Chemical Communications Blog

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Carlos Vila (University of Valencia, Spain) below!​​​

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Carlos Vila received his degree in chemistry (2005, Extraordinary Award for the Best Mark UVEG and National Award from Spanish Education Ministry in 2005) and his Ph.D. (2010, Excellent Cum Laude) from Valencia University. In 2010, he joined the group of Prof. Rueping at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, for two years and 2 months as a postdoctoral researcher where he focused on photoredox catalysis and activation of allylic alcohols. In 2012, he started a two-year postdoctoral stay with Prof. Feringa at Groningen University as a Marie Curie Fellow, working on cross-coupling reactions and asymmetric catalysis. In 2014, he returned to Valencia University as a “Juan de la Cierva” researcher and later in 2017, he was appointed as a ‘Ramón y Cajal’ researcher at the Organic Chemistry Department of the University of Valencia. In March 2023, he was promoted to Associate Professor at the same department. His research focuses on the development of new methodologies for the sustainable synthesis of organic compounds, especially heterocyclic compounds, through the use of asymmetric catalysis, organocatalysis and/or photocatalysis.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

I started my Ph.D. in 2005, so I have known the journal Chemical Communications for less than 20 years. Over these years, what I can say about the journal is that, for me, Chemical Communications is a highly relevant journal in the field of multidisciplinary chemistry. In this journal, you can find communication where you can read, learn, and research the several aspects of chemistry that are currently under investigation in over the world. Due to its rapid publication process, the results presented in the different articles are immediately available to other researchers, therefore it is a journal that has an immediate impact in science. In recent years, the presence of highlights and short reviews seems very interesting to me because, in just a few pages, you can learn about a specific area that is a hot topic

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

One of my favourite things about Chemical Communications is the speed with which articles are published on topics that are hot in the field of chemistry. This ensures that the published articles are available to advance science very quickly. Additionally, Chemical Communications is a journal with high standards, where articles go through very reliable and thorough review processes. Therefore, the research published in this journal is not only relevant but also fully trustworthy

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

As I mentioned earlier, Chemical Communications stands out for the speed with which it publishes high-quality and scientifically rigorous articles on a wide range of research areas in chemistry. Its rapid publication process ensures a high impact without compromising the quality of the hundreds of contributions from various chemistry researchers from all the world across diverse fields of chemistry. By reading its communications, it is very easy to gain a broad understanding of the chemical research being conducted in the different research groups

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

I have experience with Chemical Communications both in the peer review process of our group’s articles and as a reviewer. In both cases, my experience with the peer review process has been excellent, both with the reviewers and the editorial team. For example, I found it very constructive, notable and valuable for the reviewers that the editorial teams send to the reviewers, the reports and opinions of the other reviewers as well as the editor’s final decision. In some journals, it is not possible to view the different reports made by the referees, which could make the peer review process somewhat opaque. In the case of this journal, the process is reliable and trustworthy.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

I believe that Chemical Communications is a journal that supports new and future generations of scientists, because it gives significant visibility and impact to early-career researchers through its annual Emerging Investigators issues. It is a research journal where different aspects of chemistry can be found, and therefore, it can have a great impact on the training of new researchers by providing access to outstanding results and research studies across numerous fields of chemistry in an easy and timely manner.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Our latest publication is a highlight that collects the latest results in the catalytic asymmetric electrophilic functionalization of the less reactive N-heteroaromatic compounds that has been reported using the approach of the introduction of an exocyclic amino substituent. With these strategy, the unusual enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of pyrazoles, isoxazoles and isothiazoles has been reported. The Friedel-Crafts alkylation of these nitrogen heterocycles are unusual, but with this strategy several examples of the synthesis of highly remarkable chiral nitrogen heterocycles have been described in the last four years.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

This paper can help to other synthetic organic chemists to know this strategy and its potential for the synthesis of chiral N-heterocycles using asymmetric catalysis. The knowledge of the reported methodologies, it can represent an inspiration to develop the synthesis of new chiral N-heterocycles with potentially applications in medicinal or pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as in agrochemical industry or material science.

Be sure to read Carlos’s full Highlight, “Asymmetric electrophilic functionalization of amino-substituted heteroaromatic compounds: a convenient tool for the enantioselective synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Michael Ruggiero (University of Rochester, USA) below!​​​

Michael T. Ruggiero is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He earned degrees in Chemistry from SUNY Geneseo and Syracuse University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge. He began his independent career at the University of Vermont before moving to Rochester in 2023. He was included on the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, is an NSF CAREER award recipient, a former editor for Crystal Growth & Design, and a cheerleader for the use of terahertz spectroscopy in materials chemistry research. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time with his family—trudging up, and zipping down, big mountains.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

It has been really great to see ChemComm continually evolve over the years, and recent efforts to promote connection with the greater chemistry community through various special issues, such as the Emerging Investigator series and the 60^th Anniversary collection, has allowed the journal to not only maintain, but grow, its connection to a wide audience. This has made ChemComm well positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and to feature work that is on the cutting edge of discovery in the chemical sciences.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

ChemComm is a unique journal that has the (in)famous and strict 4-page limit, that also attracts some of the most timely and exciting developments in the chemical sciences – and I know I can always find good research in ChemComm because of the rigor of the peer-review process. At the same time, over the years I have really grown to appreciate all of the hard work and effort that the journal production team puts into making sure that the highest-quality science finds its way into ChemComm. This makes ChemComm one of my go-to journals to publish in when we have some really exciting and concise results that we would like to disseminate.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

ChemComm has done a fantastic job of attracting really wonderful research, and has managed to maintain that level of excellence for as long as I have been reading the journal. This consistency means that the journal can effectively operate above the noise floor, which I think is one of the things that result in its ability to continue to publish fantastic reports that are easily digested by readers.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

Rigorous but fair. While the peer-review process can be unpredictable in any outlet, I am always nervous when I submit something to ChemComm because the reviewers tend to reveal concerns that I had not considered (despite my best efforts!). This is not meant to be a negative, in that I have felt that my manuscripts always come out the other side of the peer-review process at ChemComm better than how they went in, which is entirely the purpose of peer review in the first place. And the only reason this is possible is because of the herculean efforts from the editors and journal production staff – as a former editor of a chemistry journal myself, I know how much work it takes to properly handle the review process, and the ChemComm team should be commended on their consistent, fair, and thoughtful approach to both authors and reviewers.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

I am a big advocate for the inclusion of early-career scientists in the editorial process. While major journals tend to favor appointing the most impressive and well-known scientists to their editorial boards, there are numerous benefits to taking an alternative approach that can result in a much stronger impact. For example, early-career faculty are the ones who are typically taking on the most risky, and usually interdisciplinary, research, which means that they are the ones who tend to know the direction that a particular field might be heading. They also tend to be more engaged with the actual scientific elements of research, as they come off being full-time researchers themselves, so their ‘boots on the ground’ experience means that they likely know the most cutting-edge research occurring in the community extremely well. By including early-career researchers in the editorial process, either as editorial board members or as editors, I strongly believe a journal can more effectively move with the times and capture emerging areas of research much more effectively. And in the current competitive scientific publishing landscape, such an edge can make a profound difference in the impact and health of a journal and its associated ecosystem.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Crystalline materials have generally been characterized based on the structure of the atoms/molecules that comprise them, leading to a general opinion that they are static, rigid, brittle, and so on. This is exemplified by the oft-referenced ‘structrure-property’ relationship. However, the particles in the solid-state are anything but static, and the role of molecular motions are increasingly being highlighted for their impact on bulk material properties. As someone who has built a career on understanding lattice dynamics, I am thrilled to see such a shift! However, as the community adapts to integrating the idea of molecular dynamics into the description of crystalline materials, there are inevitable pitfalls that are encountered along the way. In our work, we look into one such pitfall, by trying to understand the relationship between lattice dynamics, potential energy surfaces, and thermal expansion effects. There have been some recent reports that thermal expansion can be ‘enhanced’ by atomic motions, but we show in our ChemComm publication why this is the wrong way to approach this problem, going back to some undergraduate physical chemistry concepts to highlight why thermal expansion arises from the nature of the interactions between molecules in the solid state, which ultimately dictates both lattice dynamics and thermal expansion effects. We use low-frequency (terahertz) vibrational spectroscopy, including terahertz time-domain and low-frequency Raman spectroscopies, in tandem with quantum mechanical simulations, to uncover the fundamental origins of thermal expansion and lattice dynamics, which showcases the utility of these techniques for understanding such phenomena.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

As we rapidly continue to grow our understanding crystalline materials, we need to consider shifting from the ‘structure-property’ relationship to a ‘structure-property-dynamics’ viewpoint. While our ChemComm publication showcased that dynamics are not the primary driver of thermal expansion, there are many other phenomena that are directly driven by lattice dynamics, including phase transformation, solid-state reactivity, gas loading in porous materials, and so on. But I think what our ChemComm paper showcased was that, ultimately, an understanding of the potential energy surface of solid-state materials can provide all of the necessary information to uncover the ‘structure-property-dynamics’ relationship, and therefore I think we should, as a community, make a push towards going back to the fundamentals. I think that instead of trying to design materials based on varying things like functional groups to tune supramolecular effects, a more comprehensive, yet admittedly far-more-complex, approach is to rationally engineer the shape of the intermolecular potential energy surface itself. This nuanced shift in thinking will provide access to fine-tuning the properties of materials with some real control. There is, of course, many years of work required before we reach that point, but I think that should we be able to achieve it, we will really usher in a new era in materials design.

Be sure to read Michael’s full communication, “Fundamentally intertwined: anharmonic intermolecular interactions dictate both thermal expansion and terahertz lattice dynamics in molecular crystals” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Louis Morrill (University of Bath, UK) below!​​​

Louis Morrill received his PhD from the University of St Andrews in 2014 under the direction of Prof. Andrew Smith and undertook postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley with Prof. Richmond Sarpong. In June 2015, he started his independent research career at Cardiff University, before relocating to the University of Bath in 2024 where he is currently a Reader in Organic Chemistry. Research in the group is focused on inventing new reactions in organic chemistry and developing sustainable (catalytic) methodologies for synthesis.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

I really like the 4-page limit on communications – it challenges authors to be succinct and to focus on the most important aspects of the study, which creates a very digestible format for readers.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

The typically time between submission and decision is certainly one of the shortest across journals in my field.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

This highlight summarises electrochemical approaches for the deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via the fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations. A diverse range of deconstructive functionalization processes is described, including discussion on the electrochemical reaction conditions employed, scope and limitations, and reaction mechanisms, in addition to highlighting future opportunities in this burgeoning area of sustainable synthesis.

Be sure to read Louis’s Highlight article, “Electrochemical deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes via fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Herman Sintim (Purdue University, USA) below!

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Herman O. Sintim obtained his BS from University College London, DPhil from University of Oxford and held postdoctoral positions at Oxford and Stanford Universities before joining the University of Maryland at College Park (UMD) in 2006, where he rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2015. From January 2016, Herman has been the Drug Discovery Professor at Purdue University. From 2020 to 2022, Herman served as Program Director at the NSF (Chemistry). In 2023, Herman became the Richard B. Wetherill Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Drug Discovery at Purdue University. From January 2025, Herman will become the Grace-Rupley Professor of Chemical Biology and Associate Director of Harper Cancer Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

The time from submission to first online publication is short and the review process is fair.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

Published articles are of outstanding quality, articles are concisely written and key points are easy to find and the published articles are also timely.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an important player in immunity and hence has emerged as a potential target for the development of immunomodulatory drugs. Thus far only a handful of STING inhibitors have been reported and none have been shown to have desirable oral bioavailability, which is desired for translation. This work presents one of the early, if not the first (to the best of our knowledge) example of an orally bioavailable STING inhibitor.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

With orally bioavailable STING inhibitor now available, scientist can investigate how inhibition of STING in vivo could ameliorate inflammatory pathologies, including organ failure and fibrosis.

Be sure to read Herman’s article, “Orally bioavailable STING antagonist synthesized via multi-component Povarov–Doebner type reaction” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Vandana Bhalla (Guru Nanak Dev University, India) below!

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Vandana Bhalla obtained her PhD from Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar in 1998. She is currently working as a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Her area of research includes the development of supramolecular functional materials, catalysis, and photocatalysis. She has published around 215 research papers in international journals and has received a number of prizes including the Thomson Reuters Research Excellence India Citation Award 2015, the Prof S. S. Sandhu Endowment Award 2017, and the AV Rama Rao prize for women in Chemical Sciences.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to witness the rise of ChemComm as a flagship journal of RSC. Over the years, the scope of the journal has widened and emerging/promising research topics in general chemistry have been included which significantly increased the readership of ChemComm. As an author, ChemComm is my preferred journal for publication of exciting research outcomes. I am particularly impressed by the fast and rigorous peer review process which ensures publication of only high impact communications/feature articles in ChemComm.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

As a regular reader of ChemComm, my favourite thing about the journal is that besides stimulating advanced results of an investigation, one also come across upcoming research areas through its feature articles.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

ChemComm reports outstanding preliminary research outcomes in diverse fields of general chemistry, thus, its readership is broad. Consequently, ChemComm is an author’s favourite platform to share their latest research output. Additionally, the rapid and thorough peer review process of ChemComm ensures publication of only high impact communications/feature articles. Overall, all these factors have contributed towards making ChemComm stand out among other journals in the field.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

Peer review process is rapid, fair and rigorous which ensures high standard of the published articles.

The editorial team of ChemComm is very accessible. As an author, I found them to be cooperative and eager to provide any assistance related to publication of the manuscript.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

ChemComm is already making significant efforts to engage future generations.

My suggestion is, if possible, the journal may interact directly with research scholars by organising poster/interactive sessions.

Further, ChemComm may extend its support to underrepresented scientists e.g. women researchers, researchers working in small universities/institutions and researchers from underdeveloped countries, by highlighting/promoting their research positively at its social networking platforms.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Due to its minimum invasiveness and high efficiency in inhibiting tumour growth, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received significant attention among different approaches for treatment of cancer. Precise accumulation of photosensitizers in specific organelle triggers organelle-mediated cell death, which greatly enhances the effectiveness of PDT by reducing the drug dosage, minimizing toxicity, and preventing recurrence. In this article, we have summarized the recent advances and discussed examples of representative photosensitizers employed in targeted photodynamic therapy. Further, design concepts for the preparation of specific organelle-targeted photosensitizers have been outlined, which will be beneficial for the future designing of organelle-targeted therapeutic agents

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

The findings of this manuscript will promote research efforts in the development of type I photosensitizers, targeting other important cellular organelles such as nucleus, Golgi body and understanding the mechanism of organelle targeting.

Be sure to read Vandana’s article, “Targeting sub-cellular organelles for boosting precision photodynamic therapy” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Tom Teets (University of Houston, USA) below!

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Tom Teets is originally from Amherst, OH, and earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 2007, doing undergraduate research with Prof. Thomas Gray. He earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012, working with Prof. Dan Nocera and supported by a fellowship from the Hertz Foundation. He was a postdoctoral scholar at California Institute of Technology from 2012 to 2014, advised by Prof. John Bercaw. In 2014, he started as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Houston and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020 and Professor in 2024. His research group works in the areas of synthetic organometallic chemistry and photochemistry, emphasizing phosphorescent metal complexes for optoelectronic applications, photosensitizers for photoredox catalysis, and supramolecular structures for sensing and nonlinear optics. He has received several university, national, and international recognitions for his contributions to research, teaching, and undergraduate mentorship, including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2019.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

It seems to be a journal that is really engaged in the chemistry community, effectively bringing together chemists and celebrating the field. For example, as a graduate student I was lead author on two Chem. Commun. articles – the first was for a themed collection called “Hydrogen”, and the second was part of the “Highlights in Chemistry” collection that celebrated the International Year of Chemistry in 2011. More recently, I was fortunate enough to contribute to the “Emerging Investigator” issue, an issue I look forward to each year to get introduced to the new talent in the field. ChemComm is a great journal in its own right, but these extra initiatives the journal does to highlight researchers and their work really stand out to me.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

Everything is fast and efficient, which I love. Obviously no one will be happy with peer review comments 100% of the time, but ChemComm does a good job of identifying subject-area experts to review papers, despite the breadth of chemistry the journal covers. I also appreciate ChemComm’s recent directive to reviewers to refrain from suggesting new experiments unless they are absolutely critical for one of the key claims of the paper. I think this will help reduce unnecessary gatekeeping during the peer review process and ensure timely publication of communications.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

This publication described a new class of ratiometric oxygen sensors that join phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium complexes with organic fluorophores. We have been involved in this area for over 5 years, and our previous designs all used monodentate linkers to join the iridium to the fluorophore, and in this work we introduced bidentate salicylaldimine linkers. We hypothesized this would improve the phosphorescence quantum yield and the photostability of the sensors, and there is some evidence in this paper showing that to be true.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

As this research evolves in our group, we plan to take a more applied approach. We have learned a lot about the fundamentals of ratiometric sensors, in terms of how to easily synthesize them and how to control the photophysical properties that dictate the key sensing metrics. We would like to investigate strategies to prepare solid films of these sensors for oxygen sensing at the air-solid interface, and also look at ways to impart water solubility for aqueous and/or biological oxygen sensing.

Be sure to read Tom’s article, “Dual-emitting cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes with salicylaldimine-bound fluorophores for ratiometric oxygen sensing” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with M. Carmen Galan (University of Bristol, UK) below!

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M. Carmen Galan received her B.S. degree in chemistry from Universidad de Alicante, Spain. She was awarded a Socrates-Erasmus grant to pursue an MPhil in Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, under the supervision of Prof. P.J. Hall and Dr. L.E.A. Berlouis. She received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center at The University of Georgia, USA, under the supervision of Prof. Geert-Jan Boons, where she carried out research in the field of carbohydrates. She then moved to California to pursue post-doctoral research with Prof. Chi-Huey Wong at The Scripps Research Institute. After that, she continued her post-doctoral training at Massachussetts Institute of Technology with Prof. Sarah O’Connor. Carmen returned to the UK in October 2006 on a lecturership in the School of Chemistry. In 2008 she became a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin fellow, from 2012-2017 she held a five year EPSRC Career Acceleration Fellowship and a an ERC consolidator award (2015-2020). She currently holds the position of Professor in the School of Chemistry.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

The journal has become much more multidisciplinary which is a reflection on how scientific research has evolved. It is very exciting to see.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

The reputation of the journal for publishing high quality and significance research, the journal attracts a with a wide readership.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

Its reputation, multidisciplinary and fast publication times.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

It is generally very good, critical but fair.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

Engaging with the times and developing good guidance on how/when to use AI.

AI is here to stay and we should be able to use it to help us advance scientific discoveries, unfortunately if not used appropriately I fear ethical and misconduct cases will be on the rise.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

G-quadruplexes (G4) are a class of four-stranded guanine-rich oligonucleotide secondary structures that have garnered significant interest from across many scientific disciplines due to their structural polymorphism, diverse roles in biology and applications as therapeutic targets of several diseases such as cancer, viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.  However, despite G4s being an exciting therapeutic target, to our surprise, most G4 ligand have been studies for their potential as anticancer and antiviral agents, with very few examples of ligands as potential antiparasitic agents.

In this manuscript a series of azobenzene-based ligands featuring different pyridinium motifs with a distinct substitution pattern (2-, 3- or 4-) allowed us to probe the role of the side chain and the importance of molecular shape, structure and electronics in facilitating G4 binding affinity and selectivity. Moreover, we were able to correlate G4 stabilisation with antiparasitic activity in vitro and identified a novel G4 DNA ligand with submicromolar efficiency against L. major and subnanomolar antiparasitic activity against T. brucei and a remarkable selectivity index (IC₅₀ MRC-5/T. brucei) of 2285-fold against a healthy cell line (MRC-5).

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

Our results contribute towards furthering our understanding on the molecular parameters required for bioactivity and/or G4 binding of azobenzene scaffolds. Our findings represent an exciting step towards developing more selective and bioactive antiparasitic therapeutics.

Be sure to read Carmen’s article, “Probing the binding and antiparasitic efficacy of azobenzene G-quadruplex ligands to investigate G4 ligand design” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Maxie Roessler (Imperial College London, UK) below!

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Dr Maxie Roessler is a Reader at Imperial College London, where she founded and directs the Centre for Pulse EPR spectroscopy (PEPR). Her group seeks to understand and exploit electron transfer in biological and chemical processes through the development of new methodology. Maxie is the recipient of the 2024 RSC Joseph Black Prize, the 2023 Imperial College President’s Medal for Excellence in Research, and the 2022 European Bioinorganic Chemistry Medal.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

I really like that the papers are short and to the point, whilst aimed at the general chemistry readership.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The peer review process is fast and efficient – and all my interactions with the editorial team have been very pleasant.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

Initiatives like the New Investigators Issue are great. I was delighted when I received the invitation to contribute to the 60th anniversary issue as we published our original paper on protein film-electrochemical EPR spectroscopy, that this paper builds on, in Chem Comm in 2019.

My suggestion would be to provide a little more support with fitting the paper into 4 pages (e.g. by adjusting figures, legends and spacings), rather than leaving a large part of the editing process to the authors even at first submission.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

In our paper we showcased a new spectroelectrochemistry developed in my group, film-electrochemical electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (FE-EPR), applied to redox-active membrane proteins. We demonstrated the feasibility of using this method to investigate essential electron transfer processes occurring in proteins whilst in their native (membrane) environment.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

Ultimately, with FE-EPR, we hope to capture paramagnetic intermediates in membrane proteins whilst they are doing catalysis. The idea is to gain simultaneous insight into reactivity (from electrochemistry) and structure of key active site states (from EPR). This is a challenging undertaking, but I believe it is worth the effort to fill a gap in the methodology currently available to student complex biocatalytic processes.

Be sure to read Maxie’s article, “Film-electrochemical EPR spectroscopy to investigate electron transfer in membrane proteins in their native environment” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing profiles of contributing authors. Find out more about Jie Wu (Taizhou University, China) below!

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Jie Wu received his B.Sc. in chemistry from Jiangxi Normal University in 1995 and he pursued his Ph.D. studies at Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Xue-Long Hou (1995-2000). After conducting research as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University (2000-2001), he worked as a visiting scientist at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Centre (2001-2002) and a staff scientist in VivoQuest, Inc (2002-2004). In 2004, he moved to the Department of Chemistry at Fudan University and held the Professor rank two years later. In 2019, he joined in the School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering at Taizhou University. He got the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award in 2010 and Dow Innovation Challenge Award in 2013. Currently, his research interests mainly focus on the development of new methods for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and pharmaceuticals.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

Great popularity and interdisciplinary fields

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

Fast publication and novelty

Be sure to read Jie’s article, “Recent progress in asymmetric radical reactions enabled by chiral iron catalysts” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Ai-Lan Lee (University of Edinburgh, UK) below!

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Ai-Lan obtained her MSci (Hons) (2000) and PhD (2004) from University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Steven V. Ley. Following a Lindemann Trust Fellowship (2004–2005) at Boston College with Prof. Amir Hoveyda, Ai-Lan was appointed as a fixed-term Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh (2006), carrying out research with Prof. David Leigh. She was a Lecturer (2007-2013) and Associate Professor, Reader (2013-2024) at Heriot-Watt University before taking up her current position as Chair in Organic Chemistry at University of Edinburgh (2024). Her research interests include decarboxylative radical reactions and development of new gold-, palladium- and photo-catalysed reactions.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

My first independent publication was in ChemComm: “Gold catalysed reactions with cyclopropenes” back in 2008 so the journal naturally holds a special place in my heart. The “Emerging Investigators” themed series is also an excellent way to highlight early career research around the world and we were very fortunate to have contributed to the series back in 2011 and 2013.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

Rapid publication, efficient and rigorous peer review, concise 4-page communication format and a highly respected journal, publishing significant advancements in all areas of chemistry.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

Efficient and fair.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Our publication describes the development of one thermal- and one light-mediated method for direct Minisci-type C-H amidation of 1,3-azoles, which are important scaffolds in drug design, but are more electron-rich and thus more challenging substrates compared to the more typically studied electron-poor 6-membered N-heterocycles. The light-mediated method is particularly interesting because it is does not require a photosensitiser/photocatalyst and proceeds via an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex. We were pleased to show that the methodology is applicable to late-stage C-H amidations of 1,3-azole drug molecules.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

We will certainly be exploring the photocatalyst-free, EDA methodology in other reactions, as there are significant cost and sustainability advantages.

Be sure to read Ai-Lan’s article, “Direct C–H amidation of 1,3-azoles: light-mediated, photosensitiser-free vs. thermal” to learn more!