Nature 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.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 24 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01160-yA two-step electrosynthetic pathway for arylglycine production from aldehydes, nitrite and carbon dioxide (CO2) has been developed. The method avoids using traditional approaches involving cyanides, harsh conditions or specialized biocatalytic approaches.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 24 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01161-xAn electrochemical reduction reaction between oximes and CO2 to form arylglycines is reported. It enables clean and sustainable electrosynthesis of valuable amino acids from simple feedstocks that can be sourced from inorganic wastes and biomass.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 01 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01148-8Ice-mediated interfacial growth enables the synthesis of programmable microcapsules with tunable membrane properties for biocatalysis.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 01 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01152-yMoving beyond empirical trial-and-error screening, a descriptor-informed multi-component dopant selection strategy is developed for the rational design of Co-free Ni-rich cathodes. By simultaneously accelerating Li+ transport and enhancing lattice stability, this strategy enables high-rate and low-temperature performance in lithium-ion batteries.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 01 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01164-8An ice-mediated interfacial membrane synthesis method is reported that exploits the quasi-liquid layer on ice to form polyamide microcapsules with programmable dimensions and cargo-independent encapsulation. The resulting compartments combine broad cargo compatibility, tunable permeability and robust confinement, enabling efficient compartmentalized biocatalysis and multienzyme cascade reactions.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 01 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01168-4Room-temperature ethane–CO coupling over Cu converts ethane directly to propionic acid with up to 83% selectivity. CO acts as both a C1 building block and a selectivity-directing agent, and interfacial coupling between copper carbonyl and surface ethyl species enables C–C bond formation under mild conditions.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01157-7A carefully selected underlayer coupled with a simple film-processing technique is shown to create a controlled crystallization environment that enables ultranarrow-linewidth emission in green and blue perovskite LEDs.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 29 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01169-3Accelerated polymer design outpaces resistance

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 29 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01167-5Crystals built entirely from achiral molecules can grow into chiral shapes. Now layered achiral halide perovskites are shown to grow into twisted and helical ribbons through geometric frustration, the mechanism that opens chiral seed pods, with the handedness controlled by crystal symmetry and growth kinetics.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01155-9A modular stereoselective synthetic strategy enables precise control over the stereochemistry of multiple helicene units in nanographenes. This approach provides access to hexabenzocoronenes and graphene nanoribbons bearing up to eight uniformly aligned helicenes, with systematically tunable photophysical, chiroptical and near-infrared emissive properties for advanced optoelectronic materials.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 28 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01174-6Sustainable pyrrole synthesis

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 18 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01159-5Three-dimensional through-space charge-transport pathways are constructed through an assembly of quasi-aromatic clusters, transforming insulating polyoxometalates into intrinsic molecular conductors.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 17 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01158-6A mild Ni-catalysed C–H alkylation of (hetero)arenes using sulfonylhydrazide-derived alkyl donors enables broad substrate scope, heterocycle compatibility and late-stage functionalization under 50 °C. Mechanistic studies suggest an asynchronous, amine-assisted C–H activation pathway, highlighting a practical strategy for chemoselective C–H alkylation.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 24 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01160-yA two-step electrosynthetic pathway for arylglycine production from aldehydes, nitrite and carbon dioxide (CO2) has been developed. The method avoids using traditional approaches involving cyanides, harsh conditions or specialized biocatalytic approaches.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 24 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01161-xAn electrochemical reduction reaction between oximes and CO2 to form arylglycines is reported. It enables clean and sustainable electrosynthesis of valuable amino acids from simple feedstocks that can be sourced from inorganic wastes and biomass.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 16 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01151-zAlthough catalyst development has transformed alkene hydrogenation into a reliable synthetic tool, controlling regioselectivity between closely related alkenes continues to challenge even the most sophisticated catalytic systems. Now, a multifunctional phosphorus-mediated proton relay directs priority towards more substituted alkenes, delivering divergent products under exceptionally mild conditions

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01157-7A carefully selected underlayer coupled with a simple film-processing technique is shown to create a controlled crystallization environment that enables ultranarrow-linewidth emission in green and blue perovskite LEDs.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01155-9A modular stereoselective synthetic strategy enables precise control over the stereochemistry of multiple helicene units in nanographenes. This approach provides access to hexabenzocoronenes and graphene nanoribbons bearing up to eight uniformly aligned helicenes, with systematically tunable photophysical, chiroptical and near-infrared emissive properties for advanced optoelectronic materials.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 18 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01159-5Three-dimensional through-space charge-transport pathways are constructed through an assembly of quasi-aromatic clusters, transforming insulating polyoxometalates into intrinsic molecular conductors.

Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Portfolio (Sustainable Materials Chemistry) Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi or Pune (Hybrid) Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 About S...

Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Communications (Polymer Materials) Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi or Pune (Hybrid) Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 About Springer N...

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 17 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01158-6A mild Ni-catalysed C–H alkylation of (hetero)arenes using sulfonylhydrazide-derived alkyl donors enables broad substrate scope, heterocycle compatibility and late-stage functionalization under 50 °C. Mechanistic studies suggest an asynchronous, amine-assisted C–H activation pathway, highlighting a practical strategy for chemoselective C–H alkylation.

Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Portfolio (Sustainable Materials Chemistry) Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi or Pune (Hybrid) Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 About S...

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 10 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01147-9Piperidine bioisosteres are being increasingly used in medicinal chemistry; however, methods for their synthesis are underdeveloped. Now, a catalytic method for the asymmetric synthesis of enantioenriched 2-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes is reported. The process uses enantioselective reductive amination and provides access to a range of chiral piperidine bioisosteres, facilitating their application in drug discovery.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 16 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01151-zAlthough catalyst development has transformed alkene hydrogenation into a reliable synthetic tool, controlling regioselectivity between closely related alkenes continues to challenge even the most sophisticated catalytic systems. Now, a multifunctional phosphorus-mediated proton relay directs priority towards more substituted alkenes, delivering divergent products under exceptionally mild conditions

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 09 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01150-0Azabicyclo[x.1.1]alkanes (ABCAs) are useful motifs in medicinal chemistry but difficult to construct. Now, a strain-release strategy that uses strained azatricycloalkanes enables the modular, stereocontrolled synthesis of diverse ABCA bioisosteres. This approach is validated by the synthesis of orexin receptor antagonists and constrained azetidine analogues.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 08 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01153-xThe six editors of Nature Synthesis outline their key topics of interest within the scope of the journal.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 08 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01146-wA coumarin-linked covalent organic framework synthesized by one-pot polycondensation shows a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 531 mmol g−1 h−1. The coumarin linkage extends the lifetime of charge-separated states approximately 1,000-fold relative to imine analogues, enabling rapid electron transfer to the cocatalyst for efficient water splitting.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 10 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01147-9Piperidine bioisosteres are being increasingly used in medicinal chemistry; however, methods for their synthesis are underdeveloped. Now, a catalytic method for the asymmetric synthesis of enantioenriched 2-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes is reported. The process uses enantioselective reductive amination and provides access to a range of chiral piperidine bioisosteres, facilitating their application in drug discovery.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 09 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01150-0Azabicyclo[x.1.1]alkanes (ABCAs) are useful motifs in medicinal chemistry but difficult to construct. Now, a strain-release strategy that uses strained azatricycloalkanes enables the modular, stereocontrolled synthesis of diverse ABCA bioisosteres. This approach is validated by the synthesis of orexin receptor antagonists and constrained azetidine analogues.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 02 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01149-7A modular strategy using strained azatricycloalkanes enables stereocontrolled C–N bond cleavage to access diverse azabicyclo[x.1.1]alkanes. This approach facilitates bioisosteric replacement in drug discovery, as demonstrated by the synthesis of orexin receptor antagonists and azetidine bioisosteres.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 08 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01153-xThe six editors of Nature Synthesis outline their key topics of interest within the scope of the journal.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 08 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01146-wA coumarin-linked covalent organic framework synthesized by one-pot polycondensation shows a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 531 mmol g−1 h−1. The coumarin linkage extends the lifetime of charge-separated states approximately 1,000-fold relative to imine analogues, enabling rapid electron transfer to the cocatalyst for efficient water splitting.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01130-4This Review explores how reticular chemistry regulates the proximal chemical environment of heterogeneous electrocatalytic sites to enhance the activity and selectivity of small-molecule activation reactions. The authors discuss recent advances in microenvironment control, outline emerging challenges for multi-electron and proton-coupled reactions, and present reticular chemistry-based strategies for overcoming such issues.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01156-8Nanoconfined electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01154-wCombining CO2 and bicycloalkanes for polyester production

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 02 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01149-7A modular strategy using strained azatricycloalkanes enables stereocontrolled C–N bond cleavage to access diverse azabicyclo[x.1.1]alkanes. This approach facilitates bioisosteric replacement in drug discovery, as demonstrated by the synthesis of orexin receptor antagonists and azetidine bioisosteres.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01130-4This Review explores how reticular chemistry regulates the proximal chemical environment of heterogeneous electrocatalytic sites to enhance the activity and selectivity of small-molecule activation reactions. The authors discuss recent advances in microenvironment control, outline emerging challenges for multi-electron and proton-coupled reactions, and present reticular chemistry-based strategies for overcoming such issues.

Conductive three-dimensional molecular-cluster networks are constructed using {MoIV3} clusters, π-aromatic rings and Ln dimeric belts to form d–π···π–d electron-transport channels. Combined with MoIV ...

The pace of materials discovery is increasingly determined by how quickly candidate materials can be made, characterized, and validated at scales relevant to real applications. Sustaining progress wil...

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01156-8Nanoconfined electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01154-wCombining CO2 and bicycloalkanes for polyester production

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s44160-026-01124-2Hydrogen-assisted reduction facilitates an enhanced reaction rate between nickel and iron oxides, enabling the direct production of Fe–Ni master alloys.

Eight stereocomplementary enzyme variants are evolved from a single alcohol dehydrogenase via machine learning-guided protein engineering. This enables the asymmetric reduction of 2,2-disubstituted cy...

Sortase ligation is a common method for chemical protein synthesis; however, the products often contain a reaction scar. Now a traceless sortase ligation method is reported in which cleavable sortase ...

Hydrazine is an important chemical used in fuels and emerging energy systems, but its industrial synthesis relies on energy-intensive processes involving hazardous oxidants. Here, by integrating chlor...

By designing a solvent around enthalpy–entropy competition, the trade-off between film quality and humidity tolerance in perovskite solar module fabrication is overcome. The resulting 100-cm2 modules ...

Enantioselective formation of C(sp2)–C(sp3) bonds often requires the use of stoichiometric chiral auxiliaries. Now a method for the asymmetric synthesis of α-aryl and alkenyl amines and ethers is repo...

Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Synthesis Organization: Nature Portfolio Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Madrid, Pune (Hybrid) Application Deadline: 21st August, 2026 About Springer Nature Spr...