π–π assisted : Photoinduced electron transfer from cofacial porphyrin dimers to electron acceptors is prominently accelerated, whereas the back electron transfer is decelerated, relative to the corresponding porphyrin monomer (see figure).
The effect of carbon is subtle but sweet : The flexible C‐linkage in the newly synthesised C‐glycosyl mimetic, Manα(1,6)‐C‐ManαOPh allows OH? π bonding, both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. This interaction is absent in the O‐linked disaccharide (see figure).
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).
Tungsten tryst : A 4‐H‐butatrienylidene complex of tungsten was successfully isolated and structurally characterized. It undergoes a unique self‐coupling, which leads to a dimer (see picture; P pink, O red) with a cross‐conjugated π system and with electrochemically and magnetically active metal centers.
PS, I love you! Novel mixed phosphole/thiophene π‐conjugated systems were synthesized and their electronic properties have been studied both experimentally by UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrochemistry and by theoretical calculations. Exploiting the chemistry of both P‐ and S‐heteroles allows the generation of a diverse range of novel ring‐fused benzophosphole–thiophene derivatives.
Following the light: Photoredox catalysis along with aminocatalysis have proved to be the right combination for one of the most challenging asymmetric transformation in organic synthesis: the direct intermolecular α‐alkylation of aldehydes.
Protein roll call : Peptide‐based building blocks, in which both an α‐helix‐forming segment and a β‐sheet segment are located within a single macrocyclic structure, self‐assemble into α‐helix‐decorated artificial proteins. This approach provides a starting point for developing artificial proteins that can modulate α‐helix‐mediated interactions occurring in a multivalent fashion.
A simple addition with a large impact : Addition of aromatic amines such as phenanthroline and 4‐DMAP (4‐dimethylaminopyridine) increases copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) catalytic activity of [CuCl(SIMes)] at a large range of temperatures in such a way that efficient catalysis can safely take place in hydro‐alcoholic solvents (see scheme).
Shape‐memory polymers (SMP) are versatile stimuli‐responsive materials that can switch, upon stimulation, from a temporary to a permanent shape. This advanced functionality makes SMP suitable and promising materials for diverse technological applications, including the fabrication of smart biomedical devices. In this paper, advances in the design of SMP are discussed, with emphasis on materials investigated for medical applications. Future directions necessary to bring SMP closer to their clinical application are also highlighted.
