Topics in Current Chemistry最新文献

Gas sensing is vital for environmental monitoring, safety, and healthcare. This review highlights the role of noncovalent interactions, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and electrostatic forces in enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of metal-coordinated complexes (MCCs) in gas sensors. These reversible interactions enable rapid, real-time detection through measurable changes in properties. For example, hydrogen bonding in amino-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enhances the detection of ammonia, and π–π stacking in phthalocyanine films aids in identifying aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene. Open metal sites in frameworks allow electrostatic gas binding, affecting electrical resistance, while perturbing the coordination sphere in porphyrins enables optical sensing. This review encompasses MCC platforms, ranging from Schiff base complexes to 3D MOFs and 2D materials, and highlights their tunable properties for gases such as VOCs, CO₂, SO₂, and CH₄, as well as other gases. Despite the advantages of reversibility and quick response, challenges include environmental stability and complex interactions. Future directions involve integrating machine learning for data analysis and developing durable hybrid materials to improve sensing performance technology.

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This review examines how noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking, contribute to enhanced gas sensing in metal-coordinated complexes (MCCs), boosting sensitivity and selectivity. It compares MCCs based on Schiff bases, phthalocyanines, and frameworks with covalent systems, and discusses the challenges in understanding mechanisms and integrating device development

Quantum dots (QDs) were initially explored for their unique optical and electronic properties in photocatalysis, where they demonstrated remarkable efficiency in facilitating selective oxidation, reduction, and carbon–carbon (C–C) bond formation under mild conditions. In particular, their strong absorption in the visible-light region enables efficient harnessing of solar energy, making them ideal candidates for visible-light-driven transformations. Over time, their potential has expanded beyond photocatalysis, and QDs have increasingly been utilized as catalysts in organic synthesis, offering energy-efficient alternatives to traditional methods. Their size-dependent bandgap and high surface area make them versatile tools for driving chemical reactions in a sustainable manner. Recent studies have also highlighted their ability to mediate single-electron transfer (SET) processes, which enhance both reaction efficiency and selectivity. Moreover, QDs have been incorporated into artificial photosystems, improving charge transfer mechanisms and broadening their catalytic applications. In this review, we present the recent advancements in the use of quantum dots in organic synthesis, focusing on their growing role as catalysts in a wide range of transformations. We also explore their potential in sustainable chemistry and the expanding applications of nanotechnology-driven, visible-light-mediated chemical processes.

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Spirooxindole compounds have attracted considerable research interest due to their distinctive structural features and remarkable biological properties. In recent years, a wide range of synthetic strategies has been developed to construct spirooxindoles, particularly those featuring a spiro-carbon Linked to diverse Heterocyclic or carbocyclic frameworks, further enhancing their importance. Given the breadth of these synthetic approaches, a comprehensive review is crucial to providing a systematic overview of the field and facilitate access to various methodologies. This review provides a thorough analysis of current developments in spirooxindole synthesis, covering research published from 2020 to 2024. The classification is organized into four main sections based on the size of the ring attached to the spiro-carbon: three-membered, five-membered, six-membered, and seven-membered rings. These rings may be carbocyclic or may contain one or two heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, further influencing the diversity of synthetic strategies and the properties of the resulting spirooxindoles.

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The present energy-intensive and feedstock-dependent Haber–Bosch (H–B) process is being replaced with an electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (E-NRR) to produce ammonia (NH₃), powered by renewable electricity. The main obstacles to the NRR are the integral inertness of the N₂ molecule and competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although transition metal-based electrocatalysts can overcome the kinetic restriction of N≡N activation via the back-donation method, the d-orbital electrons of transition metal atoms promote the creation of a metal–H bond, which increases the undesired HER. The electrocatalytic NRR activity has increased in recent years owing to carbon-based materials with easily tunable electrical structures. As a result, it is essential to evaluate the latest advances in theoretical and experimental aspects of carbon-based catalysts (CBCs) for NRR. This review focuses on the use of various CBCs and the modifications done to them for their effective use in the E-NRR, providing a comprehensive understanding of the use of CBCs for the E-NRR and aids further research in the field with the aim of making the E-NRR more efficient.

Aziridines, structurally related to epoxides, are among the most challenging and fascinating heterocycles in organic chemistry due to their increasing applications in asymmetric synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. These three-membered nitrogen-containing rings serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of chiral amines, complex molecules, and pharmaceutically relevant compounds. This review provides an overview of recent progress in catalytic asymmetric aziridination, focusing on novel methodologies, an analysis of the scope and limitations of each approach, and mechanistic insights.

Controlling the size of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been critical in diagnostics, biomolecular sensing, targeted therapy, wastewater treatment, catalysis, and sensing applications. Ultrasmall AuNPs (uAuNPs), with sizes Ranging from 2 to 5 nm, and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), with sizes less than 2 nm, are often dealt with interchangeably in the literature, making it challenging to review them separately. Although they are grouped in our discussion, their chemical and physical properties differ significantly, partly due to their electronic properties. The distinct optoelectronic properties of uAuNPs and AuNCs are usually not observed in gold metal and nanoparticles of larger sizes. Since small AuNPs tend to aggregate, several routes have been developed to prevent the formation of larger sizes, such as nucleation within porous materials. Controlling the particle size using synthesis methods is challenging, and uAuNPs and AuNCs can be fabricated simultaneously in the same preparation, necessitating separation and additional laboratory efforts. AuNCs can be stabilized by the prevalent soft ligands, such as phosphine and thiolate, unlike uAuNPs, in which a wide range of ligand sets can be used for stabilization. This review is organized around core sections concerning the synthesis, medical and environmental applications, and calculation studies of uAuNPs. It remains valuable to address the current stimulating market growth and potential market constraints when reviewing the expanding applications of AuNPs in the healthcare sector. A significant proportion of the synthesis processes involve the fabrication of uAuNPs and AuNCs in aqueous solutions. An obvious advantage of this work is that we focus on the medical and environmental applications, which often require water-dispersible nanoparticles. Calculation investigations explain the structural dynamics and importance of fine-tuning the size of uAuNPs to impart distinct properties. A notable control in the HOMO–LUMO energy gap, associated with the number of gold atoms, significantly affects their performance in various applications.

To address the global climate challenge, carbon emissions reduction and carbon neutrality have emerged as pivotal goals for the international community. Copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) derivatives exhibit unique advantages in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) applications due to their controllable pore structure, abundant active sites, and efficient charge transport. Nevertheless, the structure–activity correlation mechanisms and performance enhancement methodologies of Cu-MOF derivatives have not yet been comprehensively elucidated in existing literature. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in Cu-MOF derivatives for electrocatalytic CO₂RR, focusing on preparation technologies such as the pyrolysis method, electrochemical in situ reconstruction method, and other methods. Subsequently, we investigated the enhancement mechanism of the reactivity of electrocatalysts by discussing multidimensional aspects, which include structural design, metal composition adjustment, ligand engineering, and composite structure construction. Finally, the critical challenges and future research directions of Cu-MOF derivatives for electrocatalytic CO₂RR are prospectively discussed, which aims to provide theoretical references for the design methods and modification strategies of Cu-MOF derivatives.

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This manuscript highlights the application of copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) derivatives in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). We specifically carry out the following three key aspects: synthesis methods of Cu-MOF derivatives, modification strategies, and prospects. It aims to propose rational synthesis methods and modification strategies for the preparation of Cu-MOF-derived electrocatalysts with superior CO₂RR performance.

In recent years, nano-piezoelectric materials have demonstrated revolutionary potential in catalytic applications owing to their unique electromechanical coupling effects and mechanical-to-chemical energy conversion capabilities. Research focus has shifted from performance optimization of single materials to designing multi-scale band engineering and multi-field coupling mechanisms aimed at enhancing catalytic efficiency. The development of novel nano-piezoelectric cleaning materials has become a research hotspot, with various nontraditional piezoelectric materials being extended into organic degradation, biomedicine, and environmental remediation applications, accelerating the transition of piezocatalysis from laboratory research to practical implementation. This review summarizes recent advancements in piezoelectric nanomaterials for catalysis; briefly introduces the fundamental principles of piezocatalytic technology; highlights applications in organic matter degradation, antibacterial treatment, and heavy metal reduction; and concludes with discussions on current challenges and future development prospects. The article provides valuable references for both research and practical applications of nano-piezoelectric materials in piezocatalysis.

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In organic synthesis, named reactions are fundamental chemical conversions that fabricate invaluable molecules of high importance. Hence, a deep understanding of these vital reactions is a prerequisite from the organic chemistry point of view. Basically, the names of these chemical reactions are used as short forms to make it easier to talk or write in the realm of synthetic organic chemistry. Moreover, these vital chemical reactions are the background for understanding the fundamentals of organic chemistry and are robust chemical tools that attain intricacy in molecular architectures, which are otherwise daunting tasks or sometimes impossible to achieve. Therefore, keeping the importance of the organic named reactions in mind, herein, we have comprehensively detailed all literature reporting 50 named reactions taking place in deep eutectic solvents (DESs)—the eco-friendly reaction media. The authors are of the opinion that this systematic collection of such important reactions carried out under green reaction conditions will add value not only to organic syntheses but will also open new opportunities that expand the chemical space for other crucial reactions. Moreover, we believe that these all-in-one named reaction assortments will be very useful to undergraduate as well as postgraduate students, and obviously for Ph.D. scholars and the synthetic chemistry research community in general.

Phytosphingosine, a type of sphingolipids, has gained significant attention due to their diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. These bioactive lipids, predominantly found in plant sources, play crucial roles in cellular signaling and membrane structure. In recent years, the chemical synthesis of phytosphingosine and other sphingolipids have become a major focus in organic chemistry due to the increasing demand for these molecules in pharmacological research and drug development. The synthesis of sphingosine has been extensively reported and is relatively straightforward to implement. However, the synthesis of phytosphingosine is more complex due to the presence of additional chiral centers, leading to a greater diversity of synthetic methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in synthetic methodologies for phytosphingosine and its analogs, including asymmetric synthesis and total synthesis using chiral auxiliaries and catalysts. By summarizing recent chemical synthesis advancements, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the biological activities and synthetic aspects of phytosphingosine and other sphingolipids.