Thermal decompositions of dialkyl peroxides studied by DSC

Studies on the thermal decompositions of diamyl peroxide (DAPO), dicumyl peroxide (DCPO), and tert-butyl cumyl peroxide (TBCP) were conducted by DSC. Heat of decomposition, exothermic onset point, and chemical kinetics were determined and compared to those data of di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP), a model compound for studying thermokinetics of organic peroxide and standardization of a calorimeter. Similarities and differences of decomposition mechanisms between these organic peroxides were proposed and verified. Kinetics on decomposition of uni-molecular reaction via these similar alkoxyl radials accompanying β C–C bond scission were discussed and compared to the results from ab initio calculations. The ranking of thermal stability on dialkyl peroxides is determined to be in the following sequence: DCPO < TBCP < DAPO < DTBP. This rate-determining step in thermal decomposition of dialkyl peroxides possessed an average eigenvalue of log A at about 13.1 ± 1.2. Activation energy on the thermal decomposition of these peroxides was calculated to be 139.5 ± 14.4 kJ mol^?1.     

Iron-Catalyzed Cleavage Reaction of Keto Acids with Aliphatic Aldehydes for the Synthesis of Ketones and Ketone Esters

The radical–radical coupling reaction is an important synthetic strategy. In this study, the iron-catalyzed radical–radical cross-coupling reaction based on the decarboxylation of keto acids and decarbonylation of aliphatic aldehydes to obtain valuable aryl ketones is reported for the first time. Remarkably, when tertiary aldehydes were used as carbonyl sources, ketone esters were selectively obtained instead of ketones. The gram-scale preparation of aryl ketone through this strategy was easily achieved by using only 3 mol % of the iron catalyst. As a proof-of-concept, the bioactive molecule flurprimidol was synthesized in two steps by using this strategy.     

NSLS Marks Silver Anniversary

November 22, 2007, marked the 25^th anniversary of the National Synchrotron Light Source's (NSLS) dedication. During the last quarter-century, Brookhaven National Laboratory's NSLS has made significant contributions to the field of synchrotron radiation, ranging from the Chasman-Green Lattice, novel insertion devices, and free electron laser research, to the development of numerous synchrotron experimental techniques and instrumentation.     

Distinguishing authentic and counterfeit banknotes by surface chemical composition determined using electrospray laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (ELDI/MS) was used to rapidly distinguish authentic banknotes from counterfeits of the US dollar and the New Taiwan dollar. The banknotes' surfaces were irradiated with a pulsed ultraviolet laser, after which the desorbed ink compounds entered an electrospray plume and formed ions via interactions with charged solvent species. Authentic banknotes were found to differ from their counterfeit equivalents in their surface chemical compositions. The detected chemical compounds included various polymers, plasticizers and inks; these results were comparable with those obtained using solvent extraction followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Because of the high spatial resolution of the laser beam, ELDI/MS analysis resulted in minimal damage to the banknotes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthetic Transformations of Sulfur‐Substituted 4‐Quinolizidinones

Sulfur‐substituted 4‐quinolizidinones, previously prepared by aza‐Diels‐Alder reactions and ring‐closing metathesis, are now subjected to further synthetic transformations. Formal synthesis of cermizine C and 5‐epi‐cermizine C, and some other useful reactions have been achieved.     

Secondary Metabolites of Clinacanthus nutans

Chemistry of Natural Compounds -     

Secondary Metabolites of Elaeagnus thunbergii

Chemistry of Natural Compounds -     

A New Ketone Derivative from Victoria amazonica

Chemistry of Natural Compounds - A new ketone, vicamazone (4-(2-butoxyethoxy)-4-methylpentan-2-one) (1), was isolated from the leaves of Victoria amazonica (Nymphaeaceae). The structure of the new...