach functional molecules, such as fluorescent compounds, to peptides in locations that won’t affect the three-dimensional … Read more
Professor Jian He, from the Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has spearheaded a research endeavor aimed at revolutionizing organic synthesis. His research team has successfully developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation of cyclobutane rings, a crucial structural element in a vast array of bioactive molecules. … Read more
Stoichiometry is a foundational concept in chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. It enables chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced during a reaction, providing crucial insights into the composition and behavior of matter. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the principles … Read more
A new antibiotic created by Harvard researchers overcomes antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that have rendered many modern drugs ineffective and are driving a global public health crisis. A team led by Andrew Myers, Amory Houghton Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, reports in Science that their synthetic compound, cresomycin, kills many strains of drug-resistant bacteria, including … Read more
Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds. It is a vast and diverse field with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals and materials science to agriculture and environmental science. The study of organic chemistry dates back centuries, with significant advancements made in understanding the structure, properties, and reactions of … Read more
Heterocyclic compounds, intricate organic molecules featuring a ring structure comprising multiple elements, are increasingly coveted in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry due to their versatility and potent physiological activities. However, conventional synthesis methods often involve high temperatures, pressures, or precious metal catalysts, contributing to economic and environmental concerns. A groundbreaking study by a collaborative team … Read more
Organic synthesis represents the intricate craft of crafting molecules, serving as the foundation for producing vital commodities like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials that fuel cutting-edge devices such as smartphones. It’s akin to a microscopic game of LEGO, where chemists interlock fundamental building blocks to construct intricate molecules, akin to joining LEGO bricks to form complex … Read more
A team of chemists from the Russian Academy of Sciences has discovered that metal atoms, not nanoparticles, are the crucial component in catalysts used for fine organic synthesis. In their study, which was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the researchers used various types of electron microscopy to track a region of … Read more