This article looks at molecules that can exist in multiple states with the possibility of toggling between those states based on different stimuli. They have potential for use in molecular switching or sensing applications. The coupling of two different oxidation states with two different charge-transfer states within one macrocyclic scaffold delivers up to five different optical outputs. This molecular switching manifold exploits intramolecular coupling of multiple redox active substituents within a single molecule.

This article explores the rare earths, the chemically similar elements that occupy the f-block of the Periodic Table and the Group III chemical family. The articles shows the locations that certain rare earths were originally found. It also gives details on where the elements can be found currently, as well as major production areas. The cover of the Fall 2015 Hexagon journal (Vol. 106, Issue 3) features the Mountain Pass rare earth ore body in Southern California, which is mentioned in the article on pages 40-45 of the journal. A description of the photo on the cover of the journal can be found on page 38.

This article reports pyrazinacenes containing the dihydro-decaazapentacene and dihydro-octaazatetracene chromophores and compares their properties/functions as a model case at an oxidizing metal substrate.