A general organocatalyst for direct alpha-functionalization of aldehydes: stereoselective C-C, C-N, C-F, C-Br, and C-S bond-forming reactions. Scope and mechanistic insights

The development of a general organocatalyst for the alpha-functionalization of aldehydes, via an enamine intermediate, is presented. Based on optically active alpha,alpha-diarylprolinol silyl ethers, the scope and applications of this catalyst for the stereogenic formation of C-C, C-N, C-F, C-Br, and C-S bonds are outlined. The reactions all proceed in good to high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. Furthermore, we will present mechanistic insight into the reaction course applying nonlinear effect studies, kinetic resolution, and computational investigations leading to an understanding of the properties of the alpha,alpha-diarylprolinol silyl ether catalysts.     

SIAmate-a compact and modular sequential injection analysis controller

A number of sequential injection analysis (SIA) measurement methods have been developed during the last years. Almost all have been used in laboratory conditions with good results, but very few have been implemented as on-line methods, applied to non-stop measurements, producing immediate results for process control. The transfer of an SIA system from laboratory to an industrial facility [J. Ruzicka, Anal. Chim. Acta 261 (1992) 3] requires a whole new range of details to be taken into account. Some SIA platform related topics will be discussed. There are numerous ways of building an SIA system that meets the needs of the industry. One alternative, SIAmate, is presented.     

Direct solid sample analysis of geological samples with SS-GF-AAS and use of 3D calibration

These results from direct solid-sample trace-element analysis, with 3D calibration, follow those of earlier publications. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn have been determined in complex inorganic powder samples, e.g. sediments, soils, rocks, and minerals. The measurements were performed with two SS-GF-AAS spectrometers which differ in the type of graphite furnace (transverse and longitudinal tube) and the background-correction technique (with and without the Zeeman system). The performance of the 3D calibration method was optimized by systematic investigation and the 2D- and 3D calibration techniques were compared. Another feature is the determination of confidence limits of the 3D calibration. This calibration error was calculated by the statistical bootstrap method. The results of calibration experiments and the precision and accuracy of the determination of trace elements in CRMs show that 3D calibration becomes increasingly essential as the refractory character of the analyte increases. Although there are large differences between the state of development and technical performance of the instruments used, 3D-calibration works with both SS-GF-AAS spectrometers.     

Heterogeneous oxidation of pyrimidine and alkyl thioethers in ionic liquids over mesoporous Ti or Ti/Ge catalysts

Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of a series of thioethers (2-thiomethylpyrimidine, 2-thiomethyl-4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidine, 2-thiobenzylpyrimidine, 2-thiobenzyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, thioanisole, and n-heptyl methyl sulfide) was performed in ionic liquids by using MCM-41 and UVM-type mesoporous catalysts containing Ti, or Ti and Ge. A range of triflate, tetrafluoroborate, trifluoroacetate, lactate and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquids were used. The oxidations were carried out by using anhydrous hydrogen peroxide or the urea-hydrogen peroxide adduct and showed that ionic liquids are very effective solvents, achieving greater reactivity and selectivity than reactions performed in dioxane. The effects of halide and acid impurities on the reactions were also investigated. Recycling experiments on catalysts were carried out in order to evaluate Ti leaching and its effect on activity and selectivity.     

A scaled quantum mechanical force field for the sulfuryl halides. I. The symmetric halides SO2X2 (X=F, Cl, Br)

Force fields and vibrational wavenumbers were calculated for the molecules SO2X2 (X=F, Cl, Br) using DFT techniques. The previously available experimental data and assignments for SO2F2 and SO2Cl2 were compared with the theoretical results and revised, and new low temperature infrared and Raman data were obtained for SO2Cl2. These data were subsequently used in the definition of scaled quantum mechanics force fields for such molecules. Adjusted wavenumbers were also predicted for the still unknown SO2Br2. A comparison is made with results published for the VO2X2- anions.     

Determination of Utratrace Silver Using Surfactant As Sensitizer by Catalytic Near Field Laser Thermal Lens Spectrometry

Thermal lens spectrometry (TLS) is an excellent tool for trace analysis1. TLS allows the detection of absorbances of 10-7～10-8, concentration of ≈ 10-11 mol稬-1 and the analysis of 10-15 L volumes with ≈10-2 absorbing molecules2. Kinetic analysis is playing an increasingly important part in modern analytical chemistry. Therefore, TLS shows much promise in combination with kinetic analysis. However, there are few data on TLS applications in kinetic analysis method so far3～4. A ne…     

Kinetic study in water-ethylene glycol cationic, zwitterionic, nonionic, and anionic micellar solutions

The spontaneous hydrolysis of phenyl chloroformate was studied in water-ethylene glycol, EG, cationic, zwitterionic, nonionic, and anionic micellar solutions, the surfactants being tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, tricosaoxyethylene glycol ether, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The dependence of the observed rate constant on surfactant concentration as well as on the percentage by weight of EG, varying from 0 to 50 wt %, was investigated. Information about changes in the critical micelle concentrations, in the micellar ionization degrees (for ionic surfactants), in the aggregation numbers, and in the polarity of the interfacial region of the micelles upon changing the weight percent of EG was obtained through conductivity, surface tension, spectroscopic, and fluorescence measurements. A simple pseudophase model was adequate to rationalize the kinetic data. Micellar medium effects were explained by considering charge-charge interactions and polarity, ionic strength, and water content in the micellar interfacial region. The acceleration of the reaction produced by an increase in the amount of EG present in the mixture was explained on the basis of the substantial decrease in the equilibrium binding constant of phenyl chloroformate molecules to the micelles, resulting in the contribution of the reaction taking place in the bulk water-EG phase being more important. The weight percent of EG did not substantially influence the rate constant in the micellar pseudophase.     

NADH Electrooxidation Using Bis(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) (2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-Exchanged Zirconium Phosphate Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes

We present a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified using the electron mediator bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione)(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺) exchanged into the inorganic layered material zirconium phosphate (ZrP). X‐Ray powder diffraction showed that the interlayer distance of ZrP increases upon [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ intercalation from 10.3 Å to 14.2 Å. The UV‐vis and IR spectroscopies results showed the characteristic peaks expected for [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺. The UV‐vis spectrophotometric results indicate that the [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ concentration inside the ZrP layers increased as a function of the loading level. The exchanged [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ exhibited luminescence even at low concentration. Modified CPEs were constructed and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry. The intercalated mediator remained electroactive within the layers (E°′=–38.5 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, 3.5 M NaCl) and electrocatalysis of NADH oxidation was observed. The kinetics of the modified CPE shows a Michaelis–Menten behavior. This CPE was used for the oxidation of NADH in the presence of Bakers' yeast alcohol dehydrogenase. A calibration plot for ethanol is presented.     

Tetrathiafulvalene crowns: redox-switchable ligands

A series of redox-responsive ligands that associate the electroactive tetrathiafulvalene core with polyether subunits of various lengths has been synthesized. X-ray structures are provided for each of the free ligands. The requisite structural criteria for reaching switchable ligands are satisfied for the largest macrocycles, that is, planarity of the 1,1',3,3'-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) pi system and correctly oriented coordinating atoms. The ability of these ligands to recognize various metal cations as a function of the cavity size has been investigated by various techniques (LSIMS, 1H NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry). These systems exhibit an unprecedented high coordination ability among TTF crown ethers. Their switchable ligating properties have been confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, and metal-cation complexation has been illustrated by X-ray structures of three of the corresponding metal complexes (Pb2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+). Solid-state structures of these complexes display original packing modes with channel-like arrangements.     

Determination of total iron in standard rocks by spectrophotometric titration with EDTA

A method for the determination of total iron in silicate rocks is described. It is based on spectrophotometric titration of iron(III) with EDTA after decomposition in a PTFE bomb. No prior separation of interfering elements is needed. The method was tested by analysis of the U.S. Geological Survey reference rocks G-2, AGV-1, GSP-1, BCR-1 and PCC-1. The same sample solutions were also analysed by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. The agreement with published and recommended values was good.