Latest
Research
First total synthesis of macrocycle with four stereocentres at the heart of bacterial photosynthesis
Technically daunting synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll a finally reaches completion
Feature
The battery chemistry race shaping the future of electric vehicles
Science and global politics intertwine in the rivalry between lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides and lithium iron phosphate
Feature
The curious case of disappearing polymorphs
From crystallographers’ beards to billion-dollar lawsuits, the phenomenon of disappearing polymorphs has puzzled chemists for decades. Now researchers are finally unravelling the science behind why stable crystal forms suddenly vanish – and discovering how to bring them back
Business
Gulf chemicals supply disruption will continue for months to years
Impact on petrochemicals, fertilisers and various co-products like helium and sulfur will ripple throughout extensive supply chains
News
Chemists think they know what happened on board the Mary Celeste
While many theories have surfaced as to what caused a loaded ship to be devoid of its crew, could this explanation close the case?
Opinion
‘The truth is supremely valuable and we cannot lie our way to it’
As a scientist with family in Iran, Derek Lowe finds his own government’s approach to truth alarming
First total synthesis of macrocycle with four stereocentres at the heart of bacterial photosynthesis
Technically daunting synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll a finally reaches completion
Methane zapped into plasma bubbles makes low-emission methanol
Process offers greener, electrified route to important feedstock chemical
Three-atom bismuth ring reveals new form of aromaticity
Catalyst converts plastic waste into hydrogen and valuable chemical building blocks
Carbon-free ferrocene analogue synthesised
Vanadium’s promise in medicine and the researchers who refuse to give up
Analysis of Roman shipwreck’s coatings tells story of its time on the seas
Contra-thermodynamic stereochemical editing explained
Using light to push stereochemistry uphill
‘Basic research is needed more than anything else’
Christian Hackenberger, co-founder of Tubulis, is excited that his team’s initial research is now creating clinical impact
Stringent regulations on dichloromethane are forcing US labs to rethink use of common solvent
As broad ban on DCM is finalised, US labs have either abandoned the chemical or readied themselves for exposure monitoring in November
The evolving landscape of pain drug discovery
Major drug regulators advancing routes to reduce animal testing
Fatal incident at US catalyst refiner under investigation
China’s comprehensive new chemical safety law due to take effect
The battery chemistry race shaping the future of electric vehicles
Bursting bubbles break down PFAS
Gulf chemicals supply disruption will continue for months to years
The evolving landscape of pain drug discovery
Harnessing the power of human-relevant in vitro models
Major drug regulators advancing routes to reduce animal testing
US, UK and EU all have goals to eliminate animal testing
How much history should there be in science education?
Understanding how previous shifts in scientific understanding occurred affects how we view current theories
When vanadium almost changed how we treat type 2 diabetes
Chris Orvig tells the story of BEOV
Collective interactions dominate gene regulation in eukaryotes
A new technique shows DNA binding domains are not central to transcription factor targeting in human cells, unlike in bacteria
The scientific career clock in China
Age limits on funding and recruitment programmes place unhelpful pressures on early-career researchers
Iran ceasefire is the start of a long recovery process
Conflict’s impact on global energy and chemicals supply chains will take significantly longer to resolve
How my master’s reshaped my view on higher education chemistry
After three relentless undergraduate years, the fourth year provided space to immerse myself in the subject
Discovering the elements: no simple stories
Join us on 10 June to discover the true nature of scientific discovery
How and why soap works: the science behind the suds
Join us on 25 June to discover the chemistry behind our favourite household cleaner
Driving the future of compliance: digital reference materials transforming regulated analytical testing
Explore how digital tools and frameworks are transforming regulated analytical testing, compliance and industry-wide adoption
Visualising data for scientific discovery
Turn complex data into clear insight through hands-on learning and expert guidance
Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
Inert materials & the Mary Celeste
In this episode, we discuss how to ensure experimental instruments are truly inert, chemistry’s answer to the fate of the Mary Celeste, and hear the latest headlines.
Two states of water & science sleuths
In this episode, we discuss the two-state model of water, how science sleuths are fighting disinformation, and hear the latest headlines.
Atomic radii & synthetic food dyes
In this episode, we discuss the where the true limits of an atom lie, the US’s plan to eliminate synthetic food dyes, and hear the latest headlines.
Podcast
Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
Opinion
How much history should there be in science education?
Understanding how previous shifts in scientific understanding occurred affects how we view current theories
Research
Using light to push stereochemistry uphill
While chemistry usually follows the downhill pull of thermodynamics, Alison Wendlandt is creating higher‑energy stereoisomers in the final stages of synthesis
Careers
How chemists are making laboratories more sustainable
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants
Sponsored
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.
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
Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
How chemists are making laboratories more sustainable
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants
Sustainable laboratories: Reducing plastics
When to reuse plastic pipette tips and how to overcome psychological barriers to recyling single-use items
Sustainable laboratories: Reducing water
How to adapt water cooling for water-stressed regions and investigate the carbon footprint of different circulation options
Sustainable laboratories: Reducing energy
Sustainable laboratories: Cleaner solvents and substrates
Sustainable laboratories: Recovering metals
Sustainable laboratories: Best lab practice
Three chemistry Nobel laureates shared their failures – and how they overcame them
Meet the researchers who are making bonds outside of the lab