Sequential reactions from catalytic hydroformylation toward the synthesis of amino compounds

Different families of new amino compounds were efficiently synthesized, through optimized sequential processes, involving rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation as the key step. The selection of appropriate hydroformylation catalytic systems and reaction conditions allowed obtaining aldehydes derived from several n-alkyl olefins, cholest-4-ene and 3-vinyl-1H-indole, which were subsequently transformed, in one-pot, in to α-amino acids via hydroformylation/Strecker reaction, and in to tertiary amines via hydroaminomethylation, with excellent yields.     

Synergistic effects of encapsulated phthalocyanine complexes in MIL-101 for the selective aerobic oxidation of tetralin

Metal phthalocyanine complexes encapsulated in MIL-101, and used as "ship-in-a-bottle" catalysts, show outstanding TONs in the aerobic oxidation of tetralin.     

Comparison of Young's modulus and specific heat anomalies at the magnetic transition in α′-NaV2O5

We have measured Young's modulus (using a vibrating reed technique) and the specific heat (using ac calorimetry) on the same crystals of α′-NaV₂O₅ at its T_c=34 K magnetic phase transition. Both properties exhibit large, unsymmetrical, and sample-dependent anomalies. While the specific heat results suggest tricritical behavior of the transition, large fluctuation effects are observed in the modulus above T_c. Fits of the modulus in terms of the specific heat, entropy, and free energy suggest that fluctuations are strongly stress- and sample-dependent.     

Synthesis of L-Propargylglycine and Derivatives

The chemical synthesis of L -propargylglycine (L -Pra) and of various derivatives is described. The new amino acid is a starting material for carboranylalanine (Car) and for tritiated norleucine.