Organic chemistry
The latest chemistry news and research on organic chemistry, including synthesis, natural products and total synthesis, reaction mechanisms and supramolecular chemistry, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionIs it cold in here?
Labs in Delhi, Aberdeen and Arizona will have different ideas of ‘room temperature’
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ResearchThree nitrile molecules identified as fresh targets for life-hunting astronomers
Experiments at interstellar temperatures yield new chemical clues to the molecules that seed biology
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PodcastBench-stable butyllithium & secrets of Pompeii’s limescale
In this episode, we discuss the latest formulations designed to make a set of fiery reagents safer, explore what limescale can tell us about ancient civilizations and hear the latest headlines.
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BusinessNew reagents take the burn out of butyllithium
Merck KGaA’s non-pyrophoric butyllithium in poly(α-olefin) oil make BuLi stable to air and water
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ResearchNew material demonstrates ionic conductivity across three states
‘State-independent’ ionic conductivity could create safer solid-state batteries and faster electronics
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PodcastHalogen-bond catalysis & the future of total synthesis
In this inaugural podcast episode, we explore the future of a 200-year old field of chemistry, investigate an up-and-coming form of catalysis and hear the latest headlines
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ResearchBall-milled sodium provides easy access to organometallic reagent
Solvent-free organosodium is a promising alternative to lithium reagents
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ResearchHow chemists are harnessing halogen bonds for asymmetric synthesis
Chiral control through halogen bonding could be the next frontier for organocatalysis
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FeatureThe 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
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ResearchSupramolecular gels improve performance of aircraft deicing fluids
Made using low-cost reagents, the gels could be more sustainable than current anti-icing products
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ResearchAI continues to make waves and structural editing impresses in 2025
The research that has amazed and amused us this year
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ResearchProbability model guides synthesis of interwoven catenane structure
Organic cage-like compounds selectively form intricate structure during one-pot synthesis
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WhitepaperOptimise cross-coupling with ligand-free NHC–Pd precatalysts
Discover how new NHC–Pd precatalysts deliver superior performance without stabilising ligands
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ResearchParamagnetic NMR used to probe covalent character of halogen bonds
Assessing hyperfine shifts in paramagnetic NMR spectra provides new details on the covalent character of halogen bonded cocrystals
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ResearchStable nitrogen chiral centres are possible – under the right conditions
Chiral nitrogen compounds might one day be used as reagents, catalysts or even as drugs
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OpinionA robotic helping hand
Mechanical labmates are making huge progress, but there are still big challenges to overcome
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ResearchModular strategy opens up new way to synthesise arylated thiophene rings
Approach holds potential for creating new drugs and unique optoelectronic materials
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ResearchInfrared and NMR fusion boosts automated structure verification
Study highlights untapped potential of IR spectroscopy data
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ResearchA current take on the Swern oxidation
Electrochemical update to a classic reaction trades cryogenic conditions for room temperature, to selectively convert primary and secondary alcohols into aldehydes and ketones
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NewsUK’s new national laboratories site will support ‘invisible infrastructure’ of measurements that keep world in sync
£20 million investment by LGC will boost country’s analytical and metrology capabilities