Intelligent design : The total synthesis of the cytotoxic (?)‐FR182877 relies on 1) tandem Diels–Alder reactions to close rings A–D (see scheme), 2) a palladium‐mediated 7‐exo‐trig reaction, and 3) an iridium‐mediated isomerization followed by epimerization and stereoselective reduction.
The infinite coordination polymerization…? of metal ions and multitopic organic ligands is explored to fabricate metal–organic micro‐ and nanospheres that can be used as functional matrices. In their Communication on page 2325 ff., D. Maspoch and co‐workers show how this simple process affords spheres that encapsulate active substances, such as magnetic nanoparticles, organic dyes, and quantum dots, to result in multifunctional spheres. Marianne Verdoux is thanked for the cover graphic design.
Last but not least : A simple molecular redox system is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen photochemically. Two separate photolyses are combined to a cyclic process (see scheme). Osmocene ([Cp2OsII] with Cp?=C5H5?) serves as photocatalyst.
“My first experiment was preparation of proline‐derived chiral ligands for asymmetric alkylation. My favorite subjects at school were history and English…?.” This and more about Keisuke Suzuki can be found on page 2635.
Ringing the changes : The total synthesis of the title compound centers around a novel strategy that employs a nickel(0)–phosphine complex and triethyl borane in an efficient closure of a 14‐membered ring through C? C bond formation (see scheme; cod=cyclooctadiene). The synthesis was accomplished in 10 steps and in approximately 9 % overall yield.
“My first experiment was the Wittig reaction to prepare chiral allenes. If I wasn′t a scientist, I would be a historian. …?” This and more about Yoshiaki Nishibayashi can be found on page 4276.
Low‐cost, responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/polystyrene composite films were prepared by a facile electrospinning technique. The surface structures and wettabilities of the composite films are tunable by simply controlling the concentration of polymer. With a proper proportion of each polymer, the wettability of the surface can be switched between superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity when the temperature is changed from 20 °C to 50 °C. The combination of a stimuli‐responsive polymer with micro/nanostructures on the surface of the composite film contributes to this unique surface property.
Forces to reckon with : Supramolecular complexes, such as the one shown, are normally based on a combination of different interactions such as ion pairing, hydrogen bonds, and stacking interactions. The not always simple characterization of the nature and strength of intermolecular forces provides assistance to the understanding of biomimetic systems, as well as for the design of synthetic receptors, drugs, and intelligent materials.
Excellent couplings : Recent developments in the metal‐catalyzed C? H activation of sp3 centers in an α position relative to an amine nitrogen atom are presented. Their reaction with alkenes to give alkylamines (hydroaminoalkylation) is also summarized (see general scheme).
Weaving an intricate web : A stereoselective synthesis of (?)‐agelastatin A has been developed, which requires 11 steps from commercially available starting material. The application of a Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular olefin aziridination reaction and the subsequent manipulation of the resulting tricyclic intermediate (see scheme) punctuate this study.
Preferred protonation : Does electrospray ionization mass spectrometry produce gas‐phase or liquid‐phase structures? The preferred protonation site in p‐aminobenzoic acid depends upon the medium, and the structure of its conjugate acid varies with the solvent used during spraying.
“My favorite subject at school was tennis. When I was eighteen I wanted to be a chemist…?.!” This and more about Manfred T. Reetz can be found on page 3731.
