Citation: Dafa Chen, Haiping Xia. From Pollutant to Metal-Centred Annulene: The Transformation Journey of a Little Osmium Atom[J]. University Chemistry, ;2025, 40(10): 156-160. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202508094 shu

From Pollutant to Metal-Centred Annulene: The Transformation Journey of a Little Osmium Atom

Dafa Chen ,
Haiping Xia

Department of Chemistry, Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China

Received Date: 27 August 2025
Revised Date: 29 August 2025

This article employs a vivid personified narrative to recount the journey of an osmium atom (“Little Os”) from being part of the toxic osmium tetroxide to transforming into a functional “metal-centred annulene”. In the story, after causing ecological damage, Little Os resolved to change. Under the guidance of a “Molecular Magician”, she was successfully transformed into a “metal-centred annulene”. Using classic examples such as ferrocene, bis(h⁶-benzene) chromium, and Grignard reagents, the Magician explained the diversity of metallo-annulenes-including sandwich, half-sandwich, and other types-and their wide range of applications. Ultimately, through an innovative “conjugated carbon chain cyclization” method, Little Os was constructed into a novel molecule with a unique structure, stable properties, and broad application prospects, demonstrating the scientific thought process from basic research to applied innovation. This story is not only an engaging popular science tale, but also an enlightening lesson integrating the history of chemistry, bonding theory, and materials science.
- Annulene,
- Metal,
- Ferrocene,
- Metallo-porphyrin
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