Benzylsulfonyl: a valuable protecting and deactivating group in phenol chemistry

We introduce benzylsulfonyl (Bns) as a valuable protecting group in phenol chemistry. Bns proved to be stable under drastic reaction conditions and towards many common reagents. The deprotection proceeds quantitatively using catalytic hydrogenolysis. Additionally the Bns deactivating properties make this protecting group useful for tuning the reactivity of phenolic substrates.     

A potentially valuable advance in the synthesis of carbohydrate-based anticancer vaccines through extended cycloaddition chemistry

An advance in the long-term problem of joining complex oligosaccharides to polypeptides and even proteins is described herein. The key method involves equipping the oligosaccharide sector with an azide and the polypeptide with pendant alkynyl functionality. The two sectors are joined through a "click-like" cycloaddition. The method encompasses oligosaccharide constructs with several azide linkages which undergo concurrent cycloaddition to peptide-based acetylenes. This technology could well prove to be useful in the construction of fully synthetic vaccines.     

Trapping an elusive intermediate in manganese-oxo cubane chemistry

A new member of the Mn-oxo cubane core complex family [Mn2III,2IV4O4L6] (1), where L = (p-MeOPh)2PO2-, has been synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 possesses structurally inequivalent MnIII and MnIV with clear valence electron localization in the crystal phase, quite unlike the structurally equivalent sites, tetrahedral core symmetry, and delocalized valence of its analogue where L = Ph2PO2-. Compound 1 exhibits appreciable positive shifts (0.1-0.3 V) of both the oxidation and reduction electrochemical potentials, attributable to the remote electron donating p-MeO groups. Reduction of 1 by methanol yields a novel core complex [MnIII4O2(OMe)2(MeOH)[(p-MeOPh)2PO2]6] (2). Each MnIII of 2 is tetragonally distorted due to the Jahn-Teller effect with elongated Mn-O bonds that are directed at the two micro3-MeO bridges and neither of the two micro3-oxos. These electronically driven distortions provide a structural rationale for the greater basicity of the former sites and explain why 2 of the 4 corner oxos are preferentially reduced to water molecules.     

Neptunium thiophosphate chemistry: intermediate behavior between uranium and plutonium

Black crystals of Np(PS(4)), Np(P(2)S(6))(2), K(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13), and Rb(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) have been synthesized by the reactions of Np, P(2)S(5), and S at 1173 and 973 K; Np, K(2)S, P, and S at 773 K; and Np, Rb(2)S(3), P, and S at 823 K, respectively. The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Np(PS(4)) adopts a three-dimensional structure with Np atoms coordinated to eight S atoms from four bidentate PS(4)(3-) ligands in a distorted square antiprismatic arrangement. Np(PS(4)) is isostructural to Ln(PS(4)) (Ln = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Er). The structure of Np(P(2)S(6))(2) is constructed from three interpenetrating diamond-type frameworks with Np atoms coordinated to eight S atoms from four bidentate P(2)S(6)(2-) ligands in a distorted square antiprismatic geometry. The centrosymmetric P(2)S(6)(2-) anion comprises two PS(2) groups connected by two bridging S centers. Np(P(2)S(6))(2) is isostructural to U(P(2)S(6))(2). A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) (A = K, Rb) adopts a three-dimensional channel structure built from interlocking [Np(7)(PS(4))(13)](11-)-screw helices with A cations residing in the channels. The structure of A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) includes four crystallographically independent Np atoms. Three are connected to eight S atoms in bicapped trigonal prisms. The other Np atom is connected to nine S atoms in a tricapped trigonal prism. A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) is isostructural to A(11)U(7)(PS(4))(13). From Np-S bond distances and charge-balance, we infer that Np is trivalent in Np(PS(4)) and tetravalent in Np(P(2)S(6))(2) and A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13). Np exhibits a behavior intermediate between U and Pu in its thiophosphate chemistry.     

Carbonic acid: an important intermediate in the surface chemistry of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is an important and ubiquitous component of biological and geochemical systems. In this study, the surface chemistry of calcium carbonate with several trace atmospheric gases including HNO3, SO2, HCOOH, and CH3COOH is investigated with infrared spectroscopy. Adsorbed carbonic acid, H2CO3, is found to be an intermediate in these reactions. In the absence of adsorbed water, carbonic acid is stable on the surface at room temperature. However, upon water adsorption, carbonic acid dissociates as indicated by the evolution of gaseous CO2 and the disappearance of infrared absorption bands associated with adsorbed carbonic acid. Thus, it is postulated that under ambient conditions, carbonic acid may be an important albeit short-lived intermediate in the surface chemistry of calcium carbonate.     

Studies on DMSO-containing carbanilation mixtures: chemistry,oxidations and cellulose integrity

The oxidative effect of carbanilation mixtures containing dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was demonstrated by means of alcohol model substances in which competitive carbanilation was prevented due to steric hindrance of the hydroxyl function, rendering those compounds specific probes for oxidation effects. Dimethylsulfonium ions and derived ylide species were shown to be the actually oxidizing species according to trapping methodology using lipophilic olefins which were converted into the corresponding cyclopropane and epoxide derivatives. The experimental data were in good agreement with DFT computations carried out on the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. The direct interaction of cellulose and sulfoxide solvent was proven by means of methyl-(2-naphthyl)sulfoxide (MNSO) as a model for DMSO, which caused introduction of UV-detectable methylthionaphthyl ether moieties into the cellulose, formed in Pummerer-type side reaction paralleling the chemical behavior of DMSO. A facile color test—responding to sulfoxide-derived oxidizing species—was developed to assess the suitability of carbanilation conditions with regard to cellulose oxidation and degradation. DMSO-based carbanilation systems have to be used with great caution for determination of molecular weight parameters and for similar purposes which require complete maintenance of the cellulose integrity. Cellulose oxidation/degradation by DMSO-derived intermediates upon carbanilation can be minimized but cannot be avoided completely. Thus, if cellulose integrity is an issue as it is in cellulose analytics, it is recommended to replace DMSO by solvent components of similar solution behavior but without the inherent danger of generating oxidants, such as pyridine or DMAc, whenever possible.

Mechanisms of oxygen- and argon-RF-plasma-induced surface chemistry of cellulose

Pure cellulose samples were Ar- and O₂-RF-plasma treated under various external plasma parameter conditions. Plasma induced macromolecular chain and pyranosidic ring cleavage mechanisms are discussed based on survey and high resolution ESCA and ATR-FTIR analysis of cellulose, discharge-exposed cellulose, and discharge-exposed and TFAA and PFPH-derivatized cellulose samples. Analyses have also been made of bothin situ andex situ post plasma oxidation reactions. The new plasma created functionalities were identified and their relative ratios were related to plasma parameters. It was found that Ar plasma treatments initiate reactions mainly associated with the cleavage of C1–C2 linkages leading to the formation of C=O and O-CO-O groups, while O₂-plasma treatments are associated with more intense pyranosidic ring (C-O-C bonds) splitting mechanisms. As a result of our detailed investigation of the high resolution C1s spectra of cellulose and carbohydrates we have reassigned the nonequivalent carbon bond affiliation (C-OH, C-O-C, and C-C) at 285–287 eV. Paper based on the results presented during the workshop of the Engineering Research Center for Plasma-Aided Manufacturing held in Madison, Wisconsin, in Spring 1996.     

Improved synthesis of the valuable peptidomimetic intermediate 3-azido-4-hydroxy cyclopentanoic acid

An improved synthesis of 3-azido-4-hydroxy cyclopentanoic acid 2 is presented. This molecule is useful as a synthetic scaffold for β-turn mimetics on solid phase, with the selectivity of the turns being dependent on the diastereomer employed. A high diastereoselectivity in the synthesis of this molecule in solution is reported, which may then be attached to the solid phase for the synthesis of peptidomimetic libraries.     

Preparation of cellulose nanofibers using green and sustainable chemistry

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A 3D MIL-101@rGO composite as catalyst for efficient conversion of straw cellulose into valuable organic acid

Efficient conversion of straw cellulose to chemicals or fuels is an attracting topic today for the utilization of biomass to substitute for fossil resources. The development of catalysts is of vital importance.In this work, a composite catalyst metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) immobilized on three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide(3D-r GO) were synthesized by in situ growth of the MIL-101(Cr) within the 3Dr GO matrix. The supporting of 3D-r GO guaranteed the dispersion and acid site density of MI...     

纤维素热裂解反应机理及中间产物生成过程模拟研究

基于改进的B-S机理模型,通过求解物料内部和气相空间两段反应过程,对纤维素热裂解过程中一些化合物(活性纤维素、左旋葡聚糖(LG)、乙醇醛、丙酮醇等组分)的生成和演变情况进行了模拟。结果发现,自由水的脱除过程使物料前期升温速率发生了下降,并未影响热解期间温度分布以及反应过程。热裂解过程中,由于一次反应的强烈吸热,物料在长时间内局限于中温范围,其内部各组分质量浓度分布的区别主要体现出一次反应竞争能力的强弱。物料厚度的增加使热裂解时间延长,并加剧物料内部的二次分解。左旋葡聚糖和其竞争产物乙醇醛的生成出现一个大量生成、快速逃逸的过程,相比于左旋葡聚糖,乙醇醛质量浓度的积累具有更快的速度,体现出较高温度下的竞争优势。对于小尺寸反应物,挥发分二次反应主要发生在气相空间,随着气相停留时间的增加,其二次分解的程度提高,该效果随辐射源温度的提高而加剧。相比于LG产率随反应时间的快速下降趋势,高温下生物油产率的降低略显缓和,其变化主要是组分分布的改变,即从大分子结构降解为小分子结构。     

N-phenylselenophthalimide (NPSP) : A valuable selenenylating agent

The phenylseleno group (PhSe) has evolved in recent years as a very useful and versatile functionality. Its facile introduction into organic molecules and its subsequent oxidative or reductive removal, has allowed many important synthetic transformations.^1–7 Due to the fact that, similarly to halogens, it can exist either as an electrophilic species (PhSe⁺) or as a nucleophilic one (PhSe^-), this group can be introduced either via nucleophilic substrates (e.g. carbanions, olefins), or via electrophilic ones (e.g. epoxides, halides), as illustrated in Scheme 1. Another valuable aspect of the phenylseleno group is that it can be readily oxidized to the corresponding selenoxide(PhSe(O)—), which undergoes β-hydrogen abstraction and syn-elimination to form olefins, under relatively mild conditions (Scheme 2(a)). Furthermore, this group can be substituted with hydrogen, upon the action of an appropriate reducing agent (Scheme 2(b)).The great synthetic utility of the phenylseleno group is apparent from its extensive utilization in numerous natural products syntheses,¹ as well as many other synthetic studies.^2–7     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis: A valuable link in chemical metrology

Summary Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is a common technique for the identification of hydrogen and the measurement of hydrogen concentrations within a material. Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites are materials that are known to absorb water. The experiments described herein demonstrate the feasibility of using PGAA to detect water absorption and desorption and show that PGAA measurements of hydrogen concentration are more sensitive to water absorption than gravimetric measurements. Hydrogen concentration measurements are made using PGAA after calibration with a boric acid solution sample. Relative changes in PGAA measurements generally agree with values expected based on gravimetric measurements.     

Recent developments in cellulose grafting chemistry utilizing Barton ester intermediates and nitroxide mediation

Esters or carbonates of N‐hydroxypyridine‐2‐thione (Barton esters) were appended to either carboxymethyl or hydroxypropyl cellulose. Irradiation of the cellulose bound Barton esters in monomer initiated free radical graft copolymerization with minimal concomitant homopolymerization. Grafting of styrene to carboxymethyl cellulose was accompanied by backbone cleavage. The hydroxypropyl spacer group minimized backbone degradation; styrene, acylamide and N‐isopropyl acrylamide could be grafted to hydroxypropyl cellulose in tetrahydrofuran solution. Treatment of Barton carbonate modified hydroxypropyl cellulose with styrene in the presence of TEMPO afforded corresponding TEMPO adducts, which can be used to promote the controlled radical graft polymerization of styrene. Grafts were analyzed independently after hydrolysis of the cellulose backbone.     

Cellulose pyrolysis kinetics: An historical review on the existence and role of intermediate active cellulose

Cellulose pyrolysis, studied since more than one century, has been the object of a great number of papers. Several related kinetic models have been established in large experimental conditions, from slow to fast pyrolysis. Unfortunately, no actual consensus is reached. The primary formation of intermediate species accompanied or not with phase change phenomena are amongst the main matters of concerns. The purpose of the present review is to report the controversies, well-established knowledges and unresolved questions concerning the existence and role of intermediate species (often called “active cellulose”). After a general discussion, a few research topics are suggested at the end of the paper.     

The effect of Fenton chemistry on the properties of microfibrillated cellulose

A fully bleached birch kraft pulp was treated with acidic hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ferrous ions (Fenton’s reagent) and thereafter treated mechanically in a colloid mill to produce a product containing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). The produced MFC products were chemically and morphologically characterized and compared with MFC products produced without pretreatment as well as with enzymatic hydrolysis. Fenton treatment resulted in an increase in total charge and number of carbonyl groups while the intrinsic viscosity decreased. The Fenton treated pulps were easier to process mechanically i.e. they reached a higher specific surface area at a given mechanical treatment time and the MFC produced had a stable water-fibre suspension for at least 8 weeks compared to enzymatic pretreated pulps and pulps not subjected to any pretreatment.     

The chemistry of N-cyanodithioimidocarbonic acid. III. An intermediate in heterocyclic synthesis

The synthesis of substituted benzimidazole, benzothiazole, oxadiazole and triazine systems from dipotassium N-cyanodithioimidocarbonate are described.     

Rigidity extremes in coordination chemistry: a fine energetic balance in the isolation of a trapped ligand inversion intermediate

An unusual copper(ii) complex of a highly rigid and bulky ligand (a macrocycle-glyoxal condensate) has been synthesized and investigated via DFT calculations and structural characterisation.     

Physical chemistry of the conservation of cellulose fabric with water-soluble acrylic copolymers

The possibility of using water-soluble copolymers of sodium acrylate with acrylic acid esters for field conservation of cellulose-based textile materials by capillary impregnation was examined. Artificial aging of the composites obtained and its effect on the strength characteristics of the materials and on the conservation reversibility was examined.