Synthesis and characterization of a novel and green rod-like magnetic ZnS/CuFe2O4/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst for the synthesis of biologically-active 2-amino-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives

The magnetic biocompatible rod-like ZnS/CuFe₂O₄/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst was designed and prepared based on a natural macromolecule (agar) through a green and convenient method using inexpensive, nontoxic, and easily available substances. Then, the as-prepared catalyst was characterized by several techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy image, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry curve, X-ray diffraction pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis. Eventually, the catalytic application of the ZnS/CuFe₂O₄/agar nanobiocomposite was assessed in sequential Knoevenagel condensation–Michael addition reaction of dimedone, malononitrile, and different substituted aromatic aldehydes for the synthesis of 2-amino-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives. Some notable strengths of this environmentally benign catalyst include simplicity of catalyst preparation and separation, affording desired products with satisfactory yields (81%–97%) in very short reaction times (3–18 min), and with no need for complicated work-up processes. Experimental tests showed that the catalyst can be successfully reused after five sequential runs without significant reduction in its catalytic efficiency.     

Synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines via reactions of chalcones and malononitrile in alcohols using Amberlite IRA-400 (OH)

Polysubstituted pyridine derivatives were synthesized through economical one-pot multicomponent reactions of different α,β-unsaturated ketones, malononitrile, and ethanol or methanol in the presence of Amberlite IRA-400 (OH⁻) at room temperature. The catalyst is recyclable several times without substantial loss of activity. Other valuable features include the wide range of functional group tolerance, easy and clean synthesis with a simple work-up procedure, and excellent yields under mild conditions.     

SELECTIVE AND CONVENIENT OXIDATION OF THIOLS TO DISULFIDES USING n-BUTYLTRIPHENYLPHOSPHONIUM DICHROMATE (Bu n PPh3)2Cr2O7 IN SOLUTION,UNDER SOLVENT-FREE CONDITIONS AND MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

A variety of aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic thiols were rapidly and cleanly converted to their corresponding disulfides in excellent yields using n-butyltriphenylphosphonium dichromate (BTPPDC) in acetonitrile solution under solvent-free conditions and microwave irradiation. Selective oxidation of thiols in the presence of other oxidizable functional groups, such as alcohol and sulfide, is a noteworthy advantage of this method.     

Preparation of a titania‐supported highly dispersed palladium nano‐catalyst and its application in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions

In this work, palladium complexes nanoparticles in titania are prepared by a pH‐controlled adsorption and without pH‐controlled adsorption method. This method results in high‐dispersion palladium on the titania surface. We demonstrate the use of the titania‐supported palladium as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions of a representative range of aryl bromides and chlorides. The reusability of catalyst was tested, and deactivation process of the catalyst was not observed after four recycles. The catalysts were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, elemental analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of sulfonyl chlorides and thiosulfonates from H2O2–TiCl4

A new method is described for the oxidative chlorination of thiols to sulfonyl chlorides using titanium tetrachloride in combination with the oxidant hydrogen peroxide. Direct conversion of thiols into their corresponding thiosulfonates is also reported. Good to excellent yields, short reaction times, high efficiencies, cost-effectiveness, and, facile isolation of the desired products make the present methodology a practical alternative.     

Existence of global solutions to nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integro-differential equations

In this paper, we introduce new solutions for fuzzy differential equations as mixed solutions, and prove the existence and uniqueness of global solutions for fuzzy initial value problems involving integro-differential operators of Volterra type. One example is also given by applying mixed solution concept to fuzzy linear differential equations for obtaining their global solutions.     

A robust model for a leader–follower competitive facility location problem in a discrete space

This paper aims at determining the optimal locations for the leader’s new facilities under the condition that the number of the follower’s new facilities is unknown for the leader. The leader and the follower have some facilities in advance. The first competitor, the leader, opens p new facilities in order to increase her own market share. On the other hand, she knows that her competitor, the follower, will react to her action and locate his new facilities as well. The number of the follower’s new facilities is unknown for the leader but it is assumed that the leader knows the probability of opening different numbers of the follower’s new facilities. The leader aims at maximizing her own market share after the follower’s new facilities entry. The follower’s objective is also to maximize his own market share. Since the number of the follower’s new facilities is unknown for leader, “Robust Optimization” is used for maximizing the leader’s market share and making the obtained results “robust” in various scenarios in terms of different numbers of the follower’s new facilities. The optimal locations for new facilities of both the leader and the follower are chosen among pre-determined potential locations. It is assumed that the demand is inelastic. The customers probabilistically meet their demands from all different facilities and the demand level which is met by each facility is computed by Huff rule. The computational experiments have been applied to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed model.     

A novel proposal for DWDM demultiplexer design using modified-T photonic crystal structure

We propose an ultra compact structure to realize demultiplexing operation for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) communication systems using resonant cavity in modified-T Photonic Crystal (PC) structure. To the best of our knowledge, this is for the first time that a PC-based demultiplexer has been achieved with 1 nm channel spacing and 0.45 nm mean value of bandwidth without using either specific materials or complexities in fabrication process. Designs offering improvement of channel spacing and bandwidth of the proposed demultiplexer is our aim in this work. The attained characteristics are approximately in the range of the DWDM communication systems. Accurate resonant cavities have been used in terms of location and size of holes in the proposed structure in order for them to capture desired wavelengths in optical telecommunication range. Our simulations indicate the average amount of crosstalk (Xt) and the average quality factor (Q) to be ?21.1 dB and 3488, respectively. Two-dimensional (2D) Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) is chosen for simulation of the proposed structure. The footprint of the structure is approximately 536 μm² and can be fabricated and integrated densely and easily.