Australian Journal of Chemistry

Tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) is an organic chelate that was used in the 1960s at the Lucas Heights Laboratories of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) before being disposed in sealed containers in trenches at a nearby waste site across a discrete 8-year period. The first study investigating whether TBP was still present at the site was conducted in 2016, which detected low levels of TBP. …

Size modulation and nitrogen doping are considered potential strategies for tuning the optical and electronic properties of biphenylene quantum dots (BPQDs), yet the underlying synergistic mechanisms between these two factors remain unclear. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) were employed to systematically investigate the combined effects of nine sizes, …

A distinctive continuous-flow synthesis of 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(3′-methoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)ethan-1-ol, an important intermediate for the synthesis of a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor LX1031, is described. The pivotal synthetic process involved a photochemically induced nickel-catalysed radical cross coupling of phthalimido trifluoroethanol with 1-bromo-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)benzene. This approa…

The authors of the above-mentioned paper regret to inform readers that a key statement about lawang oil was incorrect.In the second paragraph of the Introduction (p.169) we stated, 'Lawang oil (also called paramao oil and culitlawan oil)' but this is not correct.We have since learnt that lawang oil and paramoa oil are distinct.As we state in the manuscript, lawang oil is traditionally isolated fr…

The highly successful 10th Heron Island Conference on Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules was held on 6–12 July 2025. This collection contains six papers on organic and inorganic and organometallic themes authored by speakers in the conference. The continuing success of the conference series bodes well for the 11th conference in 2028. Photograph by A. J. Arduengo. This article belongs to…

Conotoxin χ-Mr1a, a 13 residue conotoxin that has two disulfide bonds in the ribbon fold, is found in the venom of the predatory marine snail, C. marmoreus. It noncompetitively inhibits the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET), leading to reduced allodynia in animal models of neuropathic pain. Rational design was used to prune conotoxin χ-Mr1a while maintaining the pharmacophore that led to th…

Two novel indole-based porous organic polymers, InPhHCP-7 and InMelPOP, were synthesised using Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acetal reactions respectively. InPhHCP-7 was specifically designed for CO2 adsorption, whereas InMelPOP was developed for the removal of iodine species from aqueous solution. Under a pure dry CO2 atmosphere, the CO2 adsorption capacity of InPhHCP-7 reached 2.28 mmol g−1 at …

We introduce a flexible reactor platform for testing electrocatalysts, especially for gas-phase reactants or products. This open-source, 3D-printable platform has been designed for gaseous reagents in general and is readily modified to suit a range of applications, configurations and reactor sizes. We demonstrate the versatility of our platform with iridium(IV) oxide as a standard catalyst for wa…

Cyclic peptides are increasingly recognised as a therapeutic modality for modulating intracellular protein–protein interactions (PPIs), including those considered ‘undruggable’ by small molecules or biologics. Cyclic gomesin (cGm), an 18-residue β-hairpin peptide containing two disulfide bonds and a cyclised backbone, combines high chemical stability with amphipathic character that promotes selec…

The insertion of a silicone intestinal obstruction catheter is a common and effective approach for managing an acute surgical abdomen. However, patients often experience significant nasopharyngeal discomfort and pain during both catheter placement and prolonged indwelling. To reduce insertion difficulty, patient discomfort and the risk of microbial infection, we developed a straightforward fabric…

The adsorption of glyphosate on pristine and monodoped graphene was investigated using Density Functional Theory at the PBE-D3/def2-SVP level together with molecular dynamics simulations. Graphene sheets doped with Fe3+, Fe2+, Al3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were modeled by substituting a carbon atom in a finite graphene cluster, followed by full geometry optimization in the gas phase. Ther…

Naturally derived products, including plant- and venom-derived peptides, have played an instrumental role in identifying the ion channels, receptors and signalling pathways involved in visceral pain. Although crude venoms are traditionally known for their harmful effects, research into their molecular composition has uncovered a diverse array of peptide components with high specificity for partic…

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful non-targeted analytical tool for compositional profiling of complex mixtures, such as cell culture media, offering high-throughput capabilities that support rapid assessment across large sample cohorts. Its sensitivity to proton-containing metabolites enables the detection of both expected and unforeseen components. However, its applicat…

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a cornerstone technology for green hydrogen production, yet the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media remains a major bottleneck. Noble metal oxides such as IrO2 and RuO2 are effective but suffer from high cost and scarcity. As a non-precious alternative, spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) has attracted attention due to its promis…

Zwitterionic aryliodonium derivatives of closo-borates are attractive intermediates in regioselective functionalization of anionic boron clusters through nucleophilic substitution with halides, and N-, O- and C-centered reagents. They are easily available in high yields by highly regioselective direct aryliodination of the closo-borate anions with ArIII species, typically PhI(OAc)2 and undergo fo…

Green synthesis is attracting researchers worldwide because of its unique features and environmental benefits. Scientists are inventing novel ionic liquids (ILs) and refining their properties for use in green chemistry and synthesis, such as in green and sustainable solvents and catalysts. Owing to their unique properties, they have been widely used as green catalysts and solvent systems to devel…

In celebration of the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics, this review highlights how accurate quantum mechanical calculations have transformed gas-phase thermochemistry. In particular, the developments of high-level composite ab initio methods over the past 30 years enable th…

This article is a brief review of the history of printing, centred around the life and inventions of Johannes Gutenberg, who is widely regarded as the father of printing. Starting with what we know of the earliest developments in printing in China, the article will present the little knowledge we have about Gutenberg’s life and a summary of his contribution to the invention and development of the…

Women experience numerous forms of discrimination in the workplace, both direct and indirect. Historically, bias against women was institutionalised by organisations and governments to keep women from pursuing long-term careers in science and remain in the home. Although changes to policy have occurred within Australia, societal perceptions around women in science have proven resistant to change,…

This account is written for general users of density functional theory (DFT) methods as well as experimental researchers who are new to the field and would like to conduct such calculations. Its main emphasis lies on how to find a way through the confusing ‘zoo’ of DFT by addressing common misconceptions and highlighting those modern methods that should ideally be used in calculations of energeti…