Combined studies support the hierarchical model for the N_TBphase that involves formation of embryonic self-assembly of the propeller-shaped dimeric molecules withsyn-parallel orientation in the isotropic melt.

Herein we report a comprehensive study on novel carbonyl- and ethenyl-linked symmetric dimers that combine synthesis, mesomorphic properties and molecular modelling. The study has been focused on the impact of geometry imposed by the linkage group on the incidence of the twist-bend nematic (N_TB) phase. Comparison of the mesomorphic properties of these two series complemented with computational studies of conformational space around the linkage group points molecular curvature and intramolecular torsion plays important role in the appearance of the N_TB phase and can be regarded as the basic structural requirements for design of new twist-bend nematogen materials.

Planar chiral 5,11‐disubstiuted dibenzo[a,e]cyclo‐octatetraenes (dbCOTs) have been developed as the first useful chiral homologs to dbCOT‐ligands for asymmetric applications. Methods enabling the preparation of such compounds on a gram‐scale in enantiomerically pure form are described. Evaluated as ligands in rhodium(I)‐catalyzed 1,4‐ and 1,2‐arylation reactions, tertiary and quarternary stereogenic centers were formed with excellent yields and selectivities of up to >99 % ee. A catalytic asymmetric synthesis of a key cyclization precursor to (−)‐penifulvin A highlights the system in an applied context.

Owing to their exceptional mechanical, electronic, and phononic transport properties, compositionally complex alloys, including high-entropy alloys, represent an important class of materials. However, the interplay between chemical disorder and electronic correlations, and its influence on electronic structure-derived properties, remains largely unexplored. This is addressed for the archetypal CrMnFeCoNi alloy using resonant and valence band photoemission spectroscopy, electrical resistivity, and optical conductivity measurements, complemented by linear response calculations based on density functional theory. Utilizing dynamical mean-field theory, correlation signatures and damping in the spectra are identified, highlighting the significance of many-body effects, particularly in states distant from the Fermi edge. Electronic transport remains dominated by disorder and potentially short-range order, especially at low temperatures, while visible-spectrum optical conductivity and high-temperature transport are influenced by short quasiparticle lifetimes. These findings improve our understanding of element-specific electronic correlations in compositionally complex alloys and facilitate the development of advanced materials with tailored electronic properties.