The missing link : Ferrocene and porphyrin monolayers are tethered on silicon surfaces with short (see picture, left) or long (right) linkers. Electron transfer to the silicon substrate is faster for monolayers with a short linker.
Network formation: Comicellization of polystyrene‐block‐polyethylene oxide (PS–PEO) with non‐ionic surfactants leads to the formation of networks and chains of spheres. The aqueous network solutions are responsive to dilution, undergoing morphological transformations to cylinders with Y junctions and both two‐ and three‐dimensional toroids (see figure).
Atomic‐level portrait : The mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by the puzzling enzyme farnesyltransferase is elucidated by using computational methods, allowing the obtainment of the first real detailed atomistic quantum‐chemical transition‐state structure (see figure) for the reaction catalyzed by this enzyme. The results obtained provide an atomic‐level framework for the design of more potent and specific inhibitors for this important enzyme.
′I′ is all the hype : A twofold excess of iodoarene in the title reaction leads to ortho‐quinols in good yields, whereas organocatalytic versions of this reaction enable subsequent epoxidation in a regio‐ and diastereoselective fashion. Chiral iodobiarenes led to enantioselectivities up to 50 % ee. m‐CPBA=meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid.
Quick access : A concise and efficient formal synthesis of platencin has been accomplished in nine steps from a commercially available starting material. The synthesis utilized only one protecting group. The base‐catalyzed Michael cyclization of precursor 1 afforded the key diketone 2 , which was converted into the desired core structure 4 via the radical intermediate 3 .
Not blue but red‐brown : A [1]ferrocenophanium ion has been synthesized and isolated as a red‐brown crystalline salt, surprisingly different in color from characteristically blue‐green unstrained ferrocenium ions. Compared to the neutral iron(II) counterpart, the [1]ferrocenophanium ion displays a considerably higher ring tilt and an increased propensity for ring‐opening reactions.
Cohesion matters! The correlation between the conformational rigidity of the polyelectrolyte and the size and stability of the globular assembly is discussed in this review article. Some examples of models for the association of polyelectrolytes to globular assemblies are shown here.
Diversity‐oriented synthesis : The multicomponent reaction of α‐isocyano amides, aldehydes or ketones, and amines affords N‐(cyanomethyl)amides, presenting the fourth class of products from this combination of reagents (see scheme). The scope of the reaction is very broad and various functional groups are tolerated. The outcome of the reaction can also be directed to the formation of 2H‐2‐imidazolines by AgI catalysis.
Don't cry! The attachment of ferrocene moieties on the surface of carbon nano‐onions influences the electrochemical properties of these moieties and the photophysical properties of the carbon nano‐onions (see figure). Quantum chemical calculations confirm that the spectral properties of carbon nano‐onions depend on their size and the degree of functionalisation.
Involuntary association : Anionic β‐galactosidase enzymes associate with positively charged Au nanoparticles to produce reduced‐charge conjugates, which assemble at oil–water interfaces to result in stable microcapsules (see picture). The microcapsules were formed quickly and showed high enzymatic activity, which makes them promising materials for biotechnology applications.
A complex rotation : The solution conformation of spermidine (SPD) was elucidated by using diastereospecifically deuterated and 13C‐labeled derivatives to diagnose the orientation of seven conformationally relevant bonds. NMR coupling constants were determined for a complex formed from spermidine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP; see figure).
