Communications Chemistry, Published online: 03 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s42004-025-01704-xDiorganozinc reagents (ZnR2, e.g. R = Et, Ph, C6F5) are widely used as Lewis acid catalysts or Lewis base reagents, however, descriptors for predicting the influence of the R substituent are scarce. Here, by using liquid-phase X-ray spectroscopy, the authors have identified the geometric structures of diorganozincs in weakly coordinating solvents and then established Zn-specific descriptors to quantify the properties of their underlying Lewis acidity/basicity.

Diorganozinc reagents (ZnR2, e.g. R = Et, Ph, C6F5) are widely used as Lewis acid catalysts or Lewis base reagents, however, descriptors for predicting the influence of the R substituent are scarce. Here, by using liquid-phase X-ray spectroscopy, the authors have identified the geometric structures of diorganozincs in weakly coordinating solvents and then established Zn-specific descriptors to quantify the properties of their underlying Lewis acidity/basicity.

Yes-Ya-Yebo! is a celebration of the 12 official languages of South Africa, expressed through song and dance, all imbued with a unique township vibe! From the rhythmic acapella beats of the Gum Boot dance and the soulful Click Song to the electrifying modern hit Calm Down and the 'just you try and NOT get up to dance' joyous hit Jerusalema – all with an exciting twist. Yes-Ya-Yebo! brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by The Imibala Trust, received incredible reviews in 2023 and 2024. If you missed out on the last two years, now is your chance!

Women's Health Editor-in-Chief Claire Sanderson shares her honest review

The problem with methanol poisoning is that it looks very much like alcohol poisoning. And delays in treatment can be fatal.

Intramolecular alkene-arene meta-photocycloaddition reactions are powerful ‘reagentless’ transformations that form complex three-dimensional fused-ring systems from readily accessible starting materi....