Double Layer of Au(100)/Ionic Liquid Interface and Its Stability in Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids

Ring any bells? The differential capacitance curve of Au(100) in neat [BMI]BF₄ (BMI=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) ionic liquid has a bell‐shaped feature (see picture). The adsorption of BMI⁺ shows a disorder–order transition and depends on the structure of the surface. Ordered adsorption in a micelle‐like structure stabilizes the underlying Au surface.

     

Total Synthesis of (−)‐Amphidinolide K

Macrolide magic : An enyne cross‐metathesis reaction of an alkynyl boronate with an alkene derivative as well as a radical cyclization reaction of a homopropargylic β‐alkoxyacrylate are the key transformations in the total synthesis of the cytotoxic macrolide (?)‐amphidinolide K.

     

A Retrospective on the Design and Synthesis of Novel Molecules through a Strategic Consideration of Metathesis and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling

Synergy in synthesis : Strategic consideration of metathesis and Suzuki–Miyaura (SM) cross‐coupling for C? C bond‐formation processes has opened up new and “green” synthetic routes to various complex targets. The use of this synergistic combination for the synthesis of supramolecular ligands, polyaromatic compounds, and complex natural products is covered in this Focus Review.

     

Structural Link between Giant Molybdenum Oxide Based Ions and Derived Keggin Structure: Modular Assemblies Based on the [BW11O39]9− Ion and Pentagonal {M′M5} Units (M′=W; M=Mo,W)

Linked to the Pentagon : The addition of molybdate to [HBW₁₁O₃₉]^8? ions leads to the formation of mixed pentagonal units {W(Mo₅)} and {W(WMo₄)} trapped as linkers in the resulting modular assemblies, thus establishing the first link between the conventional Keggin ion derivatives and the giant molybdenum oxide and keplerate ions.

     

K. Suzuki

“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.

     

Water Splitting by Light with Osmocene as Photocatalyst

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 ([Cp₂Os^II] with Cp^?=C₅H₅^?) serves as photocatalyst.

     

Binding Mechanisms in Supramolecular Complexes

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.

     

Darstellung und Eigenschaften von Ti-substituierten N-Heterocyclen

Preparation and Properties of Ti-substituted N-Heterocycles The compounds (x = 2 to 6) have been prepared by transamination of Ti(NMe₂)₄ with the heterocyclic amines and have been characterised by elemental analyses and ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The dependence on both x and n of the thermal decomposition has been studied for the series and . The results can be interpreted in terms of the steric strain of the R₂N and substituents. Apart from the piperidido groups none of the ligands exhibit protective group properties comparable to the R₂N groups.     

A Ditopic Ion‐Pair Receptor Based on Stacked Nucleobase Quartets

Pass the salt, please! State‐of‐the‐art computations indicate that the stacking complex of a guanine quartet and an adenine quartet (G₄A₄) can function as a potent ditopic receptor for NaCl in aqueous solution (see picture; Na⁺, Cl^? yellow, O red, N blue, C black, H white).

     

Facile Synthesis and Systematic Investigations of a Series of Novel Bent‐Shaped Two‐Photon Absorption Chromophores Based on Pyrimidine

Mark us bent! The synthesis, structure, and single‐ and two‐photon spectroscopic properties of a series of pyrimidine‐based (bent‐shaped) molecules are reported. These allow structure‐property relationships and guidelines for both the development and application of TPA compounds to be derived.

     

Asymmetric Intramolecular Carbocyanation of Alkenes by C?C Bond Activation

Versatility : Ni⁰ and Pd⁰ complexes act as catalysts in the intramolecular aryl‐ and acylcyanation reactions, respectively, of alkenes (see scheme). These reactions not only proceed with high yield and selectivity, they also tolerate a wide range of functional groups and can furnish valuable heterocycles such as oxindoles, which are precursors for a myriad of natural and/or biologically active products.

     

Single and Double C?Cl‐Activation of Methylene Chloride by P,N‐ligand Coordinated Rhodium Complexes

Two in one : The simultaneous formation of bimetallic μ‐methylene bridged Rh^III complexes as well as dimeric Rh^III complexes with terminal chloromethyl groups is observed for P,N‐ligand stabilized Rh^I complexes by C? Cl bond activation of methylene chloride. A mechanistic proposal for the formation of both activation products is also discussed.

     

When Do Interacting Atoms Form a Chemical Bond? Spectroscopic Measurements and Theoretical Analyses of Dideuteriophenanthrene

Don't rewrite the textbooks! Vibrational spectra of a selectively deuterated derivative of phenanthrene indicate that the C4H???HC5 interaction in its “bay” area should be interpreted as steric (Pauli) repulsion. These findings and the results of theoretical analysis are in conflict with interpretations that describe this interaction as strongly stabilizing.