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Chemistry World is the flagship magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Since 2004, Chemistry World has served a global community of chemical scientists with high quality science journalism covering the latest research, new and views from international sources and respected contributors.
Latest articles
Why I think it’s time to change how we teach the inductive effect
New evidence challenges the idea of long‑range inductive transmission, highlighting that some textbook explanations of inductive effects are oversimplified and, in key cases, completely wrong
Quantum computing & a mysterious microplastic contaminant
A new hybrid workflow combining quantum and supercomputers just set a record by modelling 12,635 atoms. But how close are we to actually seeing quantum computing in our own labs? This week on The Chemical Breakdown, we separate the hype from reality regarding this up-and-coming technology. Plus, we discuss a surprising, everyday laboratory material recently identified as a major source of contamination in microplastics research. Listen now to get the scoop on the latest chemistry news.
Boron equivalent of buckminsterfullerene finally observed after decades of research
Careful control of cluster cooling conditions enables resolution of long-sought photoelectron spectrum, but DFT confirmation remains elusive
(±)-Conidiogenone B
A beautiful synthesis that measures up to an ideal
EU looks to boost protective trade policy against Chinese imports
Critical Medicines Act and rumoured chemicals rules aim to decrease China’s supply chain dominance
David Leigh wins vote to become next president-elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry
University of Manchester supramolecular chemist said he stood for election to help make case for respect for evidence and free inquiry
Marine chemistry in a warming world: preserving Earth’s largest natural buffer
Join us on 15 July to learn how climate change is affecting the oceans’ biogeochemical cycles
Scientists produce more novel but less disruptive work as they age
Analysis poses tough questions on who should receive more funding – younger researchers or older ones?
June 2026 puzzles
Download the June 2026 puzzles from Chemistry World
One small step for microorganisms: what extremophiles on Earth can teach us about life on other planets
Join us on 30 July to learn how some of the tiniest organisms thrive in the harshest environments
Australia sues 3M over firefighting foam PFAS contamination
Government claims 3M withheld and misrepresented information about environmental risks
Small experimental choices undermine flow battery comparisons
Multi‑lab study highlights the need for standardisation in redox flow cell tests
Lessons from a community effort to fix flow battery testing
First-hand account of an international collaboration to make flow battery testing more reliable and reproducible
Cryptic chemistry crossword #135
Can you find the ‘Philosopher who’s a bit of a pig! (5)’ in this cryptic chemistry crossword?
Chemistry wordoku #144
Our sudoku-style puzzle with a hidden chemist
AkzoNobel rejected attempts to cut in on Axalta merger
€13 billion counter-offer by Nippon Paints and Sherwin-Williams ‘undervalues’ the company
Ben Zhong Tang: ‘If you have to do something, try to do it well’
The polymer chemist on finding love for a subject, working with others and staying optimistic
Supporting pregnant chemists
Risk assessments and flexible working policies all provide valuable support – but how proactively this is offered varies greatly
11 presumed dead in US paper mill implosion
Two deaths confirmed, nine missing and nine others injured after chemical tank ruptured
25 years ago click chemistry changed science. What happened next?
Barry Sharpless and his team first introduced the concept of ‘clicking’ molecules together 25 years ago
Click chemistry, 25 years on
A quarter of a century since first introducing the concpet of ‘click’, one of its originators explains how it became a transformational tool for scientists