Access to C(sp) borylated and silylated cyclic molecules: hydrogenation of corresponding arenes and heteroarenes.

This paper presents a simple and cost-effective hydrogenation method for synthesizing a myriad of cycloalkanes and saturated heterocycles bearing boryl or silyl substituents. The catalyst used are heterogeneous, readily available, bench stable, and recyclable. Also demonstrated is the application of the method to compounds that possess both boryl and silyl groups.

Fluorescence of carotenoids: Probing binding site interactions and conformational motion in carotenoproteins.

The function of carotenoids in carotenoproteins is optimized by the electrostatic and steric interactions between the carotenoid and its surrounding binding site. Binding to the protein distorts the conformation of the carotenoid and induces a charge-transfer character. This chapter shows how the line shape of the fluorescence spectrum, the fluorescence quantum yield, and the fluorescence anisotropy of the second excited singlet state of a carotenoid, S, can be used to probe the structure and dynamics of carotenoids in carotenoproteins.

Recent Advances and Challenges of Electrocatalytic N Reduction to Ammonia.

Global ammonia production reached 175 million metric tons in 2016, 90% of which is produced from high purity N and H gases at high temperatures and pressures via the Haber-Bosch process. Reliance on natural gas for H production results in large energy consumption and CO emissions. Concerns of human-induced climate change are spurring an international scientific effort to explore new approaches to ammonia production and reduce its carbon footprint.