Latest
News
Scientists and policy experts celebrate US midterm results as a turning point for research
Both chambers of Congress will now be Democrat-led and many in the research community hope the worst of the damage caused by the Trump administration is over
Feature
The race to decarbonise iron and steelmaking
Steel production accounts for up to 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions, yet it remains indispensable to modern life. A wave of new technologies to decarbonise steelmaking is emerging – but the economics remain daunting
Feature
The evolution of chemical notation
Chemical notation has come a long way since the cryptic symbols of the alchemists – but agreeing on how to represent molecules, bonds and reactions has never been straightforward, and the challenge is far from over
Research
Inside the long-running argument over bonding in phase change materials
One class of materials, two incompatible theories
News
Punitive student loans threaten the future of UK science
Science graduates face choice of leaving science sector for higher paid careers or becoming stuck in debt trap
Opinion
The Chemistry World team shares some of its low-stakes mistakes
Have you ever made a typo, broken some equipment or made a general slip-up? Get in touch and tell us about some of your own low-stakes mistakes.
Click-style reaction builds imine bonds in water
Zinc complex helps subvert bond’s low hydrolytic stability by pre-organising the starting materials and stabilising the product
Baker lab tackles tough challenge of designing new proteases
Designer enzymes found to be able to slice up proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s and could have other medical uses
Sodium-ion batteries overcome lifespan vs charging conundrum with graphene armour
Structural determination skipped altogether as algorithm links NMR spectra to chemical reactivity
Inside the long-running argument over bonding in phase change materials
Covalent organic frameworks could clean up water pollution and generate ‘green’ ammonia
X-ray molecular movie of penicillin reveals hidden lives of its intermediates
Bacteria discovered to be synthesising metal–organic frameworks with ‘extraordinary conductivity’
Metal carbyne finally synthesised using f-block element
Venturing into sticky chemical space
Anyone proposing the idea of molecular glues in 1990 would most likely have been fired
UK budget aims to promote ‘reindustrialisation’
Chancellor affirmed funding for previously introduced support measures, but competitiveness challenges remain
Greener dyes of every colour for fabric and food
A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs
Learning the language of chemistry
The race to decarbonise iron and steelmaking
US atrazine cancer lawsuit revives hazard vs risk debate in pesticide regulation
Covestro cuts polycarbonate production in Europe
Tyremakers are searching for alternatives to salmon-killing additive
When you cannot buy the equipment, build it yourself
Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury explains how he’s created a fleet of self-built machines using imagination, perseverance and careful validation
How henna helped me rediscover my passion for chemistry
Beyond labs and lecture theatres, I found science in my culture
Venturing into sticky chemical space
Anyone proposing the idea of molecular glues in 1990 would most likely have been fired
Tillyer’s lenses: the didymium lens story, part 1
Keeping off-centre items in focus
UK budget aims to promote ‘reindustrialisation’
Chancellor affirmed funding for previously introduced support measures, but competitiveness challenges remain
(+)-Nonthmicin
Photochemistry, biocatalysis, electrochemistry and organocatalysis combine in an enjoyable polyketide synthesis
I’m sharing my @cancerwidower journey to bring a realistic understanding of research progress
Regular Chemistry World contributor Andy Extance is trying to help others after his late partner’s death
Learning the language of chemistry
Chemical structures embed vast amounts of information that needs translating for machines
In conversation with Richmond Sarpong
Join us 3 December to hear from the organic synthetic chemist rewriting the rules of molecular construction
Where art meets chemistry: the science of communicating science
Explore how creativity can change the way we share science
El Agente: ask me anything! A live demonstration
Join us as we tackle your chemistry challenges live with the El Agente team on 24 November
Nobel prize in chemistry 2026: Reaction
Join us for an exclusive look at the science behind the Nobel prize in chemistry 2026
A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs
Can we find a less toxic tyre additive while balancing delicate tyre chemistry? And we discuss a bacteria that appears to synthesise its own MOFs at the bottom of the seafloor.
Waterproof white inspired by nature & low-stakes mistakes
How can structural colour provide an alternative for pigments, chemicals and their environmental cost? And the Chemistry World team discusses their low-stakes mistakes.
Nobel prize in chemistry 2026: predictions
We discuss our picks for this year’s chemistry Nobel prize. Plus, are there certain traits that make a Nobel laureate?
Drugging the ‘undruggable’ cancer proteins & conserving the Bayeux Tapestry
How did molecular glues help crack one of cancer’s toughest targets? And we explore the chemistry behind the investigation and conservation of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Opinion
When you cannot buy the equipment, build it yourself
Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury explains how he’s created a fleet of self-built machines using imagination, perseverance and careful validation
Careers
3D printing can create bespoke lab equipment for a fraction of commercial cost
And the printer itself can be repurposed once it reaches the end of its life
Careers
The researchers saving thousands by assembling their own lab equipment
Need a new tribometer, chemical vapour deposition unit or differential thermal analyser? These chemists have made their own from spare parts and scrap materials
Careers
The communities making research more accessible through open hardware
The Gosh community and Trend in Africa help researchers to access and build low-cost lab equipment
Opinion
How henna helped me rediscover my passion for chemistry
Beyond labs and lecture theatres, I found science in my culture
Sponsored
Improving trace-level detection in environmental and food testing
How Restek is helping labs improve performance and adapt to evolving analytical requirements
Controlling variability in biosynthesis: the role of high-purity solvents and reagents
From oligonucleotides to mRNA, precise workflows leave little room for deviation
Scientists must be trained to work without AI, as well as working with it
As AI and autonomous labs become more capable, human reasoning must be preserved
The scientists who will power our future
Calling in the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds to address the energy crisis and build the next generation of batteries.
Advantages of monodisperse PEG in drug development
Precision matters: why monodisperse PEG is transforming drug development.
Karl Fischer titration for moisture analysis: applications in batteries, fuels and food
Accurate moisture analysis has consequences that extend well beyond the laboratory. Karl Fischer titration is what keeps them in check. The question is whether the reagent is up to the task.
Why data visualisation is so important in the age of AI
Machines don’t need to draw charts and plots to work with data, but humans will still need datavis skills to work with machines.
Pittcon 2026 heads to San Antonio for analytical chemistry showcase
The world’s largest laboratory science conference returns to San Antonio in March 2026, featuring Nobel laureate Frances Arnold as keynote speaker and showcasing cutting-edge analytical instrumentation across five days of technical sessions and networking events.
When you cannot buy the equipment, build it yourself
Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury explains how he’s created a fleet of self-built machines using imagination, perseverance and careful validation
How researchers are producing high quality science at lower cost
3D printing, home-made equipment and sharing blueprints enable chemists to teach and research on a budget
3D printing can create bespoke lab equipment for a fraction of commercial cost
And the printer itself can be repurposed once it reaches the end of its life
The researchers saving thousands by assembling their own lab equipment
Need a new tribometer, chemical vapour deposition unit or differential thermal analyser? These chemists have made their own from spare parts and scrap materials
The communities making research more accessible through open hardware
Punitive student loans threaten the future of UK science
Highlighting the ‘missing elements’ in chemistry curricula
How to diversify a chemistry department and curriculum
Green chemistry co-founder John Warner on tragedy, creativity and science
In conversation with Richmond Sarpong