Alkyne hydrogenation using Pd–Ag hybrid nanocatalysts in surface‐immobilized dendrimers

A series of Pd–Ag mixed‐metal nanocatalysts were prepared by reduction of Pd–Ag salts in the presence of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers, which were covalently bound to the surface of a silica polyamine composite, BP‐1 (polyallylamine covalently bound to a silanized amorphous silica gel). Three different Pd‐to‐Ag ratios were evaluated (50:50, catalyst 1 ; 40:60, catalyst 2 ; 60:40, catalyst 3 ) with the goal of determining how the amount of Ag effects selectivity, rate and conversion in the selective reduction of alkynes, such as phenylacetylene and 1‐ or 4‐octyne, to the corresponding alkenes. Conditions for the catalysis are reported where there is improved selectivity without a serious reduction in rate when compared with the analogous Pd‐only catalysts. Catalyst 2 worked best for phenylacetylene and catalyst 3 worked best for the octynes. The catalysts could be reused seven times without loss of activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Some remarks on complete simply connected minimal surfaces meeting the planes x3 = Constant Transversally

The helicoid and plane are the only known complete embedded minimal surfaces inR ³ that are simply connected. We prove the helicoid and plane are the only surfaces of this type that have bounded curvature and meet each plane x₃ = constant in (at most) one smooth connected curve.     

An Electron-Deficient Triosmium Cluster Containing the Thianthrene Ligand: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity of [Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C12H7S2)(μ-H)]

Reaction of [Os₃(CO)₁₀(CH₃CN)₂] with thianthrene at 80 °C leads to the nonacarbonyl dihydride compound [Os₃(CO)₉(μ-3,4-η²-C₁₂H₆S₂)(μ-H)₂] (1) and the 46-electron monohydride compound [Os₃(CO)₉(μ₃-η²-C₁₂H₇S₂)(μ-H)] (2). Compound 2 reacts reversibly with CO to give the CO adduct [Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-η²-C₁₂H₇S₂)(μ-H)] (3) whereas with PPh₃ it gives the addition product [Os₃(CO)₉)(PPh₃)(μ-η²-C₁₂H₇S₂)(μ-H)] (4) as well as the substitution product 1,2-[Os₃(CO)₁₀((PPh₃)₂] (5) Compound 2 represents a unique example of an electron-deficient triosmium cluster in which the thianthrene ring is bound to cluster by coordination of the sulfur lone pair and a three-center-two-electron bond with the C(2) carbon which bridges the same edge of the triangle as the hydride. Electrochemical and DFT studies which elucidate the electronic properties of 2 are reported. Dedicated to the memory of a great scientist, F. Albert Cotton.     

Polymer composites of nano-sized particles isolated in matrix

The kinetic and mechanism of thermal decay of transition metal acrylates or its cocrystallites are studied. At 200–300°C the rate of thermal decay can be described by first-order rate equations. The thermal transformations of the metal-containing monomers under study involve dehydration, solid-phase polymerization and thermolysis processes. The composition of products of the thermal transformations are studied. The products of the decay are analyzed by optical and electron microscopy as well as by magnetic measurements, IR and mass spectroscopy. The main solid-state products of decomposition are nanometer-sized particles of metal or its oxide and ferrites with a narrow size distribution stabilized by the polymeric matrix. The average particle sizes, L_av, are 6.0–13.0 nm in the case of FeAcr₃ and 6.0 nm for cocrystallites FeCoAcr and Fe₂CoAcr. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ring-closing metathesis as a tool for the efficient preparation of chiral spirocyclic ethers from homoallylic alcohols

The preparation of chiral spirocyclic ethers via allylic etherification/olefin metathesis of homoallylic alcohols is investigated. This reaction sequence transforms the enantiopure substrate alcohols, synthesized by a one-pot asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed conjugate addition/metal-mediated allylation procedure, into the desired spiro ethers with full conversions and in excellent isolated yields. The synthetic sequence provides an efficient means for a rapid construction of functionalized spiro ethers in a stereoselective manner.     

Methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, a new and versatile reagent for the convenient synthesis of phosphonate-containing compounds

A straightforward procedure leading to the new phosphonylating reagent, methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, requiring no chromatographic purification is described. This stable reagent works with the same efficiency as dimethyl and other dialkyl esters for the introduction of an O-phosphonomethyl moiety while, in contrast to dimethyl ester, it does not cause any unwanted methylation of sensitive functionalities. Its utility for the alkylation of protected nucleosides in high yield is exemplified.