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Chemistry – A European Journal: Volume 29, Issue 22
April 18, 2023
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Front Cover: Orientational Control of Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Pyrene Clusters by Using a DNA Scaffold (Chem. Eur. J. 22/2023)
- First Published: 20 March 2023

Circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) depends on orientation. The DNA helix is depicted as a spiral staircase on which chromophore people stand. The CPL intensity, which is shown as helical light, varies depending not only on the distance between chromophores but also on their relative orientation. Helical structures of DNA duplexes are also illustrated. More information can be found in the Research Article by H. Kashida, H. Asanuma, and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300182).
Cover Feature: Cooperativity-Driven Reactivity of a Dinuclear Copper Dimethylglyoxime Complex (Chem. Eur. J. 22/2023)
- First Published: 23 March 2023

Cooperativity at the crossroad: The two copper centers in the dinuclear copper(II) dimethylglyoxime complex work in concert to facilitate ligand hydrolysis that yields butane-2,3-dione monoxime and NH2OH. The fate of NH2OH depends on the solvent used, in CH3CN, for example, NH2OH is oxidized to N2O yielding [Cu(CH3CN)4]+ as reduced species. In ethanol, however, NH2OH is reduced to NH4+, which in turn yields acetaldehyde as oxidized species. More information can be found in the Research Article by S. Becker and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203438).
Cover Feature: Diquat Based Dyes: A New Class of Photoredox Catalysts and Their Use in Aerobic Thiocyanation (Chem. Eur. J. 22/2023)
- First Published: 15 March 2023

From diquat to dye-cat: More than just a herbicide, the reversibly reducible diquat moiety now harnesses the power of the sun. Incorporated into donor–acceptor dyes we developed, as well as into charge–transfer complexes we observed, diquat is enabled to absorb visible light. This allowed the use of these systems in the photocatalytic thiocyanation of various indoles and pyrroles, with air as the oxidant. More information can be found in the Research Article by R. Wilhelm and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203541).
Frontispiece
Frontispiece: Light-triggered Modulation of Supramolecular Chirality
- First Published: 18 April 2023

Supramolecular chirality triggered by unpolarized light and circularly polarized light is systematically discussed. The unpolarized light triggered systems were mainly assisted by various photoactive components. Besides, circularly polarized light can directly induce the supramolecular charity in organic and inorganic systems or their hybridized systems. It is anticipated that this review can advance the development of more responsive chiral functional nanomaterials. For more details, see the Review by F. Yang, B. Yue, and L. Zhu (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203794).
Frontispiece: Induced CPL-Active Materials Based on Chiral Supramolecular Co-Assemblies
- First Published: 18 April 2023

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has attracted much interest due to its potential applications on chiral photonic techniques and optoelectronic materials science. Chiral supramolecular assembly processes can be accompanied by chirality transfer and induction mechanism, which can promote the amplification effect on the induced CPL of achiral dyes. More information can be found in the Review article by W. Zheng, Y. Cheng and co-workers. (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202204039).
Cover Profile
Orientational Control of Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Pyrene Clusters by Using a DNA Scaffold
- First Published: 23 March 2023

“Interestingly, CPL was enhanced by controlling the orientation between two pyrene dimers.” This and more about the story behind the front cover can be found in the article at 10.1002/chem.202300182).
Reviews
Light-triggered Modulation of Supramolecular Chirality
- First Published: 18 January 2023

Light-triggered supramolecular chiral assemblies have aroused great attention. According to the different interaction ways between light and system, we mainly summarized non-polarized light and circularly polarized light (CP light) triggered chiral assemblies. Non-polarized light triggered systems were mainly assisted by the introduction of photoactive components. As a chiral light source, CP light can directly induce the asymmetric assembly of organic molecules and asymmetric photosynthesis of inorganic metal nanostructures. Besides, photoexcitation induced assembly based physical approach was also explored recently to regulate supramolecular chirality beyond photochemical reactions. Furthermore, many relevant functional applications were also presented.
Induced CPL-Active Materials Based on Chiral Supramolecular Co-Assemblies
- First Published: 23 January 2023

Chiral supramolecular assembly processes can be accompanied by chirality transfer and induction mechanism, which can promote the amplification effect on the induced CPL of achiral dyes. This review summarizes the related advances on the induced CPL-active materials of chiral co-assembly system, their research status and application prospects in CP-EL field, and current challenges.
Concepts
Reviews Showcase
Transition Metal Vacancy in Layered Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
- First Published: 20 February 2023

This concept focuses on the formation of transition metal (TM) vacancy, vacancy contained configurations for triggering oxygen redox, advanced characterization techniques for detecting TM vacancy and viable strategies to improve the reversibility of vacancy-induced oxygen redox for layered cathode materials of sodium-ion batteries.
Research Articles
Orientational Control of Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Pyrene Clusters by Using a DNA Scaffold
- First Published: 06 February 2023
Hot Paper
Cooperativity-Driven Reactivity of a Dinuclear Copper Dimethylglyoxime Complex
- First Published: 20 February 2023

First check your solvent: In a dinuclear dimethylglyoxime copper(II) complex, hydrolysis of one ligand is facilitated by the cooperative effect of both CuII ions. Hydrolysis yields butane-2,3-dione monoxime and NH2OH; depending on the solvent used, the latter is either oxidized to N2O (in CH3CN) or reduced to NH4+ (in ethanol). A combined approach of experimental, theoretical, and spectroscopic methods allowed the reaction mechanism to be suggested.
Diquat Based Dyes: A New Class of Photoredox Catalysts and Their Use in Aerobic Thiocyanation
- First Published: 26 January 2023
Tris(boranil) Columnar Liquid Crystalline Fluorophores: pseudo-Triphenylene Boron(III) Complexes with Peripheral N−B−O Linkages
- First Published: 07 January 2023
The Aldol-Tishchenko Reaction of Butanone, Cyclobutanone and a 3-Pentanone Derived Sulfinylimine and DFT Calculations of the Stereo-determining Step
- First Published: 08 January 2023

Enantio- and diastereoenriched 1,3-aminoalcohols are a highly versatile class of molecules in organic synthesis. However, most of the current syntheses involve a multi-step approach and the stepwise introduction of the chiral centres. Herein, we describe a one-step, highly diastereoselective method to furnish derivatives of these compounds via a double-aldol-Tishchenko reaction of cyclic and acyclic chiral sulfinylimines.
Experimental and Theoretical Exploration of ESIPT in a Systematically Constructed Series of Benzimidazole Based Schiff Base Probes: Application as Chemosensors
- First Published: 07 February 2023

Chemosensors: The combined effect of ESIPT and C=N isomerization in benzimidazole and the substituted aminobenzoic acids bearing Schiff base probes is responsible for different spectral output in solid and solution states. Furthermore, these ESIPT active chemosensors can sense Cu2+ through the inhibition of keto-enol tautomerisation.
A Multiresponsive Calix[6]arene Pseudorotaxane Empowered by Fluorophoric Dansyl Groups
- First Published: 16 March 2023
![A Multiresponsive Calix[6]arene Pseudorotaxane Empowered by Fluorophoric Dansyl Groups](/cms/asset/f1368bf4-d032-4caf-9ba5-538739c17e12/chem202203472-toc-0001-m.jpg)
A multiresponsive pseudorotaxane, composed by a dansyl calix[6]arene and a bipyridinium axle, is presented. The disassembly of this complex can be triggered by: i) protonation of the dansyl units (chemical stimulus); ii) electrochemical reduction of the bipyridinium unit (electrochemical stimulus); iii) photochemical reduction of the bipyridinium unit, enabled by photoinduced electron transfer from the dansyl units (light stimulus). Overall, three orthogonal and reversible stimuli can be employed to control the stability of this novel pseudorotaxane.
Hot Paper
Aqueous Binders Compatible with Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for High-Performance Aluminum-Ion Batteries
- First Published: 03 February 2023

The suitability of aqueous binders for aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), especially the compatibility with ionic liquids and the distribution on the cathode surface, is systematically investigated. Typically, AIBs with sodium alginate (Na−Alg) as binder exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability.
C versus O Protonation in Zincate Anions: A Simple Gas-Phase Model for the Surprising Kinetic Stability of Organometallics
- First Published: 24 January 2023
C−H Bond Activation Relay (CHAR) of Proline Ester Derivatives Promoted by In Situ Triarylamine Radical Cation: Selective Synthesis of 4-Bromopyrrole Derivatives
- First Published: 02 February 2023
Manipulation of Organic Afterglow in Fluoranthene-Containing Dopant-Matrix Systems: From Conventional Room-Temperature Phosphorescence to Efficient Red TADF-Type Organic Afterglow
- First Published: 13 January 2023

This study presents the transformation from conventional room-temperature phosphorescence to efficient red TADF-type organic afterglow in fluoranthene-containing dopant-matrix systems. Red TADF-type afterglow materials with afterglow efficiency up to 13.1 % and afterglow lifetime of 0.1 s have been achieved, which paves the way for afterglow materials’ applications in diverse areas.
Hot Paper
Cooperative Rare-Earth/Lithium-Mediated Conversion of White Phosphorus
- First Published: 09 January 2023
Zinc Substituted Myoglobin−Albumin Fusion Protein: A Photosensitizer for Cancer Therapy
- First Published: 23 January 2023

Myoglobin combined with human serum albumin, Mb-HSA, was prepared using a yeast host cell with secretion into the culture medium. The heme of Mb-HSA was replaced with a zinc protoporphyrin IX, yielding ZnMb-HSA. This fluorescent fusion protein showed a superior activity of photodynamic cancer therapy in vitro. Its blood circulation half-life was 11-fold longer than free ZnMb in vivo.
Preparation, Structure-Performance Relationship, and Reaction Network of ZnZSM-5 for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane with CO2
- First Published: 01 February 2023

Indirect oxidative dehydrogenation: Introduction of appropriate amount of Zn onto ZSM-5 zeolite resulted in highly dispersed and active site for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (C2H6) using CO2 as a milder oxidant (CO2-ODH), structure-performance relationship and reaction network were systematically investigated.
Across the Dimensions: A Three-Component Self-Assembly of Pentaphosphaferrocene-based Coordination Polymers
- First Published: 23 January 2023

Coordination polymers: The combination of the rigid, aromatic dinitrile isomers ortho/meta/para-(NC)2C6H4, the pentaphosphaferrocenes [CpRFe(η5-P5)] (CpR=Cp*, Cp’’; Cp*=η5-C5Me5; Cp’’=η5-C5H3tBu2-1,3) with different steric demands and a silver salt with a non-coordinating anion SbF6− gives a unique view into how those building blocks can influence a three-component self-assembly system giving rise to various 1D/2D/3D-coordination polymers.
Zigzag-Edged Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Benzo[m]tetraphene Precursors
- First Published: 25 January 2023
![Zigzag-Edged Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Benzo[m]tetraphene Precursors](/cms/asset/b80ff2af-5e55-4211-9926-3ad4fec0654b/chem202203981-toc-0001-m.jpg)
A modular synthetic strategy was developed to achieve zigzag-edged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with extended π-conjugation from “U-shaped” benzo[m]tetraphene-based precursors. The experimental and theoretical investigations elucidated the edge- and size-dependent effect on the electronic structures and optical properties. Moreover, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy disclosed the modulation of the photophysical properties upon π-extension.
Cyclic or Linear? Parameters Determining the Outcome of Glycine Polymerization in Silica Surface Prebiotic Scenarios
- First Published: 07 February 2023

Cyclic or linear? The parameters determining the outcome of glycine polymerization on silica surface are studied through monomers deposition from both gas and liquid phases. The results showed that the density of the nearly-free silanols NFS is a crucial parameter to predict the formation of linear or cyclic polymers when Gly is deposited from gas phase. For liquid phase deposition, Gly deposited in its zwitterionic form could isomerize to its neutral form and readsorb on the silanol-Gly esters to form linear peptides besides DKP.Please consider the following revised version of TOC
Melt Castable Derivatives of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
- First Published: 24 January 2023

Energetic materials: In this work, the pentaerythritol backbone was modified with amine, nitramine and tetrazole functionalities leading to powerful melt castable pentaerythritol tetranitrate derivatives that outperform TNT. Exciting insights into the influence of these functionalities on mechanical sensitivities and melting behavior are observed and discussed.
Hot Paper
Polarity-Evolution Control and Luminescence Regulation in Multiple-Site Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks
- First Published: 27 January 2023

The solvent-polarity effect on the framework/luminescence regulation was demonstrated based on the multiple-site hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks: distinct electrostatic forces controlled by solvent polarities (high/low) would benefit for the different framework (cage/channel) structures; the solvent polarity could further adjust the conformation of organic building unit to generate a broadband tunable luminescence.
Very Important Paper
Enabling Long-Lived Polymeric Room Temperature Phosphorescence Material in Abominable Solvent
- First Published: 22 January 2023

An efficient long-lived polymeric room-temperature phosphorescent material was achieved based on the rigid structure provided by aromatic and piperidine rings of mBPipQ and the dense molecular arrangement of an epoxy resin, which stabilized triplet excitons. More importantly, these materials exhibit stable yellow-green phosphorescence emission after being immersed in strong acid or alkali solutions for 10 days.
Hot Paper
Ultrafast Electron Transfer Dynamics of Organic Polymer Nanoparticles with Graphene Oxide
- First Published: 24 January 2023

Poly-3-hexylthiophene nanoparticles with graphene oxide (p3ht NPs-GO & p3ht NPs-RGO) were prepared, and revealed the properties of charge transfer complexes. Notably, ultrafast electron transfer in those composites was reported for the first time, and faster electron transfer in p3ht NPs-RGO implied that p3ht NPs-RGO might have higher application values for organic polymer solar cells.
Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyridinium Salts by Annulation of Enamines with Alkynes
- First Published: 19 January 2023
Copper (I) Chloride-Catalyzed Photoredox Synthesis of Multifunctionalized Compounds at Room Temperature and Their Antifungal Activities
- First Published: 09 March 2023

A mild and highly efficient copper photoredox-catalyzed three-component coupling of BQ, alkyl/aryl alcohols, and alkyl/aryl terminal/internal alkynes forms highly functionalized products at room temperature. The late-stage functionalized compounds show good anti-Candida krusei and anti-Candida glabrata activities with lower cytotoxicities than that of fluconazole, the standard antifungal medicine.
A Cu+/Thiourea Dendrimer Achieves Excellent Cytosolic Protein Delivery via Enhanced Cell Uptake and Endosome Escape
- First Published: 20 January 2023

A cuprous (I) ions coordinated polymer was synthesized via the coordination of phenylthiourea grafted dendrimer with either cuprous (I) ions or copper (II) ions, since the copper (II) ions in the coordination polymer was reduced to cuprous (I) ions. The coordinated polymer facilitates the protein binding, cellular uptake and endosomal escape, and thus enables efficient protein delivery.
Divergent Construction of N-Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Indole as the Nitrogen Source Building Block
- First Published: 27 January 2023

A metal catalyst-dependent divergent cascade reaction of alkyne-embedded diazoketones with indoles is reported, which offers expeditious access to benzo[i]phenanthridines and benzo[b]carbazoles in good yield under mild reaction conditions. N-embedded dienophiles are used rather than alkynes or olefins for cycloaddition with the isobenzopyrylium species, providing a concise and practical approach for the selective construction of N-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with structural diversity and broad functional group compatibility.