NIR-plasmon-enhanced Systems for Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation

The introduction of plasmons is an important method to solve the insufficient utilization of the full spectrum of solar energy by semiconductor catalysts. However, semiconductor catalysts combined with traditional noble metal plasmons(Au, Ag) can only extend the absorption spectrum to partially visible light. In order to further improve the photoenergy absorption efficiency of catalysts, they need to be able to effectively utilize near-infrared light, which has become a new research direction. Recent studies have shown that traditional noble metal plasmons can absorb a part of NIR through special morphology, size control and material composite. At the same time, gratifying achievements have been made in the application of plasmonic semiconductors with broad spectrum absorption in catalysis. This article reviews the principles of generating and regulating plasmonic effects in different catalytic systems. The applications of plasmon absorption of near-infrared light in energy conversion and environmental remediation have also been presented.     

Stereoselective total synthesis of C2-symmetric natural products pyrenophorol and its derivatives

Abstract

A stereoselective total synthesis of 16-membered C₂-symmetric macrodiolide Pyrenophorol, Tetrahydropyrenophorol and 4,4-diacetylpyrenophorol have been accomplished. The synthesis started from commercially available L-Aspartic acid and the key reactions involved are regioselective epoxide opening, CBS reduction, Pinnick oxidation and Mitsunobu dilactonization.     

Studies on pyrimidine derivatives. Michael addition of β-nitrostyrenes to substituted 6-aminouracils

A series of 5-(2-nitro-l-phenyl)ethyluracils were obtained when β-nitrostyrenes were reacted with 1,3-di-methyl-6-substituted uracil derivatives, instead of cyclic compounds. The structures of the compounds 5, 6 , and 7 were proved by spectroscopic methods and their mass fragmentation patterns are discussed.     

Characterisation of bhringaraj and guduchi herb by ICP-MS analysis, optical absorption, infrared and EPR spectroscopic methods

Leaves of bhringaraj and guduchi herb of Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India, are dried and powdered. ICP-MS analysis of samples indicates that copper is present in both the samples. An EPR study of guduchi sample also confirms the presence of Fe(III) whereas Eclipta alba confirms the presence of Fe(III), Mn(II) and Cu(II). Optical absorption spectrum of guduchi indicates that Cu(II) is present in rhombically distorted octahedral environment. NIR and IR results are due to carbonate fundamentals.     

Convenient synthesis of 4H-chromenyl-tetrahydro-2H-pyrancarboxylates and cleavage of chromone and pyran rings leading to 5-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylates

4H-Chromenyl-tetrahydro-2H-pyrancarboxylates 3a–k have been conveniently prepared by the reaction of 3-formylchromones 1a–k and ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxobutanoate 2a with good yields. Thus obtained 4H-chromenyl-tetrahydro-2H-pyrancarboxylates 3a–k were reacted with amines 4a–e to provide series of 5-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylates 5a–o. The reaction proceeded via Michael addition (C-N bond formation) and followed by cleavage of chromone and pyran rings (C-O bond cleavage) in one pot.     

Synthesis,anti‐bacterial,anti‐asthmatic and anti‐diabetic activities of novel N‐substituted‐2‐(benzo[d]isoxazol‐3‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazoles

Synthesis of a series of novel class of N‐substituted‐2‐(benzo[d]isoxazol‐3‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazoles ( 4 ) by the condensation of o‐phenylenediamine ( 1 ) with benzo[d]isoxazol‐3‐yl‐acetic acid ( 2 ) and subsequent reactions with different types of electrophiles have been reported. Some compounds exhibited promising anti‐bacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, however poor activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The compound 4t was found to have high activity even at 1 μg/ml compared to Cephalexin against S. aureus. The biological activity against PDE‐IV for potential anti‐asthmatic effect and against DP‐IV and PTP‐1B for potential anti‐diabetic effects was disappointing.     

Mimicking the Energy Funnel of the Photosynthetic Unit Using a Dendrimer-Dye Supramolecular Assembly

Photosynthesis involves light-harvesting complexes where an array of antenna pigment channels the absorbed solar energy to the reaction centre of a photosystem. This work reports a supramolecular dendrimer-dye assembly that mimics the natural light-harvesting mechanism. A dendrimeric molecule based on two-fluorophores has been constructed with three coumarin units at the end of three long arms and a 7-diethylaminocoumarin unit at the interior. The molecule self-aggregates in water into spherical micelles, which can encapsulate a rose-bengal dye (RB). On excitation, peripheral coumarin units shuttled the energy to the loaded RB dye reaction center via a two-step cascade resonance energy transfer (RET). The energy absorbed in the periphery is funnelled efficiently, resulting in a strong emission from the dye that resembles an energy funnel. The energy transfer cascade has been studied with both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations of the self-assembled aggregates in water were also in agreement with the experimental observations.     

Synthesis and characterization of potential impurities of Oxcarbazepine drug substance: An antiepileptic agent

Oxcarbazepine is a drug substance used to treat epilepsy. During its bulk synthesis of various impurities formation will be observed. Herein we describe the formation, synthesis and characterization of four potential impurities, namely, N-acetyl Oxcarbazepine, N-formyl Oxcarbazepine, N-carbamoyl Oxcarbazepine, and Oxcarbazepine dimer. These impurities are listed in several Pharmacopoeias and the control of these impurities below the threshold level is essential. Our study will be a guide for making these reference standards.     

Indole-fused spirochromenes as potential anti-tubercular agents: design,synthesis and in vitro evaluation

Molecular Diversity - As part of an ongoing effort to develop new anti-tubercular agents, a series of novel indole-fused spirochromene hybrids (7a–l) were efficiently synthesized in excellent...