Abstract We have developed silk fibroin (SF)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite sponges, focusing on PEG 400 (PEG400), to enhance the mechanical strength, water absorption, and hemostatic performance of SF sponges. The SF–PEG400 sponge showed superior water absorption—approximately 15 times its weight—and improved compression recovery rates compared with conventional SF sponges. Hemostatic tests showed effective blood coagulation owing to concentrated coagulation factors. These results suggest that SF–PEG400 sponges are promising biocompatible hemostatic materials with enhanced functionality for surgical applications.
Abstract Potassium–graphite intercalation compounds (K–GICs) have potential applications in potassium-ion batteries. Although previous research has reported solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on K–GICs, the assignment of their 39K NMR spectra remains unclear. In this study, we provide new insights into the 39K NMR spectral assignment for K–GICs and reveal that the state of the intercalated potassium ions varies even for compounds with the same composition.
Abstract A crosslinked carbonate-based composite electrolyte incorporating an electrospun silica nanofiber (SNF) membrane was developed for Li batteries. Compared with the SPE, the resulting SNF-CPE exhibited higher ionic conductivity and improved mechanical properties. The Li|SNF-CPE|LFP cell showed higher discharge capacity and stable cycling at 50 °C.
Abstract Catalysts are generally expected to accelerate equilibration without changing the outcome of reversible reaction networks. Here, we demonstrate that catalytic function can instead emerge through reaction networks via downstream-driven flux propagation. This principle, termed Network Catalysis, highlights collective behavior as the origin of catalytic function in reaction networks.
Abstract This Highlight Review surveys the unique characteristics of the low-frequency spectra below ∼200 cm−1 resulting from intermolecular vibrations in aromatic liquids, including ionic liquids, and aromatics in solutions, as revealed by femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. The focusing topics on this review include aromatic molecular liquids, aromatic cation-based ionic liquids, and aromatics in aqueous solutions. A brief introduction to the principles of femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy is also provided.
Abstract An Ir/NNSi-catalyzed alkyl C(sp3)–H borylation using equimolar amounts of substrate and bis(pinacolato)diboron is described. The performance of the Ir/NNSi catalyst was enhanced by the addition of a catalytic amount of KOtBu. Under these conditions, chemoselective C(sp3)–H borylation was achieved for a range of alkyl compounds, including THP-protected alkanols and ethylene glycol acetal-protected 5-nonanone.
Abstract Three-dimensional domain swapping (3D-DS) properties of wild-type human cyt c and its variants, in which one to five residues were deleted from Ω-loop D, were investigated. The cyt c dimer stability generally decreased as more amino acids were deleted from Ω-loop D. However, the del82-85 dimer exhibited a relatively small dissociation rate constant and hydrodynamic size, indicating that protein–protein interactions between the functional globular units play a crucial role in determining the stability of the 3D-DS dimer.
Abstract An adhesive film composed of acrylic latex particles and blocked polyisocyanate nanoparticles is developed as a water-borne, thermally reactive system. The adhesive film exhibits sufficient mobility, enabling intimate contact with adherend surfaces, and subsequently hardens through formation of urethane crosslinking upon heating. High adhesive strength is achieved for solvent-sensitive polymer substrates (eg polycarbonate and poly[ethylene terephthalate]), whose critical surface tension values are close to that of the adhesive film.
Abstract Salen-type ligands are acyclic tetradentate N2O2 donor moieties containing 2 imine groups. By introducing various substituents onto the terminal phenol rings, the electronic properties of these ligands can be tuned to modulate the electronic structures of the coordinated metal ions, thereby imparting diverse functionalities to the corresponding complexes. This review focuses on salen-type ligands bearing electron-withdrawing NO2 groups and summarizes previous studies on the synthesis, structures, and physicochemical properties of their metal complexes.
Abstract Dendritic Ag microstructures spontaneously and rapidly grew on MXene membranes in AgNO3 solution. The dendritic Ag microstructures were facilely converted into sea urchin-like Au-Ag bimetallic microstructures in HAuCl4 solution. The as-obtained MXene@Au-Ag composites as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates revealed excellent SERS performances in the detection of methylene blue.
Abstract Thermosetting aromatic polymer spheres are emerging as versatile functional materials due to their controlled structure, high stability, and tunable properties. Synthesized via surfactant-free polycondensation and phase separation, they exhibit excellent dispersibility, optical functions, and structural diversity. These particles also serve as robust precursors for carbon spheres, enabling controlled carbonization with structural retention. Moreover, their multifunctionality and designability render them promising for applications in energy, catalysis, and advanced materials.
Abstract Ba0.5Ca0.5F2 is a fluoride-ion conductor expected to be used in next-generation fluoride-ion batteries. We examined the local structures around Ba and Ca using K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Compared with pure BaF2 and CaF2, the local structures around both Ba and Ca are highly disordered in Ba0.52Ca0.48F2. The Ba–F and Ca–F bond lengths, which retain almost the same values found in pure BaF2 and CaF2, deviate significantly from Vegard's rule. These deviations cause frustration in the ionic crystal and lattice disorder in Ba0.5Ca0.5F2, creating pathways for fluoride-ion conduction.
Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) are structurally diverse plant hormones and rhizosphere signals whose receptor-mediated functions are increasingly accessible through molecular tools. This Highlight Review focuses on receptor-centric assay platforms, including fluorogenic probes and TR-FRET systems, that enable quantitative evaluation of SL perception. These tools have accelerated the discovery of antagonists and agonists, clarified receptor selectivity and structure-activity relationships, and, together with advances in SL synthesis, support the development of selective agrochemical and breeding strategies.
Stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-dienes is an important issue in organic chemistry. In this study, we developed a reductive cross-coupling reaction between (E)-beta-bromostyrenes and terminal alkynes using Cp2ZrF2, Pd(OAc)2, and a hydrosilane, which affords (E, E)-1,3-dienes in good yields. This reaction has a wide substrate scope.
Abstract The C–H bond is considered a functional group that can be substituted on demand. If the substituent is a nitrogen-containing moiety introduced via a nitrene insertion, the process is known as an amination. The selectivity of such reactions may depend on the reactivity of the substrate, or it can be controlled. In this review, we focus on the directed insertion of nitrenes into C–H bonds in substrates, investigating the options available for influencing the selectivity of these processes.
Herein, we present our investigation into a low-cost Miyaura borylation method for the formation of Ar-BEpin compounds. The method described occurs at room temperature, is catalyzed by nickel, and produces boronic esters, which are more stable than the boronic acid or Bpin ester equivalents. This work also examines the rates of the two borylating agents, B2Pin2 and B2Epin2, at room temperature.
Abstract Digitalization-driven transformative organic synthesis has become an established research style in organic synthesis over the past decade, including reaction optimization, molecular design, and materials informatics (MI). Despite methodological advances, fundamental challenges remain in molecular representation, data curation, and hypothesis generation. This perspective review reexamines these issues from the standpoint of experimental organic synthesis and discusses the emerging role of large language models (LLMs). By integrating contextual reasoning, experimental records, and molecular networks, LLMs are positioned not as predictive engines but as cognitive layers that shorten the cycle time of hypothesis–experiment–revision loops.
Here, we propose a method for synthesizing a new type of open-cage siloxane modified with organosilyl groups via silylation of Ge-substituted silicate cages. Ge-substituted silicate cages are formed from silicate octamers (Si8O208-) and GeO2 in an aqueous solution containing tetramethylammonium hydroxide. Silylation of the mono-Ge-substituted cages with chlorosilanes enables both Ge removal through Si-O-Ge bond cleavage and the introduction of functional organosilyl groups. The resulting open-cage siloxane compound is promising as a nano-building block for functional nanomaterials.
Abstract Recent advances in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have pushed power conversion efficiencies beyond 20%; however, the precise control of bulk heterojunction morphology remains a critical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. In this Highlight Review, we summarize recent research progress regarding semiconducting block copolymers in OPV applications, with particular emphasis on bottom-up polymer synthesis strategies. We describe the development of condensative chain polymerization and nonstoichiometric polycondensation systems, which enable the synthesis of structurally well-defined π-conjugated polymers and block copolymers. Furthermore, we discuss their applications as compatibilizers, single-component photoactive materials, and stretchable semiconducting polymers. These approaches provide new strategies for controlling nanoscale phase-separated structures and improving both device performance and mechanical durability. This review highlights the potential of semiconducting block copolymers as key materials for next-generation OPV technologies.
Abstract We present safe, convenient methods for synthesizing nucleophilic fluorinating reagents—specifically amine-3HF and R4NF(HFIP)3 complexes—using KF as a sustainable fluorine source. Cation exchange between KF and Amberlyst 15DRY generates HF in situ, enabling the efficient synthesis of various amine-3HF complexes. Alternatively, ion exchange between KF and R4NBr in an HFIP/CH2Cl2 co-solvent system provides a straightforward route to R4NF(HFIP)3 complexes. This review outlines the theoretical background, synthetic strategies, achievements, and future prospects of these KF-derived reagents.
