Fluence dependence of the ultrafast transition from the A7 to the simple cubic structure in arsenic

We extend a previous theoretical study, in which we have predicted that a solid–solid phase transition can be induced by a laser in arsenic under pressure, to higher fluences. In particular, we compute the fluence that is needed to induce an ultrafast structural transition from the A7 to the simple cubic phase as a function of the applied pressure. We further discuss the possibility of ultrafast, laser-induced melting.     

A One‐Pot Cascade Reaction Combining an Encapsulated Decarboxylase with a Metathesis Catalyst for the Synthesis of Bio‐Based Antioxidants

The combination of enzymes with traditional chemical catalysts unifies the high selectivity of the former with the versatility of the latter. A major challenge of this approach is the difference in the optimal reaction conditions for each catalyst type. In this work, we combined a cofactor‐free decarboxylase with a ruthenium metathesis catalyst to produce high‐value antioxidants from bio‐based precursors. As suitable ruthenium catalysts did not show satisfactory activity under aqueous conditions, the reaction required the use of an organic solvent, which in turn significantly reduced enzyme activity. Upon encapsulation of the decarboxylase in a cryogel, the decarboxylation could be conducted in an organic solvent, and the recovery of the enzyme after the reaction was facilitated. After an intermediate drying step, the subsequent metathesis in pure organic solvent proved to be straightforward. The synthetic utility of the cascade was demonstrated by the synthesis of the antioxidant 4,4′‐dihydroxystilbene in an overall yield of 90 %.