Synthesis of Regioisomeric Functionalized Benzodifurans and Angelicins

Arenofurans have important biological and pharmacological activities. Compared to benzofurans, the reports on the synthesis of benzodifurans are rather limited. Here, we report the synthesis of a linear and an angular 3,3′‐bis(carboxymethyl)substituted benzodifuran and 4′‐carboxymethyl‐substituted angelicins from phloroglucinol, using 4‐halomethyl‐substituted dipyrones as key intermediates in the synthetic route. This strategy shows that the stability of a pyrone ring depends on the type of substituent at C(4) and the conditions used.     

Structural effects of amphiphilic block copolymers on the gold nanoplates synthesis. Experimental and theoretical study

Geometric and multi-arms gold nanoplates were synthesized by direct reaction between two different amphiphilic block copolymers and KAuCl₄ in aqueous solution. Amphiphilic copolymers containing blocks of ε-caprolactone and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone were used. The block copolymer structures and concentration play a key role on the morphology and size of gold nanoparticles. Copolymers have a dual function as reductant and stabilizer agent. The gold nanoparticles obtained were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). On the other hand, electronic structure calculations, based on density functional theory were performed to support the experimental results. The simple models built with small clusters of gold and co-monomer units provide planar structures complexes with higher stabilization energies. These results agree with the nanoplates obtained experimentally. Moreover, the reactivity analysis based on monoelectronic properties suggests that the formation of aggregates between complexes is favored.