Latest
Research
Elusive electronic effect could explain the origins of chirality for all life on Earth
Study suggests spin selectivity is different in enantiomers – altering their reaction rate – which ‘challenges a fundamental assumption in the field’
Feature
How depolymerisation could enable infinite reuse of plastics
Nina Notman discovers how a type of chemical recycling – depolymerisation – could increase recycling rates, reduce plastic waste and enable a more circular economy
Feature
The molecular mystery of how we smell
Despite being one of our key senses, the molecular mechanisms of smell remain poorly understood. Mason Wakley sniffs out the competing theories of what may be happening in our noses
Research
Vanadium’s promise in medicine and the researchers who refuse to give up
It mimics phosphate, kills cancer cells in the lab and almost changed how we treat diabetes. So why has a vanadium compound never made it to the clinic?
Careers
How chemists are making laboratories more sustainable
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants
Elusive electronic effect could explain the origins of chirality for all life on Earth
Study suggests spin selectivity is different in enantiomers – altering their reaction rate – which ‘challenges a fundamental assumption in the field’
Electrifying MOF synthesis drastically reduces time it takes to make them
External electric fields stimulate the formation of various metal–organic framework materials
New record set by quantum computing as it models its largest protein yet
Atomic manipulation enters the mesoscale as 40,000 atoms repositioned in single crystal
‘Flip-over’ nucleophilic substitution reaction challenges classic SN2 textbook mechanism
Click chemistry toolbox expanded with 'forbidden' C–C bond forming reaction
Neat and uniform five-metal nanoparticle synthesis surprises scientists
Trace water in stored solvents behind seemingly spontaneous surface polymorphism
Versatile skeletal editing strategies upgrade nitrogen compounds into drug building blocks
Detecting airborne pathogens by DNA sequencing
UK spin-out Agnos Biosciences turned a ‘wacky idea’ into a sensor with applications from agriculture to hospitals
Africa should treat entrepreneurial science as a lifeline, not a luxury
Synchronised action from universities, policymakers and scientists is needed to bridge the gap from ideas to impact
British Steel’s nationalisation plan contrasts against chemical industry decline
US FDA commissioner Makary resigns amid chaos and questions
Where will we get sulfur and helium from when fossil fuel extraction declines?
Implementing ideas in industry
Battery week 2026: The EV cathode race & battery-recycling photocatalysts
Iran war’s global impact keeps growing
Paint manufacturers still putting consumers at risk in Mexico with sale of toxic lead paints
Africa should treat entrepreneurial science as a lifeline, not a luxury
Synchronised action from universities, policymakers and scientists is needed to bridge the gap from ideas to impact
British Steel’s nationalisation plan contrasts against chemical industry decline
UK steel production has been declining for decades thanks to high costs and cheap imports
A museum mould mystery
Even best practices aren’t always enough to protect heritage sites
The current academic system doesn’t incentivise risk-taking
But playing it safe can have negative consequences for a field
Implementing ideas in industry
An initial thought can take on a life of its own as different stakeholders contribute their expertise
The scientists who will power our future
Calling in the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds to address the energy crisis and build the next generation of batteries.
Iran war’s global impact keeps growing
Shortages of bitumen, cooking gas and jet fuel are pushing up prices and disrupting construction
Letters: May 2026
Readers delve into ancient history, celebrate glassblowers and ponder if they are alchemists
Pushing the limits of capacity: the future of battery performance and design
Learn about the most promising up-and-coming technologies in battery design
Discovering the elements: no simple stories
Join us on 10 June to discover the true nature of scientific discovery
How and why soap works: the science behind the suds
Discover the chemistry behind our favourite household cleaner – join us on 25 June
Driving the future of compliance: digital reference materials transforming regulated analytical testing
Explore how digital tools and frameworks are transforming regulated analytical testing, compliance and industry-wide adoption
Battery week 2026: The EV cathode race & battery-recycling photocatalysts
Who will win the EV cathode race, manganese cobalt or iron phosphate? Plus, how a new photocatalyst could change the way we recycle batteries.
Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
Inert materials & the Mary Celeste
In this episode, we discuss how to ensure experimental instruments are truly inert, chemistry’s answer to the fate of the Mary Celeste, and hear the latest headlines.
Two states of water & science sleuths
In this episode, we discuss the two-state model of water, how science sleuths are fighting disinformation, and hear the latest headlines.
Business
Detecting airborne pathogens by DNA sequencing
UK spin-out Agnos Biosciences turned a ‘wacky idea’ into a sensor with applications from agriculture to hospitals
Opinion
Africa should treat entrepreneurial science as a lifeline, not a luxury
Synchronised action from universities, policymakers and scientists is needed to bridge the gap from ideas to impact
Opinion
The current academic system doesn’t incentivise risk-taking
But playing it safe can have negative consequences for a field
News
Supervisors can make or break wellbeing of early-career researchers, survey finds
76% said that their supervisor had a moderate to severe impact on their mental health
Sponsored
The scientists who will power our future
Calling in the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds to address the energy crisis and build the next generation of batteries.
Advantages of monodisperse PEG in drug development
Precision matters: why monodisperse PEG is transforming drug development.
Karl Fischer titration for moisture analysis: applications in batteries, fuels and food
Accurate moisture analysis has consequences that extend well beyond the laboratory. Karl Fischer titration is what keeps them in check. The question is whether the reagent is up to the task.
Why data visualisation is so important in the age of AI
Machines don’t need to draw charts and plots to work with data, but humans will still need datavis skills to work with machines.
Pittcon 2026 heads to San Antonio for analytical chemistry showcase
The world’s largest laboratory science conference returns to San Antonio in March 2026, featuring Nobel laureate Frances Arnold as keynote speaker and showcasing cutting-edge analytical instrumentation across five days of technical sessions and networking events.
Biphenyl: 20 years of Restek innovation
How Restek’s Biphenyl column changed chromatography
Explainer: the Welch Award in Chemistry
Many people have never heard about one of the biggest awards in chemistry. Chemistry World sets the record straight.
Optimising method transfer in regulated environments
Learn how to minimise risk and promote data quality with data-driven approaches and digital tools
Africa should treat entrepreneurial science as a lifeline, not a luxury
Synchronised action from universities, policymakers and scientists is needed to bridge the gap from ideas to impact
The current academic system doesn’t incentivise risk-taking
But playing it safe can have negative consequences for a field
Implementing ideas in industry
An initial thought can take on a life of its own as different stakeholders contribute their expertise
Supervisors can make or break wellbeing of early-career researchers, survey finds
76% said that their supervisor had a moderate to severe impact on their mental health