Magical Power of d-Block Transition Metals: Past, Present and Future
Until recently, most of the 24 d-block transition metals had been used primarily as useful materials for (i) construction and also as tools and containers, etc., (Ti, Zr, Fe and their alloys with V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, etc.), (ii) precious and ornamental....
More details | Watch nowGlimpses of Chemical Wizardry
In an evangelical spirit, three vignettes will be presented that have the character of molecular parables: stories with lessons that transcend the specific details.(1) How knowledge of the orientation of a methyl group with respect to a neighboring d....
More details | Watch nowCatalysis at Surfaces: From Atoms to Complexity
Catalysis by solid surfaces is, among others, of importance for the chemical industry (e.g. the Haber-Bosch process) as well as for environmental chemistry (car exhaust catalyst). Surface physical techniques enable investigation of the underlying e....
More details | Watch nowCross-Coupling Reactions of Organoboranes: An Easy Way for Carbon-Carbon Bonding
The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between different types of organoboron compounds and various organic halides in the presence of base provides a powerful and general methodology for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. The (sp3)C-B ....
More details | Watch nowG Protein Coupled Receptors: Challenges for Drug Discovery
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) conduct the majority of cellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters, and are therefore the largest group of pharmaceutical targets for a broad spectrum of diseases. Identification of genes for GPCRs, ini....
More details | Watch nowAdvances in Olefin Metathesis Employing Molybdenum and Tungsten Catalysts
Olefin metathesis is an irresistible way to make C=C bonds catalytically in organic molecules and polymers, both as a consequence of its very nature, i.e. the synthesis of C=C bonds from C=C bonds, and because of the control that can be exercised thr....
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Much of the chemical industry is based on processes that were developed decades ago. The change in the cost of petroleum carbon and energy sources and the need to control emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants will change the rules of the....
More details | Watch nowPerspectives in Chemistry – Towards Adaptive Chemistry
Supramolecular chemistry lies beyond molecular chemistry. It aims at implementing highly complex chemical systems from molecular components held together by non-covalent intermolecular forces and effecting molecular recognition, catalysis and trans....
More details | Watch nowSingle Molecule Studies of Initial Steps in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells and of Quantum Dots – Examples of Electron Transfers and Relation to Ensemble Studies
We consider two fields of single molecule studies of intermittently fluorescing systems. In both fields the intermittency is assumed to involve diffusion controlled electron transfer. One of these studies involves the initial steps in dye-sensiti....
More details | Watch nowWiden Your Scope by Extracurricular Activities: My Example
Some observers might think that fierce scientific competition borders on a rat race. According to Wikipedia: "A rat race is an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit. It conjures up the image of the futile efforts of a lab rat trying to es....
More details | Watch nowMaterial Characterization: It Takes A Lot of Tools to Solve the Problem
Jonathan Christian discusses what it means to be a material/physical chemist. He shows how a physical chemist characterizes materials using his research into Chromium 3+ polyoxometalates.
More details | Watch nowNSF Grant, Alliance for the Advancement of Florida’s Academic Women in Chemistry and Engineering
Turning Mountains into Mole Hills: Moderating Strain without Sacrificing Reactivity
Florida State graduate student Brian Gold discusses his research into click chemistry, that is building complex molecules using simple reactions that always work. Brian's project focuses on increasing ring strain of organic molecules without reducing....
More details | Watch nowA Greenhouse-Gas Experiment
Fullerene C28
Jonathan describes a smaller 'buckyball' with its inherent differences from C60.
More details | Watch nowFullerene maths
How the structures of fullerene molecules obey the rules of mathematics discovered long ago by Euler.
More details | Watch nowCarbon nanotubes
Chemistry of C60
Modelling C60
The Carbon Revolution 1 – many forms
The differences in the structures and properties of the various allotropes of carbon are clearly explained.
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