This section is in Chemistry in Australia magazine: Issue December 2024
Author: Joel Hooper MRACI
Photoswitchable cages for catalysis
Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the University of Edinburgh have developed the first example of photoswitchable catalysis within a self-assembled molecular cage, offering a new approach to controlling chemical reactions with visible light [...]
[...] Researchers anticipate that this method could lead to the development of programmable multistep reactions using visible light to drive complex chemical transformations.
Electron transfer mechanisms in copper(I) photoredox catalysis
Single-electron transfer underpins an array of chemical processes, including photoredox catalysis. Many conventional photoredox catalysts undergo outersphere electron transfer (OSET) processes, where the molecules are not in contact [...]
[...] In addition to developing a more complete conceptual framework, these findings suggest that asymmetric variants of these ATRA reactions are possible.
Protein mimicry with synthetic polymers
Proteins are increasingly important therapeutics, but due to poor biodistribution and stability they don’t always make the best drugs. The TRAIL protein (tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is one such example, which binds to the death receptor (e.g. DR5) to induce cell death. [...]
[...] The results demonstrate that precise sequence control and folding is not always necessary for good protein mimicry. Because synthetic polymers such as these have much longer circulation half-lives than TRAIL, the team hopes that these leads could be leveraged as potent but selective chemotherapeutics.
Improved hydrogen bonding in aqueous ammonium batteries
Aqueous ammonium ion batteries are emerging as a promising energy storage technology due to their intrinsic safety, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. [...]
[...] By leveraging the unique properties of hydrogen bonds, this work provides strategic insights into advancing aqueous ammonium ion battery technology, offering pathways to higher efficiency and prolonged battery lifespan.
Liquid metals catalyse ammonia production
The ammonia economy is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in hydrogen storage and carbon-free energy systems, which requires sustainable and efficient ammonia production. Traditional ammonia production through the Haber– Bosch process is highly energy intensive, operating at extreme pressures and temperatures. [...]
[...] The approach opens up opportunities towards a viable commercial pathway for ammonia synthesis with reduced energy consumption, contributing to decentralised energy storage goals and the broader vision of a sustainable ammonia economy.
Driving photons further in photoredox catalysis
Photoredox catalysis is a versatile tool in organic synthesis, capable of converting visible light into open-shell intermediates containing reactive unpaired electrons. Despite an expansive scope, mechanistic understanding of photoredox catalysis remains limited. [...]
[...] These results will inform the future design of improved photocatalytic systems that exhibit higher efficiencies while requiring decreased energy inputs.
Go with the flow for semisynthetic proteins
Modified proteins are highly valuable for applications in chemical biology and for next-generation therapeutics for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. However, these molecules are difficult to produce in pure form by recombinant methods, and the use of chemical protein synthesis is challenging due to the large and complex nature of these biomolecules. [...]
[...] This flow EPL technology is a powerful platform to produce high-purity modified bioactive proteins in solution, and paves the way for the efficient and sustainable generation of high-value proteins in industry in the future.
Shining a light on key quantum intermediates
In molecular photophysics, singlet excited states (where the electrons are paired) can be split between two neighbouring molecules as lower-energy triplet states (where the electrons are unpaired) in a process called singlet fission. [...]
[...] This study is the first to observe 1(TT) photoluminescence at room temperature. Extending this technique to other singlet-fission chromophores will further our understanding on the role of the 1(TT) state.
Compiled by Research Editor, Joel Hooper MRACI. This section showcases the very best research carried out primarily in Australia. RACI members whose recent work has been published in high-impact journals (e.g. Nature, J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Chem. Sci.) are encouraged to contribute general summaries of no more than 200 words and an image to joel.hooper@monash.edu.
#Premium
#ChemistryinAustralia