Influence of flexoelectricity on electrohydrodynamic instabilities in nematics

We have incorporated the flexoelectric terms in developing one-dimensional models of E.H.D. instabilities in nematics both under D.C. and A.C. excitations. It is shown that, using this model, we can account for the following experimental observations, which could not be adequately explained by earlier models: (i) The observation of oblique rolls whose wave vector q makes an angle α with the undistorted director n ₀, up to some frequency v ₀ in the conduction regime; (ii) the oblique rolls found in the dielectric regime; and (iii) the ‘longitudinal’ E.H.D. instabilities in some systems with negative conductivity anisotropy. We also present some experimental observations under D.C. excitation.     

Synthetic Studies Toward (+)‐Spongidepsin

A convergent enantiomerically controlled synthetic effort toward (+)‐spongidepsin is reported. The synthesis benefits from the use of readily available and inexpensive starting materials like D ‐mannitol and (?)‐β‐citronellene. Key transformations include Evans asymmetric methylation, Mitsunobu esterification, (1H‐benzotriazol‐1‐yloxy)tripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP)‐mediated amide formation for the preparation of a fully functionalized acyclic precursor, and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM).     

Stereoselective Synthesis of (−)‐Pinidinone

A simple and efficient stereoselective linear approach to the total synthesis of (?)‐pinidinone has been accomplished starting from propane‐1,3‐diol, and employing Maruoka asymmetric allylation and Grubbs' olefin cross‐metathesis as the key steps.     

Silica Gel Catalysed Rearrangement of α-Epoxyketones to 1,2-Diketones

A convenient and simple method for the preparation of diphenylpropane-1,2-diones is described. The process involves rearrangement of α-epoxyketones on silica gel; an unusual migration of a proton instead of the more common benzoyl migration.