A photocatalytic radical addition/elimination reaction that enables direct C(sp3)–H alkenylation, alkynylation and allylation of ethers/amides with good yield and stereoselectivity.

A triphenylalanine-based superhydrogel shows automatic syneresis (self-compressing properties) with time and this self-shrinking behavior has been successfully utilized to remove toxic lead ions and organic dyes from waste-water efficiently with the ability to re-use for a few times.

An operationally simple and economical method for the direct alkylation of heteroaromatic bases employing readily available aldehydes as alkyl radical precursors and molecular oxygen as a reagent is presented. This simple transformation demonstrates a broad substrate scope with respect to aldehydes and nitrogen heterocycles, enabling the introduction of several medicinally important yet challenging alkyl moieties, such as ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, and cyclohexyl to the different classes of heterocyclic bases in good to excellent yields.

A large-scale, easy synthesis of red fluorescent copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) from a cheap source copper acetate, monohydrate has been reported. A proteinaceous amino acid cysteine has been used to stabilize these clusters at room temperature. These nanoclusters have been thoroughly characterized by UV–vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction analysis, cyclic voltametry (CV), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. MALDI-TOF analysis indicates that the nanocluster is a Cu5(Cys)3 species. Computational studies revealed the energy optimized structure of Cu5(Cys)3 with most possible arrangements of Cu atoms and their interactions with stabilizing ligands. It is evident from the structure that vacant Cu sites are available; hence, these sites can be used for binding with substrate molecules for catalytic reactions. Interestingly, these as-synthesized red-emitting nanocluster catalyze the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (toxic chemical used in industries) to almost nontoxic 4-aminophenol at room temperature. These nanoclusters (powdered) can also be recycled as catalyst for another time. This type of new nanocatalyst for the organic transformation of a toxic to nontoxic material holds future promise for the development of novel large-scale nanocatalytic materials.

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is considered as the center of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); a solid electrolyte membrane is an indispensable component of MEA. For membrane research and development, reducing ohmic resistance while improving mechanical stability is a challenge. Using short-side-chain (SSC) Aquivion perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) dispersion and considering the theory of coordination networks, the conductivity of the Aquivion polymer electrolyte membrane is improved by incorporating a highly proton-conductive and economical three-dimensional MOF {[(Me2NH2)3(SO4)]2[Zn2(ox)3]} n . The proton conductivity of the 1 wt % MOF-1/Aquivion composite membrane was improved by 13% compared to that of the pristine Aquivion membrane, 2 times that of Nafion and 1.5 times that of the MOF-1/Nafion composite. The water uptake and the ion-exchange capacity values are measured to analyze the fundamental properties of the membranes, and physical characterization techniques are also used.

A tripeptide containing an oligo‐methylene group was found to form hydrogels at the two pH extremes (in presence of an acid or a base); however, it does not form a hydrogel at neutral pH. We use this property to obtain a hydrogel of the peptide in the presence of an organic acid, citric acid. The redox potential of citric acid is ideal to reduce Ag+ and Au3+ ions to form the corresponding nanoparticles. Keeping this in mind the hydrogel with citric acid was applied to fabricate silver and gold nanoparticles within the gel phase without the aid of external reducing and stabilising agents. The hydrogels and the peptide nanofiber‐metal nanoparticle based hybrid system were thoroughly characterized by UV‐visible spectroscopy, FEG‐TEM microscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction studies. From the FEG‐TEM images it is evident that a considerable amount of Au and Ag nanoparticles are found above the gel nanofibers. Interestingly, the hybrid hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles could be successfully employed as a catalyst in the transformation of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol and p‐nitroaniline to p‐phenylenediamine. It is also interesting to note that the native hydrogel (without Ag nanoparticles) is unable to act as a catalyst. Moreover, this hybrid hydrogel has been recycled a few times without significant loss of activity, showing the potential of this new nanohybrid system for catalysis.

An efficient method for the aerobic radical-cascade alkylation/cyclization of α,β-unsaturated amides to afford functionalized oxindoles with a C3 quaternary stereocenter is described. The process is based on the generation of valuable alkyl radicals through sustainable aerobic C-H activation of aldehydes followed by decarbonylation using O2 as the sole oxidant. This method features a broad substrate scope, inexpensive alkyl radical precursors, and convenient reagents. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the synthesis of alkyl analogues of tetrahydrofuranoindoline and (±)-esermethole.

This is a unique example of fluorescent carbon dot-induced hydrogelation of an amino acid-based amphiphile. The carbon dot-to-amphiphile ratio dictates the gel stiffness. Moreover, this hydrogel can be used as a prominent fluorescent ink and the dried gel shows a remarkable, unusual green fluorescence in the solid state.