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Australian Journal of Chemistry

Australian Journal of Chemistry

Australian Journal of Chemistry - an International Journal for Chemical Science publishes research papers from all fields of chemical science, with a focus on multidisciplinary chemistry and emerging areas of research. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: George Koutsantonis and John Wade

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Chemistry is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 October 2025

CH25047The potential of classical antibacterial peptides in mammalian antiviral chemotherapy

Laszlo Otvos 0000-0002-6759-235X
 

An illustration posing the question, “Can classical antibacterial peptides be used for anti-virus therapy?”

The potential of classical antimicrobial peptides in anti-virus therapy is discussed in light of research spanning decades. Neither the in vitro activity nor the in vivo efficacy results are strongly encouraging for continuous clinical development. (Image credit: Laszlo Otvos.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25047 Abstract  | PDF (894 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 October 2025

CH25108Inheritance and covariation of specialised metabolites among cannabis chemotypes

Matthew T. Welling 0000-0002-5551-1073, Myrna A. Deseo 0000-0001-6260-4748, Laura Steel, Gayathree I. Senevirathne 0000-0003-2065-8013, Kim L. Johnson, Anthony R. Gendall, Monika S. Doblin and Antony Bacic
 

Graph showing segregation of F2 plants into chemotypes I, II and III.

A genetically female Δ9-THC-type chemotype I plant was crossed with a genetically female CBD-type chemotype III plant. The resulting Δ9-THC and CBD intermediate chemotype II F1 plant was selfed and the inflorescences of seed-propagated F2 plants were analysed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–high-resolution mass spectrometry using data-dependent MS2 acquisition. A plot of the Δ9-THCtot and CBDtot contents and principal component analysis showed the distinct segregation of F2 plants into chemotypes I, II and III. (Image credit: M. T. Welling and M. A. Deseo.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25108 Abstract  |  CH25108 Full Text  | CH25108PDF (3.9 MB)  | CH25108Supplementary Material (3.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 October 2025

CH25093Effect of histidine on the antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1 solution-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulation structures at different protonation states

Marc-Antoine Sani 0000-0003-3284-2176, David W. Keizer 0000-0002-0442-0999 and Frances Separovic 0000-0002-6484-2763
 

Graphic of the lowest energy refined structures of M2 in DPC micelles at pH 5 and 7 in buffer and exposed to water.

The solution structure and topology of a pH-sensitive, histidine-rich analogue of the antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1 were investigated using circular dichroism, solution-state NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The peptide conformation transitioned from unstructured in buffer to a straight water-exposed or more buried bent α-helix in DPC micelles at pH 5 or 7 respectively. (Image credit: Marc-Antoine Sani.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25093 Abstract  |  CH25093 Full Text  | CH25093PDF (1.9 MB)  | CH25093Supplementary Material (215 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 October 2025

CH25122Shaping the future of constrained peptides and compact proteins in drug discovery

Sven Ullrich 0000-0003-4184-7024
 

Graphic of constrained peptides and compact proteins including a list of their benefits.

Constrained peptides and compact proteins are exciting amino acid-based molecules with strong potential as new medicines. Smaller than antibodies, they can bind protein surfaces that classical small-molecule drugs struggle to engage. Recent studies using large libraries, rational design and computational tools have produced promising drug candidates. (Image credit: Sven Ullrich.)

This article belongs to the collection: 2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers.

CH25122 Abstract  |  CH25122 Full Text  | CH25122PDF (3.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 October 2025

CH25091Addressing antimicrobial resistance by using macrocyclic peptides

Samilla B. Rezende 0000-0002-4820-3638, Elizabete S. Cândido 0000-0002-3126-029X, Ludovico Migliolo 0000-0002-6606-2189, Marlon H. Cardoso 0000-0001-6676-5362 and Octávio L. Franco 0000-0001-9546-0525
 

An illustration showing the pathway to antimicrobial drug development through the use of macrocyclic peptides and AI.

Macrocyclic peptides present cyclic scaffolds, disulfide bonds and constrained arrangements, providing structural stability and diverse antimicrobial mechanisms. Through computational refinement, optimal sequences can be designed to enhance selectivity, stability and therapeutic potential. These advances accelerate drug development, enabling next-generation, peptide-based therapeutics to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance. (Image credit: S. B. Rezende et al.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25091 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 08 October 2025

CH25100Ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) from marine demosponges and their microsymbionts

Lakmini Kosgahakumbura, Jayani Gamage 0000-0001-9497-986X, Chamari M. Hettiarachchi, Paco Cárdenas and Sunithi Gunasekera 0000-0002-1089-4015
 

An image of ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides from marine sponges and microbes.

This review highlights ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) from sponges and their microsymbionts. It covers sponge-derived RiPPs, including asteropine A, asteropsins, barrettides, aculeines, stylissamides, recifin A, neopetrosiamides and halichondamide A, as well as RiPPs isolated from sponge microsymbionts, such as polytheonamides, lanthipeptides and thiopeptides. Finally, the review summarises current analytical and genomic tools for RiPP identification and emphasises future perspectives for exploring their ecological and pharmaceutical potential. (Image credit: Sunithi Gunasekera, Jayani Gamage and Paco Cárdenas.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25100 Abstract  |  CH25100 Full Text  | CH25100PDF (3.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 October 2025

CH25044A concise one-pot synthesis of flavones by cyclisation of o-(alkynon-1-yl)phenols

Khalid Widyan 0000-0002-6483-8334
 

Reaction scheme for the one-pot synthesis of flavones and 2-alkyl-4H-benzopyran-4-one from salicylic acylbenzotriazoles.

Flavones are natural molecules found in many plants and are known for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this work, a simple one-step method was developed to make flavones efficiently from readily available starting materials. This streamlined approach makes flavone synthesis more practical and could help accelerate research into new medicines and natural product applications. (Image credit: Khalid Widyan.)

CH25044 Abstract  |  CH25044 Full Text  | CH25044PDF (861 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 September 2025

CH25103Mechanistic considerations for transmetalation at nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes: towards improved catalysis

Nicholas S. D. Solomon 0000-0002-3538-6789 and Sinead T. Keaveney 0000-0002-7613-7383
 

A diagram of a typical cross-coupling catalytic cycle showing the oxidative addition, transmetalation and reductive elimination steps

Palladium and nickel-catalysed cross-coupling reactions are widely used in organic synthesis. Subtle differences in reactivity lead to each metal having advantages and disadvantages, and harnessing the unique properties of each requires a comprehensive mechanistic understanding. This review collates key insights on the transmetalation step of typical cross-coupling reactions. (Image credit: Nicholas S. D. Solomon and Sinead T. Keaveney.)

This article belongs to the collection: 2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers.

CH25103 Abstract  |  CH25103 Full Text  | CH25103PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

CH25124One-pot iterative native chemical ligation–desulfurisation chemistry leveraging a coumarin-based photolabile protecting group for cysteine

Lucas Kambanis, Timothy S. Chisholm, Peter H. G. Egelund, Sameer S. Kulkarni and Richard J. Payne 0000-0002-3618-9226
 

A graphic showing the one-pot iterative ligation–desulfurisation method using 7-diethylamino-3-methyl coumarin.

This communication reports an iterative one-pot native chemical ligation–desulfurisation method using 7-diethylamino-3-methyl coumarin (DEAMC) as a cysteine protecting group. Selective desulfurisation is conducted in the presence of DEAMC-protected cysteine, enabling subsequent photodeprotection and ligation without purification. The utility of this strategy was demonstrated by the efficient one-pot synthesis of a 60-residue mucin-1 peptide. (Image credit: Lucas Kambanis.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25124 Abstract  |  CH25124 Full Text  | CH25124PDF (1.5 MB)  | CH25124Supplementary Material (888 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

CH25104Cobalt oxide-based catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reactions

Huihui Li 0009-0003-3759-0323, Shuhao Wang 0000-0002-6917-6800 and Chuan Zhao 0000-0001-7007-5946
 

Graphic showing Co3O4 catalysts in water electrolysis for acidic oxygen evolution reactions.

Recent advances in the development of Co3O4-based catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are reviewed, highlighting structural, electronic and design strategies to enhance activity and stability for practical proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis applications. Co3O4 is a promising non-precious alternative to noble metals like IrO2 and RuO2, but long-term stability remains a challenge. The review emphasises key engineering techniques, such as doping, surface modification and defect engineering, to enhance performance for large-scale PEM application. (Image credit: Huihui Li.)

This article belongs to the collection: 2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers.

CH25104 Abstract  |  CH25104 Full Text  | CH25104PDF (3.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 September 2025

CH25080Liver microsome stability of N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides is decreased by the presence of cis-amide bonds

Huy N. Hoang, David P. Fairlie and Timothy A. Hill 0000-0001-9727-9930
 

A bar graph with chemical diagrams showing the relative liver microsomal clearance of stable and unstable N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides.

Hepatic stability is crucial for achieving oral bioavailability, as drugs rapidly metabolised by the liver fail to reach effective blood concentrations. This study evaluated the rat liver microsomal stability of N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides. Despite similar sequences, large differences in stability emerged. Poor stability correlated strongly with the presence of cis-amide bonds. NMR and modelling confirmed that cis geometry exposes N-methyl groups to enzymatic attack. These findings identify a cis-amide bond as a key metabolic liability in cyclic peptide drug design. (Image credit: Huy Hoang and Timothy Hill.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25080 Abstract  |  CH25080 Full Text  | CH25080PDF (1.9 MB)  | CH25080Supplementary Material (110 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 September 2025

CH25082A peptide journey through the scientific discoveries of David Craik – a personal reflection

Christian W. Gruber 0000-0001-6060-7048
 

Photograph of David Craik on a field trip, navigating the team through the mist.

This article reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of Professor David Craik to peptide science. His discovery and characterisation of cyclotides – circular plant peptides tied together by a cystine knot – reshaped our understanding of protein stability and inspired new ways to design medicines. From uncovering the enzymes behind peptide cyclisation to pioneering plant-based production of drugs, David’s work bridges structural biology, biodiversity and translational science, leaving a lasting impact on both fundamental research and practical applications. (Photograph by Christian Gruber.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25082 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 05 September 2025

CH25034Preparation of dibenzimidazolium fluorescence probe based on binaphthol and the detection of Al3+

Yingjie Liu, Linhai Hu and Qingxiang Liu 0000-0001-7824-3318
 

Schematic of dibenzimidazolium salt and a graph of fluorescence.

A dibenzimidazolium salt based on binaphthol (1) was synthesised. The recognition of compound 1 for Al3+ was studied by fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet spectra, 1H NMR, HRMS and IR spectra. The high K value for 1·Al3+ indicated that 1 had strong binding force for Al3+. The low detection limit indicated that 1 was sensitive to the detection of Al3+. Compound 1 as a fluorescence probe can effectively distinguish Al3+ from other cations. (Image credit: Qingxiang Liu.)

CH25034 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | CH25034Supplementary Material (951 KB)
Published online 05 September 2025

CH25027Comparison of electronic cigarette chemical composition across Australia

Caitlin Jenkins 0000-0003-2083-6350, Jody Morgan 0000-0001-5493-849X and Celine Kelso
 

Graphic showing map of Australia and analysis pathyway for determining the chemical composition of e-cigarettes.

This study looked at the chemical analysis of electronic cigarette products available around Australia from a variety of store types. Results showed that many of these products contained nicotine despite regulations limiting its inclusion and inaccurate labelling, with some also containing the hazardous chemical cinnamaldehyde. (Image credit: Caitlin Jenkins.)

CH25027 Abstract  |  CH25027 Full Text  | CH25027PDF (1.3 MB)  | CH25027Supplementary Material (387 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik

This collection presents papers submitted as a tribute to Professor David Craik on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Guest Editors for this collection are Prof. Ed Nice (Monash University), Prof. Mibel Aguilar (Monash University) & Prof. John Wade (The Florey)

Last Updated: 17 Oct 2025

2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers

This collection presents papers submitted by 2024–25 Australian Academy of Science and Royal Australian Chemical Institute Award winners.

The Guest Editor for this collection is Curt Wentrup (The University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 16 Oct 2025

10th Heron Island Conference

This collection in Aust. J. Chem. contains a selection of papers by delegates from the 10th Heron Island Conference on Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules conference.

The Guest Editor for this collection is Curt Wentrup (The University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 02 Sep 2025

Beckwith Review Series

Beckwith Reviews honour the memory of Professor Athelstan (Athel) L. J. Beckwith, a remarkable man and an outstanding chemist. These invited reviews advance knowledge in current key areas of research in chemistry.

Last Updated: 04 Jun 2025

10th Anniversary Collection of RACI and AAS Award papers

This collection presents papers submitted by 2023–24 Australian Academy of Science and Royal Australian Chemical Institute Award winners.

All papers in this collection are Open Access and the foreword by the Guest Editor, Curt Wentrup of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at The University of Queensland, is free to read.

Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Primer Review Series

Primer Reviews are concise, authoritative overviews of important contemporary topics in the chemical sciences. They should appeal to advanced undergraduates, the general research chemist who is new to the field, as well as the expert. They provide a solid introduction to the development of a subject, the latest breakthrough results and their implications for the wider scientific community.

Last Updated: 12 Sep 2024

Cornforth Review Series

Cornforth Reviews honour the memory of Sir John Warcup Cornforth (usually known as Kappa to friends and colleagues). These invited reviews advance knowledge in current key areas of research in chemistry.

Last Updated: 22 Aug 2024

The Medicinal Chemistry Collection

Australian Journal of Chemistry is approaching its eighth decade of publishing key work across many spheres of chemistry, both national and international. As the current co-editors-in-chief, we are delighted to introduce this collection that highlights a selection of the finest recent articles in medicinal chemistry. We are proud to also highlight the significant contributions to medicinal chemistry research made by several outstanding women researchers.

Collection Editors
John Wade and George Koutsantonis

Last Updated: 01 Oct 2020

70 Years of Australian Journal of Chemistry: A Retrospective

This collection reflects the breadth and quality of science published in the Australian Journal of Chemistry by Australian scientists over the last seven decades. Papers were selected based on hard data (citations and downloads), but we also chose papers that reflect other criteria, such as landmarks in important aspects of chemical science; recognition of an influential individual; gender diversity; and simply to reflect the breadth of the journal’s output.

Last Updated: 07 Feb 2019

Nobel Laureates

Australian Journal of Chemistry is proud to have published the works of a number of Nobel prize winners of chemistry. This collection brings together the articles authored by these Nobel prize winners.

Last Updated: 01 Nov 2012

Committee on Publication Ethics

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11th Heron Island Conference

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