Direct conversion of N-methoxy-N-methylamides (Weinreb amides) to ketones via a nonclassical Wittig reaction

[reaction: see text] N-Methoxy-N-methylamides (Weinreb amides) are converted efficiently into ketones by reaction with alkylidenetriphenylphosphoranes and in situ hydrolysis of the product.     

Novel deoxygenation reaction of epoxides by indium

[reaction: see text] A novel, mild, ecofriendly protocol for the deoxygenation of epoxides to alkenes using indium metal and indium(I) chloride or ammonium chloride in alcohol has been developed. It was necessary for the presence of good radical-stabilizing groups adjacent to the oxirane ring for the deoxygenation reaction to occur. It is proposed that this reaction occurs through an SET process with indium as an electron donor.     

A New Route to Crystalline Salts of the Hydrolytic Dimer of Chromium(III)

Crystalline salts of the hydrolytic dimer of Cr(III), [Cr₂(μ-OH)₂(H₂O)₈]X₄·n H₂O (X = p-toluenesulfonate (tos) or mesitylene-2-sulfonate (dmtos)) have been prepared in good yields via a simple two-step procedure: H⁺ oxidation of Cr metal to give Cr²⁺ (T ≈? 70°) followed by O₂ oxidation, of Cr²⁺ to give the dimer (T ≈? 25°). The mechanism of conversion of Cr²⁺ into the dimer is discussed.     

CdS nanoclusters stabilized by thiolate ligands: A mini-review

One of the most exciting frontiers in materials chemistry in recent years is the optoelectronics of quantum-confined semiconductor nanoclusters. These nanoclusters are 10–200 A in diameter, and in this size regime exhibit extra-ordinarily interesting quantum mechanical effects. Cadmium sulfide is a popular semiconductor for these studies, and reviewed here is the synthesis and charac-terization of such CdS nanoclusters, with emphasis on how chemical control of the surface by thiolates influences product formation and properties. Also described are the syntheses and structures of true molecular clusters of CdS capped with thiolate ligands.     

The determination of aluminium in seawater and freshwater by cathodic stripping voltammetry

Dissolved aluminium in seawater and freshwater is determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry (c.s.v.) preceded by adsorptive collection of complex ions with 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone-3-sulphonic acid (DASA) on the hanging mercury drop electrode. Complexation of aluminium by DASA is rapid and no waiting period or heating of the sample is required. Optimal conditions are a DASA concentration of 10^?5 M, a solution pH of 7.1–7.3 and an adsorption potential of ?0.9 V; the c.s.v. scan is done in the differential-pulse mode. The limit of detection is 1 nM aluminium for an adsorption time of 45 s. The total time needed, including 50min deaeration and a standard addition, is 10–15 min per sample. No serious interferences were found; u.v. irradiation is recommended for samples containing high levels of organic materials.     

Synthesis of alpha-glucuronic acid and amide derivatives in the presence of a participating 2-acyl protecting group

[reaction: see text] Participating acyl groups located at C-2 in glucosyl and related donors generally promote formation of 1,2-trans-glycosides. Reactions of some glucuronic acid donors with TMSN(3)/SnCl(4) or ROH/SnCl(4) gave only the 1,2-cis-glycoside. The stereoselectivity is consistent with participation of the C-6 group. The methodology was used for the synthesis of a Kdn2en mimetic with the alpha-configuration.