Factors controlling the regioselectivity of additions to α-enones—III: Reactions of 3-aryl α-enones with phosphorylated anions

Reaction of phosphonoester 2 and phosphononitrile 3 with chalcone and p-methoxychaleone in THF-t-BuOK at room temperature gives only the product resulting from CC double bond attack. The same reagents with benzalacetone lead to mixture of products resulting from CC double bond and carbonyl attack, though phosphine oxide 4 gives only the products of CC attack. Dypnone gives products of carbonyl attack with 3 and does not react with 2.These results are discussed in terms of perturbation theory: C₄ attack increases with delocalization of the reagent's negative charge and lowering of the α-enone LUMO level.     

Addition conjuguee d'equivalents d'acyles aux cyclohexen-2 ones et a la Δ1(9) octalone-2: Synthese de dicetones 1–4.

The synthesis of 3-acetylcyclohexanones $\text{11}$, $\text{12}$, $\text{13}$ has been realized by conjugate addition of lithiated cyanohydrin ether $\text{1a}$ to 2-cyclohexenones $\text{2}$, $\text{3}$, $\text{4}$ in THF-HMPA, even if 3-substituted. 3-benzoylcyclohexanones $\text{14}$, $\text{15}$, $\text{16}$ are obtained from $\text{1b}$ and $\text{2}$, $\text{3}$, $\text{4}$ in THF with excellent yields.     

The six-membered annulation reaction involving sequential palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation and Michael addition: scope and limitations

The palladium-catalyzed condensation of a variety of active methylene compounds with methyl 6-acetoxymethyl-hepta-2,6-dienoate was investigated. The six-membered adducts resulting from a η³ palladium complex alkylation-Michael addition sequence were obtained with moderate to good yields. In some cases, further evolution of the primary adduct was observed. The process has been expanded to access nitrogen heterocycles by using sodium p-toluenesulfonamide as the nucleophilic partner.     

Parametric generation of twin photons in vertical triple microcavities

We report the realization of a monolithic vertical-cavity, surface emitting micro-optical parametric conversion nanostructure, triply resonant with the parametric frequencies, allowing parametric oscillation with ultra-low pump power threshold. The photonic phase-space naturally provides triple resonance for the parametric frequencies, together with built-in cavity phase-matching for the pump wave at normal incidence. Parametric oscillation is observed in both the strong and weak exciton–photon coupling regime, allowing a high operating temperature. Signal and idler beams can be collected at 0° or at finite angles. The OPO threshold is low enough to envisage the realization of an all-semiconductor electrically-pumped micro-parametric oscillator. To cite this article: C. Diederichs et al., C. R. Physique 8 (2007).     

Developing Interdisciplinary Units: Strategies and Examples

The authors use a common theme of SHARKS to illustrate the process of developing an interdisciplinary unit for middle school instruction. A model is presented for teams to use in developing integrated curriculum. Focusing on a central theme or topic, a web of disciplines and key concepts is developed. As activities evolve, a concept map is created to illustrate the relationships and integration of ideas and activities.     

A life cycle framework for the investigation of environmentally benign nanoparticles and products

While significant advances in our understanding of the behavior of engineered nanoparticles in the environment continue, there remains a need to engage the nanoparticle research community directly in the development and evaluation of environmentally benign nanoparticles to ensure that nanomaterial‐based industries emerge as tools for sustainability rather than environmental liabilities. Current research efforts aimed at understanding the environmental implications of nanotechnology emphasize existing groups of nanoparticles and products already in commercial distribution. While this is clearly necessary, this approach fails to identify and address the many tradeoffs associated with product performance and environmental quality. We believe this to be a critical gap in the ongoing exploration of nanostructured materials and their properties and applications. We posit that a number of issues are not being holistically addressed, including resource availability and allocation, manufacturing energy requirements and embodied energy, material efficiency, environmental properties of nanomaterials and nanoproducts, and waste generation. An interdisciplinary approach to research, based on the life cycle paradigm and devoted to the identification, investigation, synthesis, testing, and analysis of groups of new, more environmentally conscious nanoparticles is needed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)