2-(1-Azulyl)ethyl tosylate methylene scrambling in the gas phase. Similarities to solution chemistry

The methylene groups in 2-(1-azulyl)ethyl tosylate are largely scrambled prior to formation of fragment ions in the mass spectrometer. This process also occurs in the 3-nitro analog, where it is dependent on sample residence time in the source and independent of electron energy. It could not be observed with the isomeric 6-substituted tosylates, the 1-substituted acetates or alcohols, or with 2-(p-anisyl)ethyl tosylate. Scrambling occurs in the neutral molecule prior to ionization and a mechanism involving absorption onto the metal surface and formation of a complexed ethylenazulonium ion is suggested.     

The certification of SRM 1546 – Meat Homogenate, a new reference material for nutrients in a high protein, high fat matrix

In response to reference material needs expressed by the food industry and government regulators, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new Standard Reference Material (SRM) consisting of a canned meat product with certified and reference values for a large number of constituents. SRM 1546 Meat Homogenate consists of a mixture of finely ground pork and chicken prepared and canned by a commercial process. NIST determined the concentration levels of cholesterol, sodium, calcium, iron, and seven fatty acids in this SRM using well defined methods and procedures. These analytes as well as 34 other constituents or properties were determined in an interlaboratory comparison exercise involving 21 laboratories, most of which are associated with the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) Food Industry Analytical Chemists Subcommittee (FIACS). From statistical analysis of the data, NIST assigned certified concentrations for the eleven analytes measured at NIST and reference concentrations for the proximates, six additional fatty acids, seven minerals, and seven water-soluble vitamins. Information values without uncertainties are provided for the concentrations of six additional constituents for which the uncertainties could not adequately be assessed. SRM 1546 will provide laboratories with a means to evaluate the accuracy of the methods they use to assign nutrient levels to processed meats and similar products. Received: 11 October 2000 / Revised: 15 December 2000 / Accepted: 21 December 2000     

Asymmetric syntheses of fused bicyclic compounds by conjugate additions of allylic organolithium species to activated olefins and subsequent cyclizations

[reaction: see text]. Addition of the configurationally stable organolithium species produced by enantioselective deprotonation of N-Boc-N-(p-methoxyphenyl) allylamines to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds affords 1,4-addition products in good yields with high diastereomeric and enantiomeric ratios. Further transformations of these compounds provide [3.3.0]-, [4.3.0]-, [5.3.0]-, and [5.4.0]-carbocycles and heterocycles with high stereoselectivities.     

Quantification of several atmospheric gases from high resolution infrared solar spectra obtained at the south pole in 1980 and 1986

Simultaneous total column amounts of a number of minor and trace atmospheric gases above the South Pole in December 1980 and December 1986 have been deduced from analysis of high resolution solar absorption spectra recorded (by F. J. M. and F. H. M.) from Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. These spectra also contain some limited information on the vertical profiles of the observed atmospheric gases.The data sets were recorded with a Bomem Michelson-type interferometer and analyzed with a spectral least-squares fitting procedure, utilizing the best available spectroscopic line parameters and absorption cross sections. Because the same instrument, line parameters, and analysis method have been used in analyzing the December 1980 and December 1986 data sets, the precision in comparing the column amounts from these two dates is rather high, about 10–20% for the stronger absorbing gases. For this reason, it has been possible to quantify or determine upper limits for differences between the December 1980 and December 1986 total column amounts, of a number of atmospheric gases including O₃, N₂O, HNO₃, CO₂, CH₄, and CF₂C_{1 2} (CFC 12). In addition, vertical column amounts for a number of atmospheric gases covered only in the December 1986 observations have been derived, including HC1, NO, NO₂, and C₂H₆. Some of these results will be discussed here. The HC1 measurements are especially interesting since the observed amounts are higher than expected from observations made at lower latitudes in the northern and southern hemispheres.     

Simulating infrared spectra and hydrogen bonding in cellulose Iβ at elevated temperatures

We have modeled the transformation of cellulose Iβ to a high temperature (550 K) structure, which is considered to be the first step in cellulose pyrolysis. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations at constant pressure using the GROMOS 45a4 united atom forcefield. To test the forcefield, we computed the density, thermal expansion coefficient, total dipole moment, and dielectric constant of cellulose Iβ, finding broad agreement with experimental results. We computed infrared (IR) spectra of cellulose Iβ over the range 300-550 K as a probe of hydrogen bonding. Computed IR spectra were found to agree semi-quantitatively with experiment, especially in the O-H stretching region. We assigned O-H stretches using a novel synthesis of normal mode analysis and power spectrum methods. Simulated IR spectra at elevated temperatures suggest a structural transformation above 450 K, a result in agreement with experimental IR results. The low-temperature (300-400 K) structure of cellulose Iβ is dominated by intrachain hydrogen bonds, whereas in the high-temperature structure (450-550 K), many of these transform to longer, weaker interchain hydrogen bonds. A three-dimensional hydrogen bonding network emerges at high temperatures due to formation of new interchain hydrogen bonds, which may explain the stability of the cellulose structure at such high temperatures.     

Oxidative decarbonylation of m-terphenyl isocyanide complexes of molybdenum and tungsten: precursors to low-coordinate isocyanide complexes

Synthetic studies are presented addressing the oxidative decarbonylation of molybdenum and tungsten complexes supported by the encumbering m-terphenyl isocyanide ligand CNAr(Dipp2) (Ar(Dipp2) = 2,6-(2,6-(i-Pr)(2)C(6)H(3))(2)C(6)H(3)). These studies represent an effort to access halide or pseudohalide M/CNAr(Dipp2) species (M = Mo, W) for use as precursors to low-coordinate, low-valent group 6 isocyanide complexes. The synthesis and structural chemistry of the tetra- and tricarbonyl tungsten complexes trans-W(CO)(4)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) and trans-W(NCMe)(CO)(3)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) are reported. The acetonitrile adducts trans-M(NCMe)(CO)(3)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) (M = Mo, W) react with I(2) to form divalent, diiodide complexes in which the extent of decarbonylation differs between Mo and W. In the molybdenum example, the diiodide, dicarbonyl complex MoI(2)(CO)(2)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) is generated, which has an S = 1 ground state in solution. Paramagnetic group 6 MX(2)L(4) complexes are rare, and the structure of MoI(2)(CO)(2)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) is discussed in relation to other diamagnetic and C(2v)-distorted MX(2)L(4) complexes. Diiodide MoI(2)(CO)(2)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) reacts further with I(2) to effect complete decarbonylation, producing the paramagnetic tetraiodide complex trans-MoI(4)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2). The reactivity of the trans-M(NCMe)(CO)(3)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) (M = Mo, W) complexes toward benzoyl peroxide is also surveyed, and it is shown that dicarboxylate complexes can be obtained by oxidative or salt-elimination routes. The reduction behavior of the tetraiodide complex trans-MoI(4)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) toward Mg metal and sodium amalgam is studied. In benzene solution under N(2), trans-MoI(4)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) is reduced by Na/Hg to the η(6)-arene-dinitrogen complex, (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Mo(N(2))(CNAr(Dipp2))(2). The diiodide-η(6)-benzene complex (η(6)-C(6)H(6))MoI(2)(CNAr(Dipp2))(2) is an isolable intermediate in this reduction reaction, and its formation and structure are discussed in context of putative low-coordinate, low-valent molybdenum isocyanide complexes.     

Photolytic Reductive Elimination of White Phosphorus from a Mononuclear cyclo‐P4 Transition Metal Complex

Elemental white phosphorus (P₄) is well recognized as a critical precursor to organophosphorus compounds. However, regulatory constraints stemming from the toxic and pyrophoric nature of white phosphorus have significantly limited its accessibility. Herein is described a new approach to white phosphorus storage and release based on a unique example of photolytic reductive elimination of the tetrahedral P₄ molecule from a mononuclear cyclo‐P₄ molybdenum complex. The latter functions as an air‐stable, chemically‐deactivated source of white phosphorus. The system features efficient photo‐release of white phosphorus using inexpensive violet LED sources. Additionally, high‐yield recapture of unspent white phosphorus by the molybdenum center can be achieved by post‐photolysis heating at convenient temperatures.