Minimizing Side Product Formation in Alkyne Functionalization of Ruthenium Complexes by Introduction of Protecting Groups

The synthesis of alkyne functionalized bipyridine ruthenium complexes are reported. The improved synthetic approach through application of stable protecting groups prevents formation of possible side products while facilitating purification. By applying copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions (CuAAC) pyrene units with flexible alkyl linkers are introduced at the periphery of the complex, opening up various applications including surface immobilization and DNA intercalation. All complexes are characterized structurally as well as photophysically, especially regarding the influence of the introduced alkyne and triazolyl substituents on their photophysical behavior.     

Coordination chemistry of perhalogenated cyclopentadienes and alkynes. XXVIII new high-yield synthesis of monobromoferrocene and simplified procedure for the synthesis of pentabromoferrocene. Molecular structures of 1,2,3-tribromoferrocene and 1,2,3,4,5-pentabromoferrocene

Monobromoferrocene (1) was obtained in 95% yield from ferrocene via lithiation with tert-BuLi/KO-tert-Bu and bromination with dibromotetrachloroethane. Starting from 1 mixtures of 1,2-dibromoferrocene (2) and apparently unreacted 1 (ranging from 80:20 to 50:50, depending on the reaction conditions) can be obtained via a lithiation- zincation- bromination sequence. These mixtures can be transferred directly with a tenfold excess of Lithium-tetramethylpiperidinide, followed by bromination with 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane to pentabromoferrocene (3), in an overall yield of 36% starting from ferrocene. The molecular structures of 3 and of 1,2,3-tribromoferrocene (4) have been determined by X-Ray diffraction.     

Two-step synthesis of hexaammonium triptycene: an air-stable building block for condensation reactions to extended triptycene derivatives

A simple two-step synthesis of an air-stable hexaammoniumtriptycene is introduced, which can be used for a variety of transformations by condensation reactions, e.g., to benzimidazole, benzotriazole, and quinoxaline derivatives in high yields.     

Direct experimental evidence for an enamine radical cation in SOMO catalysis

SOMO catalysis has lately obtained large interest as a new and powerful version of enantioselective organocatalysis which includes radical steps initiated by a one-electron oxidation. The intermediate enamine radical cation has been postulated, but has not been observed directly so far. This communication now reports the direct detection of this key intermediate.     

Activation/Inhibition Effects during the Coelectrodeposition of PtAg Nanoparticles: Application for ORR in Alkaline Media

PtAg bimetallic nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media were prepared by pulse electrodeposition (PED). During PED the reduction of Ag⁺ ions predominates, thus an increased Ag content in the co‐deposit is accomplished. The mechanism for this anomalous co‐deposition was elucidated by potential pulse experiments, which revealed that nuclei formation mainly occurs via the reduction of Pt²⁺ ions. The growth of the particles is diffusion controlled leading to the formation of a Ag shell covering a PtAg alloyed region. However, the shell is not growing homogeneously on the PtAg alloy. Hence, regions of the PtAg alloy are exposed, which exhibit an enhanced ORR activity compared to a pure Ag surface.