Chemistry

The blue and deep-red wavelengths emitted by plant growth lamps effectively encompass the entire spectrum of plant pigments essential for optimal growth. Nevertheless, inadequate thermal stability and poor quantum efficiency impede advancements in plant lighting technology. In this study, Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions are co-doped into the BaCa₁₃Mg₂(SiO₄)₈ matrix to develop a phosphor that encompasses the entire absorption wavelength range of plant pigments. Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions can emit blue light and red light in the range of 380–550 nm and 600–760 nm, respectively. As an excellent sensitizer, Ce³⁺ ions can significantly enhance the luminescence efficiency of Mn²⁺ ions, with a quantum efficiency of 51.03%. The analysis of crystal structure, spectroscopy, and energy transfer mechanisms clarifies the fundamental factors contributing to the observed high quantum efficiency. Theoretical calculations show that dipole–dipole interactions dominate the energy transfer process. At 140 °C, the emission intensity of the whole sample region can reach 92.83% of the integrated emission intensity. The electroluminescence spectrum of the sample overlaps substantially with the spectrum required for optimal absorption by the plant. The results show that BaCa₁₃Mg₂(SiO₄)₈: Ce³⁺, Mn²⁺ phosphors have excellent properties and inspire broad application prospects in the plant lighting field.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging as efficient, green, low-toxicity solvents in the field of natural product extraction and separation. To systematically understand the development trend and research hotspots in this area, this paper, based on databases such as Web of Science, retrieved the relevant literature from 2017 to 2026. Using bibliometric and visualization analysis methods, it conducted an analysis of dimensions such as annual publication volume, research fields, country/institution distribution, core authors, highly cited papers/authors, keyword co-occurrence, and clustering. The results show that the number of publications in this field has continued to increase over the past decade, with China being the main contributor; the research hotspots focus on the green extraction processes of DESs, ultrasonic-/microwave-assisted extraction, efficient separation of active components such as flavonoids/polyphenols, as well as the biological activity evaluation of the extracts and mechanism exploration. This study comprehensively reveals the development trend, core forces, and research hotspots of the field, providing references and directions for the subsequent development of new DESs with high efficiency, safety, economy, and environmental friendliness, as well as green preparation technologies for natural products.

Aziridine, a three-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, is a versatile building block in organic synthesis. Due to high ring strain, it tends to undergo ring opening reactions under the influence of nucleophilic reagents. Facile construction of four- to seven-membered aza-heterocyclic ring systems is a challenging task for synthetic organic chemists. Fortunately, this small scaffold (aziridine) is an ideal starting material for conversion into larger nitrogenated heterocycles. This review presents some illustrative and contemporary examples to demonstrate the synthetic utility and efficiency of the ring-expansion strategies of the aziridines towards a wide range of small to medium-sized aza-heterocyclic moieties of pharmaceutical importance.