Asymmetric,Three‐Component,One‐Pot Synthesis of Spiropyrazolones and 2,5‐Chromenediones from Aldol Condensation/NHC‐Catalyzed Annulation Reactions

A novel one‐pot, three‐component diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis of spiropyrazolones has been developed involving the aldol condensation of an enal to generate α,β‐unsaturated pyrazolones, which react with a second equivalent of enal through an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation. The desired spirocyclopentane pyrazolones are obtained in moderate to good yields and good to excellent stereoselectivities. Alternatively, starting from cyclic 1,3‐diketones, 2,5‐chromenediones are available through [2+4] annulation.     

A Further Extension of Pnictide Oxide Chemistry – Synthesis and Structure of La2AuP2O

The phosphide oxide La₂AuP₂O was synthesized from lanthanum filings, dried La₂O₃, gold pieces, and ground red phosphorus in the ideal 1.33:0.33:1:2 ratio in an evacuated silica tube at 1473 K. Small single crystals were obtained by recrystallization in a NaCl/KCl flux. The structure was determined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, C2/m, a = 1537.3(3), b = 427.39(8), c = 1009.2(2) pm, β = 131.02(1) °, wR₂ = 0.046, 1102 F² values, 38 variables. La₂AuP₂O contains two striking structural motifs: The oxygen atoms are located in La₄ tetrahedra. The latter are cis‐edge‐shared forming polymeric cationic [La₂O]⁴⁺ chains. These cationic units are separated and charge‐balanced by [AuP₂]^4– polyanions which have monovalent gold in distorted trigonal planar phosphorus coordination. Two crystallographically independent phosphorus sites occur in the polyanion, i.e. isolated P^3– besides dumb‐bells P₂^4– (P2–P2 223 pm). La₂AuP₂O, which crystallizes in the form of ruby red transparent crystals, is an electron precise phosphide oxide (4La³⁺)(2Au⁺)(2P^3–)(P₂^4–)(2O^2–).     

Capital Accumulation and Embodied Technological Progress

This paper combines technology adoption with capital accumulation taking into account technological progress. We model this as a multi-stage optimal control problem and solve it using the corresponding maximum principle. The model with linear revenue can be solved analytically, while the model with market power is solved numerically. We obtain that investment jumps upwards right at the moment that a new technology is adopted. We find that, if the firm has market power, the firm cuts down on investment before a new technology is adopted. Furthermore, we find that larger firms adopt a new technology later.     

Monoester Copillar[5]arenes: Synthesis,Unusual Self‐Inclusion Behavior,and Molecular Recognition

The self‐inclusion behavior of monoester copillar[5]arenes depends on the position of the ester group, which causes different guest selectivities. Monoester copillar[5]arenes bearing an acetate chain can form stable self‐inclusion complexes in low‐ and high‐concentration solution and exhibit high guest selectivity. However, a monoester copillar[5]arene bearing a butyrate chain can not form a self‐inclusion complex and exhibits low guest selectivity. Thus, a new class of stable self‐inclusion complexes of copillar[5]arenes was explored to improve the selectivity of molecular recognition.     

Fluorinated and Trifluoromethylated Corannulenes

The syntheses and properties of corannulenes carrying electron‐withdrawing groups (F, CF₃, C₆F₅) are reported. Direct fluorination of corannulene (C₂₀H₁₀) was carried out with xenon difluoride, and the crystal structure of the product was confirmed by the X‐ray analysis. Novel trifluoromethylated corannulenes, including the versatile 4,9‐dibromo‐1,2‐bis(trifluoromethyl)corannulene, were obtained by various established ring‐closing reactions. Besides the use of hexafluorobutyne for the construction of fluoranthenes by Diels–Alder reaction as precursor molecules to form 1,2‐disubstituted corannulenes, bis(pentafluorophenyl)acetylene was employed as dienophile. The molecular structure and crystal packing of a trifluoromethylated corannulene was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and compared with those known brominated and trifluoromethylated corannulenes. The general electron‐acceptor properties of corannulenes bearing substituents introduced in particular positions by liquid‐phase synthesis are discussed together with published computational results.     

Diosgenin aus Yams als Hormonvorstufe

Diosgenin as a sapogenin is the aglycone of the saponine dioscin. It is occuring in plants such as yam, from which it is isolated on industrial scale since the 1940ies. Plant diosgenin is a starting substance for the synthesis of human, i.e. animal, hormones and “the pill”, which as a hormonal contraception represents a revolution in the control of human sexuality. History, isolation and spectroscopy of this complex sapogenin are reported. This article extends the briskly discussed feature “50 years pill in Germany” (Streller & Roth, ChiuZ, 2011 [( 1 ) ]) by a particular compound example. It belongs to the series on isolation and spectroscopy of natural products in this journal.     

Eucalyptol aus Eukalyptusöl

Eucalyptol (1,8‐cineol), a cyclic monoterpenoid ether, is the dominant portion of eucalyptus oil, an essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus, accessible by steam distillation of its leaves. Some herbs and spices such as basil and cardamom also contain it as characterising flavour compound. Eucalyptus is a very diverse genus of Myrtaceae naturally occurring in Australia to whom the species have adapted in evolution. Planting Eucalyptus trees outside Australia has both benefits for poor populations and drawbacks. Especially, the enormous water consumption has been criticized. The total impact is doubtful. Eucalyptol is used in flavorings, fragrances, confectionery, cosmetics, cough suppressants, and insect repellents. Higher than normal doses are a hazard. A convenient isolation of eucalyptol from eucalyptus is reported. All analytical spectra were recorded and are reproduced and interpreted either in the main part or in the supporting information. The project is a follow up of the recent book “Classics in Spectroscopy” by S. Berger und D. Sicker (Wiley‐VCH 2009).