Asymmetric synthesis of methyl (-)-13-oxo-15,16-dinorlabda-8(17),11E-dien-19-oate, methyl ester of a potent suppressor toward carcinogenic promotor

Asymmetric synthesis of methyl ester (4) of (-)-13-oxo-15,16-dinorlabda-8(17),11E-dien-19-oic acid (1), which exhibited the most potent activity for the prevention of incipient carcinogenesis among the isolated diterpenes from Thuja standishii and its related plants, was achieved by using methyl (-)-1,4a-dimethyl-5-oxodecahydronaphthalene-1-carboxylate (5) as a strating material, which was easily prepared on gram scale by baker's yeast-catalyzed asymmetric reduction.     

Aliphatic/aromatic polyimide ionomers as a proton conductive membrane for fuel cell applications

To produce a proton conductive and durable polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications, a series of sulfonated polyimide ionomers containing aliphatic groups both in the main and in the side chains have been synthesized. The title polyimide ionomers 1 with the ion exchange capacity of 1.78-2.33 mequiv/g were obtained by a typical polycondensation reaction as transparent, ductile, and flexible membranes. The proton conductivity of 1 was slightly lower than that of the perfluorinated ionomer (Nafion) below 100 degrees C, but comparable at higher temperature and 100% RH. The highest conductivity of 0.18 S cm(-)(1) was obtained for 1 at 140 degrees C. Ionomer 1 with high IEC and branched chemical structure exhibited improved proton conducting behavior without sacrificing membrane stability. Microscopic analyses revealed that smaller (<5 nm) and well-dispersed hydrophilic domains contribute to better proton conducting properties. Hydrogen and oxygen permeability of 1 was 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than that of Nafion under both dry and wet conditions. Fuel cell was fabricated with 1 membrane and operated at 80 degrees C and 0.2 A/cm(2) supplying H(2) and air both at 60% or 90% RH. Ionomer 1 membrane showed comparable performance to Nafion and was durable for 5000 h without distinct degradation.     

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Benzylic C(sp3)−H Functionalizations: Divergent Synthesis of Indole[a]- and [b]-Fused Polycycles**

Phenyl azides substituted by an (alkylphenyl)ethynyl group facilitate benzylic sp³(C−H) functionalization in the presence of a JohnPhosAu catalyst, resulting in indole-fused tetra- and pentacycles via divergent N- or C-cyclization. The chemoselectivity is influenced depending on the counter-anion, the electron density of the α-imino gold(I) carbene, and the alkyl groups stabilizing the benzylic carbocation originating from a 1,5-hydride shift. An isotopic labeling experiment demonstrates the involvement of an indolylgold(I) species resulting from a tautomerization that is much faster than the deauration. The formation of a benzylic sp³(C−H) functionalization leading to an indole-fused seven-membered ring is also demonstrated.