Three attractions in one cage : Various magnetic networks are formed in the three polymorphs of an organic magnet, BBTDA(=benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d′]bis[1,3,2]dithiazole)?GaBr4. The three phases show quite different magnetic behaviors in spite of having the same chemical formula. Their magnetic differences originate from the relative configuration of the neighboring organic radical molecules in their crystals.
Bonded or not bonded? An ab initio valence bond study of [1.1.1]propellane shows that the two bridgehead carbons are linked by a strong and direct σ bond that is neither classically covalent nor classically ionic, but rather a charge‐shift bond, in which the covalent–ionic resonance energy plays the major role. As such, the central bond of [1.1.1]propellane closely resembles the single bond of difluorine.
Playing the sax : The enantioselective total syntheses of (?)‐ and (+)‐decarbamoyloxysaxitoxin (doSTX) and (+)‐saxitoxin (STX) are reported. A new methodology was developed for the synthesis of STXs, featuring discriminative reduction of the nitro group and N? O bond in nitroisoxazolidine.
To Bi or not to Bi? The synthesis of phosphorus nanorods of two differing morphologies is reported, in both the presence and absence of a bismuth catalyst. Not only do these materials represent a new class of elemental nanorods but they also give valuable insight into the complex allotropy of phosphorus.
The first ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorite has been developed through regulation of the electron‐withdrawing ability of the electron acceptor in an intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) system by a deoximation reaction (see figure; EWG=electron‐withdrawing group).
“My most exciting discovery to date has been that molecules can have a magnetic memory. The biggest challenge facing scientists is to find renewable and sustainable energy sources…?” This and more about Roberta Sessoli can be found on page 2265.
Unstable? We're able! 1,n‐Glycols serve as synthetic equivalents to unstable dialdehydes in two‐directional carbonyl allylation from the alcohol oxidation level under iridium‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation conditions. Iterative asymmetric allylation employing 1,3‐propanediol enables the rapid assembly of protected 1,3‐polyol substructures with exceptional levels of stereocontrol.
The importance of taking into account the principle of microscopic reversibility in the analysis of complex copolymerization systems is demonstrated. The analysis of a reversible copolymerization system in which segmental exchange is possible from the point of view of the reaction microreversibility proves that hetero‐reshuffling rate constants depend on homo‐reshuffling rate constants and copolymerization thermodynamics.
Inorganic enzyme? Ceria nanoparticles exhibit unique oxidase‐like activity at acidic pH values. These redox catalysts can be used in immunoassays (ELISA) when modified with targeting ligands (see picture; light blue and yellow structures are nanoparticles with attached ligands). This modification allows both for binding and for detection by the catalytic oxidation of sensitive colorimetric dyes (e.g. TMB).
