Nature Synthesis

go.nature.comCombining anionic and neutral ligands for kinetic stereocontrol in nickel catalysisNature Synthesis, Published online: 27 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01175-5Substituted cyclohexanes are key motifs in drug discovery; therefore, stereoselective methods for their synthesis are valuable. However, the synthesis of thermodynamically disfavoured stereoisomers remains challenging. Now, a dual-ligand nickel system enables stereoselective three-component synthesis of substituted cyclohexanes, through Ni-catalysed 1,1-arylfunctionalization of substituted methylenecyclohexanes.

Now online: Combining anionic and neutral ligands for kinetic stereocontrol in nickel catalysis 🧪

go.nature.comCatalyst regeneration enables durable electrochemical ammonia cracking for H2 productionNature Synthesis, Published online: 27 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01201-6A Pt catalyst supported on N-doped C with isolated Fe sites is developed for electrochemical ammonia cracking towards H2 production at 1.5 A cm−2. The catalyst suppresses Pt oxidation and promotes the removal of poisonous N species, enabling stable operation for 500 h.

Now online: Catalyst regeneration enables durable electrochemical ammonia cracking for H2 production 🧪

go.nature.comA seed-confined strategy to alloy immiscible systems for methanol oxidationNature Synthesis, Published online: 27 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01200-7A thermodynamically guided seed-confined alloying strategy uses a single functional seed and a pre-anchored formation pathway to access nanoscale alloys from highly immiscible elements, enabling compositionally simple WBi–Pt@B/C catalysts with good methanol oxidation activity and durability.

Now online: A seed-confined strategy to alloy immiscible systems for methanol oxidation 🧪

go.nature.comManipulating dissolved gases with porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 20 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01185-3By creating permanent cavities of well-defined size and shape within a fluid, porous liquids bring the precise control over gases afforded by microporous solids to the realm of liquids. Here, we reflect on how the porous liquid concept, beyond simply imparting fluidity to a porous solid, provides a promising platform for overcoming long-standing challenges with manipulating dissolved gases.

ICYMI: Now online: Manipulating dissolved gases with porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comA solution for metal–organic cagesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01209-yA solution for metal–organic cages

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ICYMI: Now online: A solution for metal–organic cages 🧪

go.nature.comStraightforward on-demand synthesis of heteroleptic silanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01177-3The stepwise installation of carbon substituents at silicon starting from tetrachlorosilane or tetraalkoxysilanes is burdened by chemoselectivity issues, typically affording product mixtures. Now, monoselective bromination of multihydrosilanes followed by nucleophilic displacement opens the door to the programmable and reliable synthesis of functionalized silicon building blocks.

1d

ICYMI: Now online: Straightforward on-demand synthesis of heteroleptic silanes 🧪

go.nature.comStepwise and chemoselective installation of carbon substituents at silicon atoms via monobromination of hydrosilanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01178-2Heteroleptic organosilanes with four different substituents are prepared by a selective and simple method based on the controlled monobromination of multihydrosilanes. This approach avoids the limitations of conventional methods, tolerates diverse functional groups and enables iterative access to highly substituted silanes in excellent yields.

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ICYMI: Now online: Stepwise and chemoselective installation of carbon substituents at silicon atoms via monobromination of hydrosilanes 🧪

go.nature.comThe physical chemistry behind porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 23 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01197-zMargarida Costa Gomes, CNRS Research Professor at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, talks to Nature Synthesis about understanding the molecular behaviour of porous liquids and the challenges of translating that understanding into functional materials.

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Now online: The physical chemistry behind porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comUnderstanding porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 23 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01188-0Becky Greenaway, Associate Professor (Reader) and Royal Society University Research Fellow at Imperial College London, talks to Nature Synthesis about developing automated high-throughput experimentation to design porous liquids as well as persistent challenges in the field.

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Now online: Understanding porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comHydrogel-confined environment for aqueous-compatible perovskite crystallizationNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01182-6Confining water within a polymeric hydrogen-bond network creates a controlled aqueous reaction environment that stabilizes precursors and directs the growth of dense, crack-free perovskite thick films. The resulting X-ray detectors achieve an ultralow detection limit of 19.8 nGyair s−1.

ICYMI: Now online: Hydrogel-confined environment for aqueous-compatible perovskite crystallization 🧪

go.nature.comReversible zinc oxidation as a route to on-demand hydrogen deliveryNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01190-6Reversible zinc oxidation, enhanced by lactate coordination, enables a self-sustained, circuit-free pathway for high-density hydrogen storage and delivery. By overcoming solubility limits under ambient conditions, this system delivers higher volumetric capacity and safety than existing carriers, providing a robust alternative to high-pressure infrastructure for decentralized, on-demand green hydrogen delivery.

ICYMI: Now online: Reversible zinc oxidation as a route to on-demand hydrogen delivery 🧪

go.nature.comSynthesis of covalent organic frameworks through hydrogen-bonding catalysisNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01180-8Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are typically synthesized under harsh acid- or base-catalysed conditions. Here a hydrogen-bonding catalysis strategy based on reusable benzimidazole enables the rapid and scalable production of COFs with high crystallinity and porosity, offering a general route to imide, imine, hydrazone and sp2-carbon-linked COF synthesis.

ICYMI: Now online: Synthesis of covalent organic frameworks through hydrogen-bonding catalysis 🧪

go.nature.comTopotactic synthesis of gradient-encoded covalent organic framework membranesNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01192-4A diffusion-limited topotactic exchange strategy transforms vertically aligned imine-linked covalent organic framework membranes into gradient-encoded frameworks across multiple linkage chemistries while preserving crystallinity and channel orientation. The built-in chemical asymmetry enables directional ion transport, enhanced osmotic energy conversion and robust operation under strongly acidic conditions.

ICYMI: Now online: Topotactic synthesis of gradient-encoded covalent organic framework membranes 🧪

go.nature.comIntroducing chemical gradients into crystalline porous membranesNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01191-5Diffusion-limited conversion of pre-formed covalent organic framework membranes creates a continuous chemical gradient across their thickness, with linkage conversion increasing from one face to the other while preserving aligned crystalline nanochannels. This asymmetry directs selective ion transport and increases salinity-gradient energy conversion, while the formation of robust linkages improves acid stability.

ICYMI: Now online: Introducing chemical gradients into crystalline porous membranes 🧪

go.nature.comThe synthetic evolution of porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01186-2Porosity has long been considered a property exclusive to solids, yet a new class of materials now combines permanent, well defined pores with the ability to flow. Realizing the full promise of these materials as ‘supersolvents’ will require a deeper understanding of the liquid–pore interface and continued exploration of understudied designs, alongside their translation into separation, catalysis, sensing and therapeutic applications.

ICYMI: Now online: The synthetic evolution of porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comThianthrenium ylides for safe carbene transferNature Synthesis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01216-zThianthrenium ylides for safe carbene transfer

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Now online: Thianthrenium ylides for safe carbene transfer 🧪

go.nature.comA Fischer-type uranium carbyneNature Synthesis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01217-yA Fischer-type uranium carbyne

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Now online: A Fischer-type uranium carbyne 🧪

go.nature.comDurable, highly loaded atomically dispersed catalysts via a reticular coordination strategyNature Synthesis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01204-3A reticular coordination strategy is developed in which coordinating one Pt atom per Ce-oxo cluster in a metal–organic framework before calcination yields ceria containing 14.9 wt% atomically dispersed Pt. The resulting lattice confinement inhibits migration and suppresses sintering under harsh reducing conditions.

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Now online: Durable, highly loaded atomically dispersed catalysts via a reticular coordination strategy 🧪

Nature Synthesis reposted

Nature Chemistry

@natchem.nature.com

nature.comNature Progress Sustainable ChemistryAn open-access journal publishing high-impact research in the field of sustainable chemistry, including work addressing challenges in sustainability and ...

Nature Progress Sustainable Chemistry, a new open-access journal from Nature Portfolio, is now open for submissions. Publishing new insights across all aspects of sustainable and green chemistry. Visit the journal site to find out more. www.nature.com/natprogsusch...

Nature Synthesis reposted

Peter Seavill

@peterseavill.bsky.social

Excited to announce that Nature Progress Sustainable Chemistry, a new open-access journal from @natureportfolio.nature.com, is now open for submissions! Publishing research across all aspects of sustainable and green chemistry. Visit the journal site to find out more. #Chemsky go.nature.com/3VT2XYY

go.nature.comMechanoradical-chain C(sp3)–C(sp2) coupling with unactivated arenesNature Synthesis, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01171-9Mechanically generated radicals are often considered detrimental in materials. Now, a method for mechanically generating reactive carbon-based radicals and applying them in selective C(sp3)–C(sp2) bond formation is reported. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polymers are compatible with the process, forming benzylated arene products without the need for a solvent.

ICYMI: Now online: Mechanoradical-chain C(sp3)–C(sp2) coupling with unactivated arenes 🧪

go.nature.comAtomically ordered dual atomic pairs in CuAuZn2 intermetallics for efficient urea electrosynthesisNature Synthesis, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01187-1Atomically ordered CuAuZn2 intermetallics with high-density Cu–Zn and Au–Zn dual atomic pairs are developed for urea electrosynthesis. The Cu–Zn sites facilitate nitrate reduction to *NH2, while neighbouring Au–Zn sites enhance CO2 reduction to *COOH and urea formation. This overcomes the kinetic mismatches between carbon and nitrogen intermediates, enabling the selective production of urea.

ICYMI: Now online: Atomically ordered dual atomic pairs in CuAuZn2 intermetallics for efficient urea electrosynthesis 🧪

go.nature.comA general synthesis of tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides enabled by a dual-functional directing groupNature Synthesis, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01184-4Tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides display interesting therapeutic properties; however, methods for their synthesis are limited. Now a Rh-catalysed process enables their synthesis through the development of a dual-function directing group that promotes C–H activation and C–N bond formation. The method provides access to a range of macrocycles, including pharmacophores of micitide 982 and tryglysin.

ICYMI: Now online: A general synthesis of tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides enabled by a dual-functional directing group 🧪

go.nature.comSynthesis of chiral allylic amines through regio- and enantioselective homologation of enamines using Ni catalysisNature Synthesis, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01172-8Chiral allylic amines are key building blocks in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Now a regio- and enantioselective method for their synthesis is reported. The Ni-catalysed process proceeds through homologation of enamines by cross-coupling with alkynes, forming a range of chiral allylic amines in good yield and with excellent enantioselectivity.

ICYMI: Now online: Synthesis of chiral allylic amines through regio- and enantioselective homologation of enamines using Ni catalysis 🧪

go.nature.comManipulating dissolved gases with porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 20 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01185-3By creating permanent cavities of well-defined size and shape within a fluid, porous liquids bring the precise control over gases afforded by microporous solids to the realm of liquids. Here, we reflect on how the porous liquid concept, beyond simply imparting fluidity to a porous solid, provides a promising platform for overcoming long-standing challenges with manipulating dissolved gases.

Now online: Manipulating dissolved gases with porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comPhotocatalytic tetrapeptides for enantioselective visible light-induced transformationsNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01173-7Upon irradiation with visible light (λ = 425 nm), a tetrapeptide with a C-terminal photocatalytic site and an N-terminal site for substrate recognition promotes photochemical deracemization and enantioselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions. The required spatial proximity of catalyst and substrate is corroborated by NMR spectroscopy studies and molecular dynamics simulations.

ICYMI: Now online: Photocatalytic tetrapeptides for enantioselective visible light-induced transformations 🧪

go.nature.comScrambling-free synthesis of heteroleptic silylium ions by halide abstraction from halosilanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01176-4Access to silylium ions with three different substituents has remained elusive owing to substituent scrambling under established synthetic methods. Now, harnessing the Lewis superacidity of halogen-substituted silylium ions, a broadly applicable protocol for synthesizing such heteroleptic silylium ions without substituent redistribution by halide abstraction from readily available halosilanes is reported.

ICYMI: Now online: Scrambling-free synthesis of heteroleptic silylium ions by halide abstraction from halosilanes 🧪

go.nature.comOne-step skeletal editing of oxetanes to thietanes using thioureaNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01189-zFour-membered heterocycles are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry, yet valuable thietanes remain underexplored compared with widely studied oxetanes and azetidines. Now a one-step skeletal editing strategy is reported that directly converts oxetanes into thietanes using thiourea.

ICYMI: Now online: One-step skeletal editing of oxetanes to thietanes using thiourea 🧪

go.nature.comA solution for metal–organic cagesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01209-yA solution for metal–organic cages

Now online: A solution for metal–organic cages 🧪

go.nature.comStraightforward on-demand synthesis of heteroleptic silanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01177-3The stepwise installation of carbon substituents at silicon starting from tetrachlorosilane or tetraalkoxysilanes is burdened by chemoselectivity issues, typically affording product mixtures. Now, monoselective bromination of multihydrosilanes followed by nucleophilic displacement opens the door to the programmable and reliable synthesis of functionalized silicon building blocks.

Now online: Straightforward on-demand synthesis of heteroleptic silanes 🧪

go.nature.comStepwise and chemoselective installation of carbon substituents at silicon atoms via monobromination of hydrosilanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 19 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01178-2Heteroleptic organosilanes with four different substituents are prepared by a selective and simple method based on the controlled monobromination of multihydrosilanes. This approach avoids the limitations of conventional methods, tolerates diverse functional groups and enables iterative access to highly substituted silanes in excellent yields.

Now online: Stepwise and chemoselective installation of carbon substituents at silicon atoms via monobromination of hydrosilanes 🧪

go.nature.comThe synthetic evolution of porous liquidsNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01186-2Porosity has long been considered a property exclusive to solids, yet a new class of materials now combines permanent, well defined pores with the ability to flow. Realizing the full promise of these materials as ‘supersolvents’ will require a deeper understanding of the liquid–pore interface and continued exploration of understudied designs, alongside their translation into separation, catalysis, sensing and therapeutic applications.

Now online: The synthetic evolution of porous liquids 🧪

go.nature.comIntroducing chemical gradients into crystalline porous membranesNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01191-5Diffusion-limited conversion of pre-formed covalent organic framework membranes creates a continuous chemical gradient across their thickness, with linkage conversion increasing from one face to the other while preserving aligned crystalline nanochannels. This asymmetry directs selective ion transport and increases salinity-gradient energy conversion, while the formation of robust linkages improves acid stability.

Now online: Introducing chemical gradients into crystalline porous membranes 🧪

go.nature.comTopotactic synthesis of gradient-encoded covalent organic framework membranesNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01192-4A diffusion-limited topotactic exchange strategy transforms vertically aligned imine-linked covalent organic framework membranes into gradient-encoded frameworks across multiple linkage chemistries while preserving crystallinity and channel orientation. The built-in chemical asymmetry enables directional ion transport, enhanced osmotic energy conversion and robust operation under strongly acidic conditions.

Now online: Topotactic synthesis of gradient-encoded covalent organic framework membranes 🧪

go.nature.comSynthesis of covalent organic frameworks through hydrogen-bonding catalysisNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01180-8Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are typically synthesized under harsh acid- or base-catalysed conditions. Here a hydrogen-bonding catalysis strategy based on reusable benzimidazole enables the rapid and scalable production of COFs with high crystallinity and porosity, offering a general route to imide, imine, hydrazone and sp2-carbon-linked COF synthesis.

Now online: Synthesis of covalent organic frameworks through hydrogen-bonding catalysis 🧪

go.nature.comReversible zinc oxidation as a route to on-demand hydrogen deliveryNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01190-6Reversible zinc oxidation, enhanced by lactate coordination, enables a self-sustained, circuit-free pathway for high-density hydrogen storage and delivery. By overcoming solubility limits under ambient conditions, this system delivers higher volumetric capacity and safety than existing carriers, providing a robust alternative to high-pressure infrastructure for decentralized, on-demand green hydrogen delivery.

Now online: Reversible zinc oxidation as a route to on-demand hydrogen delivery 🧪

go.nature.comHydrogel-confined environment for aqueous-compatible perovskite crystallizationNature Synthesis, Published online: 16 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01182-6Confining water within a polymeric hydrogen-bond network creates a controlled aqueous reaction environment that stabilizes precursors and directs the growth of dense, crack-free perovskite thick films. The resulting X-ray detectors achieve an ultralow detection limit of 19.8 nGyair s−1.

Now online: Hydrogel-confined environment for aqueous-compatible perovskite crystallization 🧪

go.nature.comThe road to self-driving laboratories in industryNature Synthesis, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01194-2In this issue, we focus on the development of self-driving laboratories for the autonomous synthesis of molecules and materials, with a particular focus on industrial considerations and applications.

ICYMI: Now online: The road to self-driving laboratories in industry 🧪

go.nature.comModular synthesis of 3,3-diaryloxetanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01183-5Limited modular access to 3,3-diaryloxetanes restricts their broader use as ketone bioisosteres in drug discovery. Now a two-step method for 3,3-diaryloxetane synthesis from 3-oxetanone is reported. (Hetero)aryl lithium addition and alkoxide trapping form stable oxetanyl tetrafluoropyridyl ethers, which can then be cross-coupled with (hetero)aryl boronates using Ni catalysis, affording 3,3-diaryloxetanes.

ICYMI: Now online: Modular synthesis of 3,3-diaryloxetanes 🧪

go.nature.comMechanoradical-chain C(sp3)–C(sp2) coupling with unactivated arenesNature Synthesis, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01171-9Mechanically generated radicals are often considered detrimental in materials. Now, a method for mechanically generating reactive carbon-based radicals and applying them in selective C(sp3)–C(sp2) bond formation is reported. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polymers are compatible with the process, forming benzylated arene products without the need for a solvent.

Now online: Mechanoradical-chain C(sp3)–C(sp2) coupling with unactivated arenes 🧪

go.nature.comEnantioselective synthesis of π-extended carbo[17]helicene via sequence-controlled quadruple [2+2+2] cycloadditionsNature Synthesis, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01193-3Sequence-controlled quadruple [2+2+2] cycloadditions, followed by onward Scholl reactions, enable the enantioselective synthesis of a giant π-extended carbo[17]helicene from a dodecayne substrate. This Ni-catalysed process forms a chiral nanocarbon that exhibits strong circularly polarized luminescence.

Now online: Enantioselective synthesis of π-extended carbo[17]helicene via sequence-controlled quadruple [2+2+2] cycloadditions 🧪

go.nature.comAtomically ordered dual atomic pairs in CuAuZn2 intermetallics for efficient urea electrosynthesisNature Synthesis, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01187-1Atomically ordered CuAuZn2 intermetallics with high-density Cu–Zn and Au–Zn dual atomic pairs are developed for urea electrosynthesis. The Cu–Zn sites facilitate nitrate reduction to *NH2, while neighbouring Au–Zn sites enhance CO2 reduction to *COOH and urea formation. This overcomes the kinetic mismatches between carbon and nitrogen intermediates, enabling the selective production of urea.

Now online: Atomically ordered dual atomic pairs in CuAuZn2 intermetallics for efficient urea electrosynthesis 🧪

go.nature.comA general synthesis of tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides enabled by a dual-functional directing groupNature Synthesis, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01184-4Tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides display interesting therapeutic properties; however, methods for their synthesis are limited. Now a Rh-catalysed process enables their synthesis through the development of a dual-function directing group that promotes C–H activation and C–N bond formation. The method provides access to a range of macrocycles, including pharmacophores of micitide 982 and tryglysin.

Now online: A general synthesis of tryptophan-crosslinked macrocyclic peptides enabled by a dual-functional directing group 🧪

go.nature.comSynthesis of chiral allylic amines through regio- and enantioselective homologation of enamines using Ni catalysisNature Synthesis, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01172-8Chiral allylic amines are key building blocks in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Now a regio- and enantioselective method for their synthesis is reported. The Ni-catalysed process proceeds through homologation of enamines by cross-coupling with alkynes, forming a range of chiral allylic amines in good yield and with excellent enantioselectivity.

Now online: Synthesis of chiral allylic amines through regio- and enantioselective homologation of enamines using Ni catalysis 🧪

go.nature.comPhotocatalytic tetrapeptides for enantioselective visible light-induced transformationsNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01173-7Upon irradiation with visible light (λ = 425 nm), a tetrapeptide with a C-terminal photocatalytic site and an N-terminal site for substrate recognition promotes photochemical deracemization and enantioselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions. The required spatial proximity of catalyst and substrate is corroborated by NMR spectroscopy studies and molecular dynamics simulations.

Now online: Photocatalytic tetrapeptides for enantioselective visible light-induced transformations 🧪

go.nature.comScrambling-free synthesis of heteroleptic silylium ions by halide abstraction from halosilanesNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01176-4Access to silylium ions with three different substituents has remained elusive owing to substituent scrambling under established synthetic methods. Now, harnessing the Lewis superacidity of halogen-substituted silylium ions, a broadly applicable protocol for synthesizing such heteroleptic silylium ions without substituent redistribution by halide abstraction from readily available halosilanes is reported.

Now online: Scrambling-free synthesis of heteroleptic silylium ions by halide abstraction from halosilanes 🧪

go.nature.comOne-step skeletal editing of oxetanes to thietanes using thioureaNature Synthesis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01189-zFour-membered heterocycles are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry, yet valuable thietanes remain underexplored compared with widely studied oxetanes and azetidines. Now a one-step skeletal editing strategy is reported that directly converts oxetanes into thietanes using thiourea.

Now online: One-step skeletal editing of oxetanes to thietanes using thiourea 🧪

go.nature.comPhotoelectrochemical C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling using native functional groupsNature Synthesis, Published online: 02 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01162-wRadical–radical cross-coupling provides an efficient route to forming C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds; however, such methods are diffusion controlled and require sensitive catalysts. Now a photoelectrochemical method for constructing C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds directly from native functional groups is reported. Integrating light, electricity and dual-metal catalysis, the process enables selective radical generation and efficient cross-coupling under mild conditions.

ICYMI: Now online: Photoelectrochemical C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling using native functional groups 🧪