In a new paper published in Nature Chemistry, the Thomas Group presents a breakthrough method to improve the development of catalysts. Catalysis is indispensable to modern life, driving 90% of chemical processes and impacting 35% of the world’s GDP. The development of new and improved catalysis methods is plagued by ‘hidden’ catalysis (sometimes called ‘Trojan horse’ catalysis), when an impurity facilitates the reaction instead of the intended catalyst. This significantly hinders development, fundamental understanding, and impurity profiles. Current methods to identify hidden catalysis are time-consuming and labour-intensive.Now, the Thomas Group have introduced a transformative, colorimetric indicator that enables rapid, visual detection of hidden borane catalysis. Solution and indicator test strips were prepared as a ‘litmus test’ to make detection of this complex phenomenon easy and routine, with the potential for commercial distribution.Their method to identify ‘hidden’ catalysis offers a step-change in catalysis development, understanding, and impurity detection. It holds the potential to substantially accelerate discovery and optimisation in chemical synthesis by clarifying mechanistic understanding at the outset. The steps in the new method to identify hidden catalysis. A new catalyst for this type of reaction is reported every week, but over 60% of those are susceptible to ‘hidden’ catalysis. Our method will detect those effected by ‘hidden’ catalysis in less than a minute, compared to the days needed to do this previously. This will speed development, improve fundamental understanding and ensure the best use of critical resources. We have developed a litmus test for hidden catalysis.All credit must go to Julie and her efforts. Julie drove this project single-handedly and I cannot thank her enough for her enthusiasm, intelligence and hard work. The last time we published a research paper with only two authors was 2013! A truly impressive feat. Professor Stephen Thomas Study author I am delighted to share our research on the ‘Colorimetric Indication of Hidden Catalysis’! I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. A massive thank you to Steve for his guidance and encouragement. I would also like to thank all current and previous members of the Thomas group, I really appreciate all of their support and enthusiasm. Julie Macleod Study author Read the paper in Nature Chemistry Find out more about the Thomas Group and their research Tags Research Publication date 19 Sep, 2025
