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

A semi-rationally engineered P450 disrupts the native radical transfer pathway to achieve highly selective B-ring C7β functionalization of pentacyclic triterpenoids. The installed C7β-OH handle supports chemoenzymatic synthesis of previously inaccessible B-ring-modified PT derivatives with potent antitumor activity, demonstrating the utility of enzyme engineering for the late-stage diversification of complex natural products. ABSTRACT Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) feature a steroid-like privi…

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

Electrooxidative C - C bond cleavage often encounters poor regioselectivity and low efficiency in conventional single-anode systems. Here, we deliberately customize a bipolar enzymic electrocatalyst HM@MM-MWCNT...

Regioselectivity models are of key importance to the implementation of C–H functionalisations in synthetic route planning. In structure- and fragment-based drug discovery (SBDD/FBDD), ligand-target affinity is enhanced by elaborating weak hits into potent ...

Communications Chemistry, Published online: 12 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s42004-026-02091-7Propylene methoxycarbonylation offers an atom-economical route to synthesize butyrate esters, yet its mechanism and regioselectivity remain underexplored. Here, the authors investigate the structure–performance relationship of Pd-based catalysts with various monophosphine and bisphosphine ligands, revealing that electronic and steric effects enhance catalytic activity and regioselectivity.

The development of catalysts with a built-in electric field to catalyze and control complex chemical reactions under mild conditions with exceptional stereo and regioselectivity remains a key objectiv...

Contrary to traditional alkene aziridination via (formal) nitrene transfer, we herein report a strategy that achieves intermolecular aziridination of a single alkene carbon atom and installs an addit...