Cheap Catalyst Turns Acids Into Pharmaceutical Gold
Chemistry

Cheap Catalyst Turns Acids Into Pharmaceutical Gold

Recent research highlights the potential of photoactivated ketones as effective photocatalysts for activating carboxylic acids, facilitating the creation of new C–C, C–S, and C–Cl bonds, crucial for organic synthesis and bioactive compound development.


What is a photocatalyst and how does it activate carboxylic acids?
A photocatalyst is a substance that uses light energy to trigger chemical reactions. In this research, photoactivated ketones act as photocatalysts by facilitating hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), selectively removing a hydrogen atom from the O–H bond of carboxylic acids. This generates reactive carboxy radicals that can form new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, which are essential for synthesizing pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds.
Sources: [1]
Why is the development of inexpensive photocatalysts important for pharmaceutical synthesis?
Inexpensive photocatalysts like xanthone are important because they provide a cost-effective and efficient way to activate carboxylic acids, which are common building blocks in bioactive molecules. This facilitates the creation of new chemical bonds necessary for drug development without relying on costly or rare catalysts, potentially making pharmaceutical manufacturing more accessible and sustainable.
Sources: [1]

12 July 2025

SciTechDaily
Lynk & Co 02 Achieves Highest EURO NCAP Safety Rating in Compact SUV Segment
Clean Transport

Lynk & Co 02 Achieves Highest EURO NCAP Safety Rating in Compact SUV Segment

The Lynk & Co 02 has achieved the highest Euro NCAP safety rating for compact SUVs in 2025, showcasing exceptional performance across all assessment categories. This recognition solidifies its position as the safest vehicle in its class.


What does the Euro NCAP safety rating signify for the Lynk & Co 02?
The Euro NCAP safety rating evaluates vehicles based on their performance in four key categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist technologies. The Lynk & Co 02 achieved the highest ever Euro NCAP score for a compact SUV in 2025, with outstanding results including 90% for Adult Occupant Protection and 89% for Safety Assist, indicating it is the safest vehicle in its class tested in that cycle.
Sources: [1]
What advanced safety features contributed to the Lynk & Co 02's high Euro NCAP rating?
The Lynk & Co 02's high safety rating is supported by advanced technologies such as an autonomous emergency braking system that effectively responds to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. It also includes features like collision mitigation support and lane support for motorcyclists, which enhance protection for vulnerable road users and contribute to its record 89% Safety Assist score.
Sources: [1]

12 July 2025

CleanTechnica
TC

Sequoia bets on silence

Sequoia Capital's partner Shaun Maguire faced backlash for a controversial social media post, but the outrage has since diminished. This incident highlights a classic crisis management tactic of remaining silent until public sentiment shifts.


Why did Sequoia Capital choose to remain silent after Shaun Maguire's controversial social media posts?
Sequoia Capital's silence following partner Shaun Maguire's inflammatory posts appears to be a strategic crisis management tactic. Despite widespread backlash and demands for apology and disciplinary action, the firm has not publicly responded, likely waiting for public outrage to diminish before taking any official stance. This approach reflects a classic method of letting controversy cool down without escalating the situation through immediate engagement.
What were the main criticisms against Shaun Maguire's social media posts?
Shaun Maguire faced criticism for a July 4 social media post in which he accused New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of advancing an 'Islamist agenda' and claimed Mamdani's culture 'lies about everything.' These remarks were widely condemned as promoting anti-Muslim stereotypes and stoking division. Muslim leaders and tech community members demanded Sequoia Capital denounce Maguire's comments, apologize, and take disciplinary action, highlighting concerns about the impact on diversity and inclusion within the tech ecosystem.

12 July 2025

TechCrunch
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