Alkene dialkylation by triple radical sorting. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38350601/)

These scientists wanted to find a new way to combine different chemicals to make new molecules that could be used to create medicines. They discovered a special process called bimolecular homolytic substitution catalysis that allows them to mix two types of radicals (which are like special atoms with unpaired electrons) together in a very specific way. By doing this, they were able to create new molecules with two specific bonds between carbon atoms. This is important because it helps them make complex molecules more quickly, which could lead to new medicines being developed faster. This study shows a new method for chemists to make important molecules and could help scientists create new drugs in the future.

Wang JZ., Lyon WL., MacMillan DWC. Alkene dialkylation by triple radical sorting. Nature. 2024 Feb 13. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07165-x.