Latest
Research
Anomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
Computational studies suggest this textbook principle is governed by a range of factors
Feature
The future of total synthesis
From structure confirmation to methodology improvements, making complex natural products has driven innovation in organic synthesis for decades. Nina Notman looks at its current state, with threats from funding to academic pressures
Feature
The JWST reveals the molecular origins of planetary systems
The world’s most expensive infrared spectrometer – the James Webb Space Telescope – is unearthing extraordinary exoplanet chemistry. James Mitchell Crow looks to the skies
Research
How chemists are harnessing halogen bonds for asymmetric synthesis
Chiral control through halogen bonding could be the next frontier for organocatalysis
Research
AI agents set to democratise computational chemistry
Large language models are powering a new generation of AI agents that could transform computational chemistry from a specialist discipline into one any researcher can use, reports Julia Robinson
Opinion
Democratising science, one step at a time
Artifical intelligence is just the latest method to open up chemistry to more people
Anomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
Computational studies suggest this textbook principle is governed by a range of factors
Wolffish teeth contain a rare material that shrinks when squeezed rather than expanding
Osteodentin found in the core of this bottom-dwelling Atlantic Ocean predator’s teeth could inspire new designs for stronger, more resilient materials
Ball-milled sodium provides easy access to organometallic reagent
How chemists are harnessing halogen bonds for asymmetric synthesis
AI agents set to democratise computational chemistry
Supramolecular gels improve performance of aircraft deicing fluids
Stiffest organic crystals reported to date discovered in well-known material
Tree-D printing for Christmas
Thianthrenium reagent captures elusive protein interactions in living cells
EPA delivers mixed finding on carcinogenic rubber ingredient
US environmental agency says 1,3-butadiene is harmful for some industry workers, but not for the environment or those living near plants using it
Plastic recycling is contracting when it needs to grow
High costs, oversupply of virgin polymers and complex political environment are challenging industry
Why failing my first chemistry test was the best thing that ever happened to me
Lost in reactions, but driven by curiosity – how a supportive teacher enabled me to find my way to a career in science
Some voices conspicuously silent when it comes to Trump’s science policies
Research-intensive universities have been targeted in an unprecedented and unrelenting manner since Donald Trump retook the White House on 20 January. In April, nearly a third of the 6000-plus members of the US National Academies of Sciences, which is a nonpartisan organisation charged with providing evidence-based science and technology advice ...
Democratising science, one step at a time
Artifical intelligence is just the latest method to open up chemistry to more people
An airborne exposure route for a serious kidney disease
Linking Aristolochia plants to aristolochic acid nephropathy
Langmuir’s pump and the optimism of science
Creativity nurtured by an explorative environment
Structure as a strategy
Progress in materials chemistry has often come from changing what things are made of, yet today we understand that how those components are arranged is just as important
Reprieve for Grangemouth ethylene
UK government agrees £150 million deal to support the country’s last ethylene production plant
An analytical gold mine
How forensic techniques can help trace the origin of illegally sourced gold
Walter Kohn: from kindertransport and internment to DFT and the Nobel prize
Explore the legacy of Walter Kohn, the 1998 joint winner of the Nobel prize in chemistry
Restoring integrity: tackling fraud and data manipulation in scientific research
Learn how you can fight back against fraudulent research and paper mills
Optimising method transfer in regulated environments
Learn how to minimise risk and promote data quality with data-driven approaches and digital tools
Food and us: the incredible story of how food shapes humanity
Learn about the intricate interplay between our genetic and physical makeup and the food we eat
News
Iupac welcomes new year in with a new president
International chemistry nomenclature organisation to be headed by Mary Garson
Opinion
Why failing my first chemistry test was the best thing that ever happened to me
Lost in reactions, but driven by curiosity – how a supportive teacher enabled me to find my way to a career in science
Careers
Building the future of separation science
Jennifer Kingston was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Technical Excellence Prize, which honours the vital role of technical staff in the chemical sciences community
News
One year on, Trump’s second term has upended US science
Fears that the president’s return to the White House would seriously damage science agencies and universities have been borne out
News
Scientists recognised in 2026 New Year’s Honours list
Chemists receive awards for work on nuclear waste management, forensics, sustainability and promotion of inclusion and diversity
Sponsored
Biphenyl: 20 years of Restek innovation
How Restek’s Biphenyl column changed chromatography
Explainer: the Welch Award in Chemistry
Many people have never heard about one of the biggest awards in chemistry. Chemistry World sets the record straight.
Optimising method transfer in regulated environments
Learn how to minimise risk and promote data quality with data-driven approaches and digital tools
SYNTHIA for chemists: faster route design
Discover how SYNTHIA accelerates retrosynthesis by helping chemists design, compare and refine routes with customisable filters and commercial building blocks
Developing a CITK protein degrader using the QuicTPD™ platform
Learn about the latest technology to accelerate the design of cancer treatments
Lab Innovations 2025 returns to shape the future of laboratories
Scientists, researchers, engineers, industry leaders and innovators gather for UK’s must-attend industry event
X-Pulse 90: expanding the capabilities of benchtop NMR spectroscopy
Learn how X-Pulse 90 is delivering a step change in benchtop NMR by providing flexibility without compromising performance
Why understanding our foraging instinct is the key to using statistical tools
Your inner hunter-gatherer is stopping you solving problems
Building the future of separation science
Jennifer Kingston was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Technical Excellence Prize, which honours the vital role of technical staff in the chemical sciences community
One year on, Trump’s second term has upended US science
Fears that the president’s return to the White House would seriously damage science agencies and universities have been borne out
In times of strife, should you hold a work Christmas party?
Celebrations are important, even when redundancies and funding cuts mean many chemists aren’t in the festive mood
Learning computational chemistry in a new role
A change of team brings new opportunities to build knowledge
Statements alone don’t make labs inclusive for disabled chemists
A love story: a polymer chemist accidentally falls for rubber
Royal Society of Chemistry calls for labs to become more inclusive for disabled chemists
I was almost robbed of my love for chemistry – but I fought my way back
Choosing the perfect path to an industrial R&D career
What can biochemists learn from drama?