Clay-Supported Cu(II) Catalyst: An Efficient,Heterogeneous, and Recyclable Catalyst for Synthesis of 1,4-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazoles from Alloxan-Derived Terminal Alkyne and Substituted Azides Using Click Chemistry

A novel series of alloxan-derived 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles was synthesized in excellent yields under catalytic conditions using a click reaction strategy through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Their structures have been ascertained on the basis of spectroanalytical and elemental analysis data. Synthesis of hybrid compounds with varying substitutions in the triazole ring was achieved by reaction between alloxan-derived terminal alkyne and a pertinent azide derivative in the presence of clay-Cu(II) as the catalyst in methanolic medium. Also, comparative evaluation of various catalytic systems [viz., CuI, CuSO₄, CuI-zeolite, K10Ti, and clay-Cu(II)] was investigated. Of these catalytic systems, clay-Cu(II) was observed to be the best. The catalyst was recyclable for several runs without showing significant loss in its activity. The good selectivity, cost-efficiency, short reaction time, milder reaction conditions, and simple workup procedure are the added salient features of this synthetic protocol.     

A General,Concise Strategy that Enables Collective Total Syntheses of over 50 Protoberberine and Five Aporhoeadane Alkaloids within Four to Eight Steps

A concise, catalytic, and general strategy that allowed efficient total syntheses of 22 natural 13‐methylprotoberberines within four steps for each molecule is reported. This synthesis represents the most efficient and shortest route to date, featuring three catalytic processes: CuI‐catalyzed redox‐A³ reaction, Pd‐catalyzed reductive carbocyclization, and PtO₂‐catalyzed hydrogenation. Importantly, this new strategy to the tetracyclic framework has also been applied to the collective concise syntheses of >30 natural protoberberines (without 13‐methyl group) and five aporhoeadane alkaloids.     

Catalytic "active-metal" template synthesis of [2]rotaxanes, [3]rotaxanes, and molecular shuttles, and some observations on the mechanism of the cu(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-cycloaddition

A synthetic approach to rotaxane architectures is described in which metal atoms catalyze covalent bond formation while simultaneously acting as the template for the assembly of the mechanically interlocked structure. This "active-metal" template strategy is exemplified using the Huisgen-Meldal-Fokin Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-cycloaddition of azides with terminal alkynes (the CuAAC "click" reaction). Coordination of Cu(I) to an endotopic pyridine-containing macrocycle allows the alkyne and azide to bind to metal atoms in such a way that the metal-mediated bond-forming reaction takes place through the cavity of the macrocycle--or macrocycles--forming a rotaxane. A variety of mono- and bidentate macrocyclic ligands are demonstrated to form [2]rotaxanes in this way, and by adding pyridine, the metal can turn over during the reaction, giving a catalytic active-metal template assembly process. Both the stoichiometric and catalytic versions of the reaction were also used to synthesize more complex two-station molecular shuttles. The dynamics of the translocation of the macrocycle by ligand exchange in these two-station shuttles could be controlled by coordination to different metal ions (rapid shuttling is observed with Cu(I), slow shuttling with Pd(II)). Under active-metal template reaction conditions that feature a high macrocycle:copper ratio, [3]rotaxanes (two macrocycles on a thread containing a single triazole ring) are also produced during the reaction. The latter observation shows that under these conditions the mechanism of the Cu(I)-catalyzed terminal alkyne-azide cycloaddition involves a reactive intermediate that features at least two metal ions.     

Chitinolytic enzymes: catalysis,substrate binding,and their application

After the epoch-making report on X-ray crystal structure of a lysozyme-N-acetylglucosamine trisaccharide complex in 1967, catalytic mechanisms of glycosyl hydrolases have been discussed with reference to the lysozyme mechanism. From the recent findings of chitinolytic enzymes, however, the enzymes were found to have catalytic and substrate binding mechanisms different from those of lysozyme. Based on the X-ray crystal structures of chitinases and their complexes with substrate analogues, the catalytic mechanisms were discussed considering the relative locations of catalytic residues to the bound substrate analogues. Resembling the lysozyme catalytic center, family 19 chitinases, family 46 chitosanases, and family 23 lysozymes have two carboxyl groups at the catalytic center, which are separated (> 10 +) on either side of the catalytic cleft. The catalytic reaction of the enzymes takes place through a single displacement mechanism. In family 18 chitinases, one can identify only one catalytic carboxylate as a proton donor, but not the second catalytic carboxylate whose function and location are similar to those of Asp52 in lysozyme. The catalytic reaction of family 18 chitinases is most likely to take place through a substrate-assisted mechanism. Hen egg white lysozyme has the binding cleft represented by (-4)(-3)(-2)(-1)(+1)(+2). The binding cleft of family 19 chitinases, family 46 chitosanases, and family 23 lysozymes, however, is represented by (-3)(-2)(-1)(+1)(+2)(+3). Molecular dynamics calculation suggests that family 18 chitinases have the binding cleft, (-4)(-3)(-2)(-1)(+1)(+2). The functional diversity of the chitinolytic enzymes might be related to different physiological functions of the enzymes. The enzymes are now being applied to plant protection from fungal pathogens and insect pests. Structure of the targeted chitinous component was determined by a combination of enzyme digestion and solid state CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy, and have been taken into consideration for efficient application of the enzymes. Recent understanding of the catalytic and substrate binding mechanisms would be helpful as well for arrangement of a powerful strategy in such an application.     

Development and application of new oxidation systems utilizing oxometalate catalysts

This review describes our recent efforts in the development and application of new oxidation systems utilizing oxometalate catalysts. The novel use of heteropoly acid (HPA), an acidic oxometalate catalyst, in hypervalent iodine-mediated oxidations provided an effective strategy to generate cation radical species that enables a variety of direct C-H functionalizations of aromatic compounds. This strategy brought a facile biaryl synthesis and new spirodienone syntheses in aromatic oxidation chemistry. Moreover, this strategy opens up a facile synthetic route to morphinandienone alkaloids. On the other hand, the use of oxometalate catalyst together with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based polymer in the development of new solid-phase catalyst provided a novel reaction system in water. Due to the characteristic temperature-responsive intelligence of PNIPAAm, this reaction system brought a remarkable acceleration of the reactivity and ease of catalyst recovering in catalytic oxidation that uses hydrogen peroxide or oxygen gas (O2) as primary oxidant. In addition, the recovered solid-phase catalyst could be used for consecutive reactions without any significant loss of its catalytic efficacy.     

Ruthenium-catalyzed propargylic substitution reactions of propargylic alcohols with oxygen-, nitrogen-, and phosphorus-centered nucleophiles

The scope and limitations of the ruthenium-catalyzed propargylic substitution reaction of propargylic alcohols with heteroatom-centered nucleophiles are presented. Oxygen-, nitrogen-, and phosphorus-centered nucleophiles such as alcohols, amines, amides, and phosphine oxide are available for this catalytic reaction. Only the thiolate-bridged diruthenium complexes can work as catalysts for this reaction. Results of some stoichiometric and catalytic reactions indicate that the catalytic propargylic substitution reaction proceeds via an allenylidene complex formed in situ, whereby the attack of nucleophiles to the allenylidene C(gamma) atom is a key step. Investigation of the relative rate constants for the reaction of propargylic alcohols with several para-substituted anilines reveals that the attack of anilines on the allenylidene C(gamma) atom is not involved in the rate-determining step and rather the acidity of conjugated anilines of an alkynyl complex, which is formed after the attack of aniline on the C(gamma) atom, is considered to be the most important factor to determine the rate of this catalytic reaction. The key point to promote this catalytic reaction by using the thiolate-bridged diruthenium complexes is considered to be the ease of the ligand exchange step between a vinylidene ligand on the diruthenium complexes and another propargylic alcohol in the catalytic cycle. The reason why only the thiolate-bridged diruthenium complexes promote the ligand exchange step more easily with respect to other monoruthenium complexes in this catalytic reaction should be that one Ru moiety, which is not involved in the allenylidene formation, works as an electron pool or a mobile ligand to another Ru site. The catalytic procedure presented here provides a versatile, direct, and one-step method for propargylic substitution of propargylic alcohols in contrast to the so far well-known stoichiometric and stepwise Nicholas reaction.     

A computational chemist approach to gas sensors: modeling the response of SnO2 to CO, O2, and H2O gases

A general bottom-up modeling strategy for gas sensor response to CO, O(2), H(2)O, and related mixtures exposure is demonstrated. In a first stage, we present first principles calculations that aimed at giving an unprecedented review of basic chemical mechanisms taking place at the sensor surface. Then, simulations of an operating gas sensor are performed via a mesoscopic model derived from calculated density functional theory data into a set of differential equations. Significant presence of catalytic oxidation reaction is highlighted.     

Highly selective Diels-Alder reactions of dienophiles with 1, 3-cyclohexadiene mediated by Yb(OTf)(3).2H(2)O and ultrahigh pressures

[reaction: see text] Ultrahigh pressures and catalytic Yb(OTf)(3).2H(2)O were found to mediate Diels-Alder reactions of various electron-deficient dienophiles with 1,3-cyclohexadiene to produce endo-bicyclo[2.2. 2]oct-2-enes in moderate to excellent yield and selectivity. The proposed total synthesis of hapalindole Q based on bicyclo[2.2. 2]oct-2-ene construction by Diels-Alder reaction and subsequent olefin cleavage is outlined. Preliminary results demonstrating the viability of this strategy are presented.     

Enantioselective organocatalytic three-component Petasis reaction among salicylaldehydes, amines, and organoboronic acids

The catalytic enantioselective three-component Petasis reaction among salicylaldehydes, amines, and organoboronic acids with a newly designed thiourea-binol catalyst is presented. A broad range of alkylaminophenols can be obtained in good yield (up to 92%) and good to high enantioselectivity (up to 95% ee). A possible reaction pathway for this catalytic enantioselective Petasis reaction is tentatively proposed.     

Size Controlling Preparation,Adsorption and Catalytic Properties of Silica Microspheres

The size-controlled silica microspheres were prepared by a facile method and the growth mechanism was simply studied. The as-prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The CO₂ adsorption behaviors and methane catalytic oxidation were also measured. The results show that the as-prepared silica is perfect sphere, and the particle size can be controlled by adding tartaric acid. Spherical silica and sphere/tube(rod)-shaped silica were obtained by adjusting reaction time. Silica microspheres with uniform size exhibit high capacity of CO₂ adsorption, while others with wide size-distribution exhibit excellent catalytic performance, suggesting it is an effective method by regulating size to utilize its advantages selectively. Therefore, it will be an ideal strategy to develop the efficient multifunctional materials by a facile route.     

Design of catalysts based on electrochemical microcell models

The concept and the strategy for designing catalytic systems on the basis of electrochemical microcell models have been proposed and demonstrated for Wacker-type oxidation of ethylene, selective hydrogenation of nitric oxide into hydroxylamine and partial oxidation of alkenes and alkanes. For designing active and selective catalysts, at least four fundamental catalytic elements are required. These are (1) the oxidation sites (anode), (2) the reduction sites (cathode), (3) proton conducting medium, and (4) electron conducting medium. The catalytic elements (3) and (4) would electrochemically connect the oxidation (anode reaction) on site (1) and the reduction (cathode reaction) on site (2). A mixture of these four catalytic elements generates an unlimited number of microcells which work as catalysts for desired synthetic reactions.     

Bis(oxazoline)-based coordination polymers: a recoverable system for enantioselective Henry reactions

An efficient release-capture strategy for the recovery and reuse of enantioselective catalysts in the Henry reaction is described. This strategy is based on the precipitation of an insoluble coordination polymer at the end of each reaction, allowing easy separation from products. The coordination polymer is formed through aggregation of Cu(II) ions with ditopic bisoxazoline-based chiral ligands. Up to 11 catalytic cycles have been conducted keeping good yields and enantioselectivities.     

Several Key Factors for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Splitting: Active Site Coordination Environment,Morphology Changes and Intermediates Identification

Water-splitting has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to produce clean hydrogen fuel. However, current electrocatalytic water splitting suffers from sluggish kinetics, thus developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial. Identifying reaction centers discloses the reaction mechanism and will undoubtedly facilitate the design and optimization of efficient water splitting electrocatalysts. This review summarizes several advances involving the identification of the actual active sites and intermediates capture on the catalytic surface. The morphology and valence states change on 2D materials are chose to illustrate how structural evolution affect catalytic activity. Specifically, in situ/ex situ electron microscopy techniques that used for the characterization of catalytic sites, and spectroscopy techniques that used to detect active intermediates at the molecular level are highlighted. In addition, several perspectives, such as the development of new in situ techniques and electrokinetic analysis methods, are emphasized to shed light on future research.     

Catalytic asymmetric addition of dimethylzinc to alpha-ketoesters, using mandelamides as ligands

[reaction: see text] A strategy based on the control of the electron-donating capabilities of the coordinating groups of the ligand has been applied in the catalytic asymmetric addition of organometallic reagents to ketoesters. Mandelamides having deprotonated alcohol and carboxyamido groups catalyzed the addition of dimethylzinc to alpha-ketoesters with good yields and ee (up to 90%).     

Direct Carbohydroxylation of Arylalkenes with Allylic Alcohols: Cooperative Catalysis of Copper,Silver, and a Brønsted Acid

The cooperative catalysis of copper, silver, and Brønsted acid is presented as a new strategy for olefin functionalization. The catalytic direct carbohydroxylation of arylalkenes with allylic alcohols provided a straightforward and efficient approach for preparing 4,5‐unsaturated alcohols. Synthetically useful functional groups, such as Cl, Br, carbonyl, and chloromethyl, remained intact during the functionalization reaction.     

Direct Carbohydroxylation of Arylalkenes with Allylic Alcohols: Cooperative Catalysis of Copper,Silver, and a Brønsted Acid

The cooperative catalysis of copper, silver, and Brønsted acid is presented as a new strategy for olefin functionalization. The catalytic direct carbohydroxylation of arylalkenes with allylic alcohols provided a straightforward and efficient approach for preparing 4,5‐unsaturated alcohols. Synthetically useful functional groups, such as Cl, Br, carbonyl, and chloromethyl, remained intact during the functionalization reaction.     

Four component reaction of aldehydes,isocyanides, Me3SiN3, and aliphatic alcohols catalyzed by indium triflate

In the presence of catalytic amount of indium(III) Lewis acids, the four component reaction of aldehydes, isocyanides, trimethylsilyl azide and aliphatic alcohols smoothly proceeded to give alkoxylated 1H-tetrazole products in good yields. In particular, In(OTf)₃ and In(ONf)₃ showed notably high level of catalytic activity in this reaction.     

Recent advances in Ni−Al bimetallic catalysis for unreactive bond transformation

Ni-Al bimetallic catalysis proves to be an efficient catalytic strategy for unreactive bond transformations. Recently, chiral bifunctional ligands, especially amphoteric secondary phosphine oxide(SPO) ligand, are used for a more powerful synergistic effect in the bimetal-catalyzed reactions, providing not only milder reaction conditions and higher reactivity but also excellent reaction selectivity. Herein, we give a brief review on the development of Ni-Al bimetallic catalytic system and highlight recent advances in enantioselective Ni-Al bimetallic catalysis for unreactive bond transformation.     

Multi‐component reaction‐functionalized chitosan complexed with copper nanoparticles: An efficient catalyst toward A3 coupling and click reactions in water

A novel bio‐nanocomposite nanocatalyst with highly dispersed particles is synthesized through covalent functionalization of chitosan biopolymer by the multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy. Surface functionalization of chitosan through MCR is led to the grafting of carboxamide type ligands with a high affinity toward complexation with copper nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst was explored in various transformations such as A³ coupling and click reactions in water. Reusability and non‐hazardous nature of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, high yielding, and using water as a solvent are the main advantages of this catalytic protocol.     

单原子Cr、Fe和Ni催化乙炔环三聚反应机理研究

应用密度泛函理论(DFT)研究了 Cr、Fe和Ni 3种金属原子催化乙炔环三聚生成苯的反应机理.结果表明,Cr、Fe和Ni催化体系均表现出自旋翻转现象,Cr原子催化乙炔环三聚过程在自旋七重态和五重态势能面上进行,速率控制步骤为形成铬金属七元环;Fe和Ni催化体系的速率控制步骤为两分子乙炔耦合过程.Cr催化体系表现出远高...