![An image showing a single-crystal X-ray derived model of [MH6] complex](https://d2cbg94ubxgsnp.cloudfront.net/Pictures/460x307//4/0/6/501406_full_text__crimmin_161621_859886.jpg)
Carbynes expand the possibilities of carbon–carbon double bonds
Chemists use novel monovalent carbon species to insert functionalities in the middle of double bonds
Alzheimer’s therapy has click chemistry use, then remove, brain copper build-ups
In situ drug synthesis catalysed by endogenous copper
New setup enables EPR studies on tiny protein crystals
Experiments that normally takes five hours can now be done in just eight minutes
Metallohelices emulate antimicrobial peptides
Scientists move away from traditional drug candidates to evade resistance
Synthetic flame retardant compounds turn up as marine natural products
Finding an alga that biosynthesises halogenated anilines increases likelihood of finding an organism that can degrade the toxic compounds too
Machine learning predicts electron densities with DFT accuracy
Non-covalent interactions and electron densities can be explored quickly without the need for expensive and time-consuming quantum chemical calculations
Dye-coated particles could finally bring colour to e-readers
Dispersion polymerisation method creates particles that can switch between coloured and white states
Mystery of whether or not kekulene is superaromatic unravelled after 41 years
Second-ever synthesis and first atomic resolution images of superbenzene reveal its electronic nature
Transition metal complex with geometry predicted over 100 years ago raises eyebrows
A hexagonal planar complex containing rare palladium–magnesium bonds has been reported for the first time
Three centres, two electrons, but how many bonds?
Tweaking Lewis structures allows for a simplified and clearer representation of electron-deficient molecules
![An image showing the molecular structure of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site, the H-cluster](https://d2cbg94ubxgsnp.cloudfront.net/Pictures/460x307//1/9/3/501193_index_834443.jpg)
New electrolyte charges efforts to achieve viable calcium batteries
Straightforward synthesis delivers compound with high oxidative stability, high ionic conductivity and good capability for long-term reversible calcium cycling
Language-based software’s accurate predictions translate to benefits for chemists
State-of-the-art design for computer language processing results in improved models for predicting chemistry
First synthesis of unusual natural product could revive forgotten eco-friendly insecticide class
16-step synthesis of rare diterpene could reveal new ways to control insecticide-resistant pests
Electrochemistry can cut cement’s carbon footprint to virtually zero
Cement’s carbon emissions are a big problem for the industry but renewable energy could see the process go green
Bronze age tin from Israeli shipwrecks was mined in Britain
Isotope analysis matches metal to mines in Devon and Cornwall suggesting ancient trade route existed
Another 43 new kinds of carbon could still be out there to find
Predictions could lead to forms of carbon that are even harder than diamond
’Blackest black’ ever made is 10 times darker than previous record holder
Serendipitous discovery produces darkest material in existence using carbon nanotubes
Universal method bypasses obstacles to making neglected hydrocarbon skeletons
Universal method bypasses obstacles to making neglected hydrocarbon skeletons
Large gold nanoclusters are surprisingly stable paramagnets
An odd electron makes the magnetism
Aluminium makes water-harvesting MOF 10 times thirstier
New MOF harvests up to 0.7 litres of water per day in the Mojave Desert – the driest place in North America
Human biases cause problems for machines trying to learn chemistry
Including ‘unpopular’ reagents and reaction conditions into datasets could lead to better machine-learning models
AFM images show bond formation in greatest detail yet
Strange ring-shaped sub-atomic images result from Lennard-Jones physisorption–chemisorption energy curve
Glucose derivative replaces BPA in sustainable polycarbonate plastic
Transparent engineered plastic ditches hormone disruptor and lung irritant
Can organic solar cells stand the test of time?
Devices road-tested in blistering conditions equivalent to that of 37 suns
New way to create huge protein polymer chains
Strategy constructs synthetic protein polymers that weigh 0.5MDa