Going through the phases : The title reaction was found to proceed by an initial base‐mediated isomerization to allenyl esters and subsequent phase transfer catalyzed alkylation at the α position of the ester (see scheme).
Buckle up! The dimerization of small fluorescent guests is strongly enhanced in presence of a cyclodextrin host. The host cavity acts like a belt to assist the self‐assembly of guests (see picture). Small variations in the guest structure have significant influence on the stability and geometry of the aggregates.
The fibril structure formed by the amyloidogenic fragment SNNFGAILSS of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is determined with 0.52 Å resolution. Symmetry information contained in the easily obtainable resonance assignments from solid‐state NMR spectra (see picture), along with long‐range constraints, can be applied to uniquely identify the supramolecular organization of fibrils.
Better the second time around : The title compounds were synthesized by using a one‐pot double methylene transfer catalyzed by a heterobimetallic La/Li complex. Chiral amplification in the second step was the key to obtaining oxetanes in high enantiomeric excess (see scheme).
Aerobic oxidation : Mechanisms of aerobic oxidation of the PdII(OAc)2/pyridine catalyst system were evaluated by using density functional theory methods. The results reveal that labile monodentate ligands, such as pyridine, favor a catalyst reoxidation pathway that proceeds via Pd0, rather than direct reaction of O2 with a PdII–hydride intermediate (see scheme).
Simple, versatile and green : Diels–Alder “click” chemistry is a simple, versatile and “greener” approach in the design of a diverse range of dendritic macromolecules (see scheme).
Breathe easy : Reversible H2O and NH3 gas uptake by 2D calcium tetraphosphonates (see figure) is accompanied by framework structural changes similar to those previously reported for some carboxylate‐based hybrids. This breathing mechanism is accompanied by a volume increase of 55 %, while maintaining the topology and crystallinity of the material.
Triangular luminescent box : Self‐assembly of a new multidentate receptor with europium cations results in the formation of trinuclear discrete complexes. X‐ray crystallography shows that nine‐coordinate cations are linked by ligands to provide a triangular complex in the solid state and in solution. Despite the coordinated solvent molecules, this topologically unusual complex exhibits remarkable luminescent properties.
