C&EN Weekly Chemistry News Quiz, April 17

Why It Matters

These findings reshape drug discovery, battery manufacturing, and climate‑policy strategies, while Dow’s leadership shift signals strategic continuity for a chemical‑industry giant.

Key Takeaways

• Dicitriosides identified as a new plant‑derived antiviral family.
• 1 % water etch bath stops lithium‑metal dendrites, boosting EV range.
• Karen S. Carter, current COO, will lead Dow from July 1.
• Momentum accounts for 59 % of the 2019‑24 global methane increase.
• Academic Freedom Index flags 43 nations with sharp freedom declines.

Pulse Analysis

The identification of dicitriosides expands the repertoire of natural antivirals, offering a scaffold that could accelerate the development of broad‑spectrum therapeutics. By isolating these compounds from common plant supplements, chemists bypass costly synthetic routes and open pathways for rapid pre‑clinical testing, a crucial advantage as the world prepares for future viral threats. This discovery also underscores the growing synergy between phytochemistry and modern drug design, where bio‑inspired molecules can address unmet medical needs with fewer side effects.

In the energy sector, a modest 1 % water‑etch bath applied for 20 minutes has been shown to eliminate dendrite formation on lithium‑metal anodes, a persistent obstacle for high‑energy‑density batteries. The technique’s simplicity and scalability make it attractive for manufacturers seeking to extend electric‑vehicle range without overhauling existing production lines. By mitigating short‑circuit risks, the process could accelerate the commercial rollout of next‑generation EVs, reinforcing the automotive industry's shift toward sustainable mobility.

Beyond the laboratory, the week’s news signals broader industry and societal trends. Dow’s appointment of COO Karen S. Carter as CEO ensures strategic continuity for the petrochemical leader amid a volatile market. Meanwhile, satellite analyses reveal that momentum—rather than new emissions sources—drives most of the recent methane rise, prompting policymakers to prioritize rapid mitigation tactics. The Academic Freedom Index’s warning of declines in 43 countries highlights growing pressures on research environments, while the revelation that a glycosidase enzyme maintains blood‑brain barrier integrity opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, Nula Therapeutics’ $20 million federal grant to target nuclear pores illustrates growing public investment in longevity biotech, positioning chemistry at the forefront of health innovation.