Chiral bidiaziridines by a two-step domino aziridination of meso-α-diimines

Chiral racemic α-diimines, tested in aziridination reactions with NsONHCO₂Et, for the first time led to the synthesis of (±)-bidiaziridines, stereoselectively derived from the corresponding meso (E-s-trans-E)-α-diimines. Moreover, a minor bidiaziridine isomer, probably a meso form that was lost under classical work-up conditions, can be obtained by adding water to the crude mixtures at the end of amination reactions. The results definitively prove that the imine aziridination by carbamates is a two-step domino process. The structures of the compounds were determined using 2D NMR on purified bidiaziridines.     

On the determination of the point of fracture initiation by the load separation criterion in J-testing of ductile polymers

The application of an experimental approach based on the load separation criterion for the determination of the point of fracture initiation in a fracture test on a ductile polymer was critically examined. To this aim, the fracture process outlined by the application of this method was related to that described by the visual analysis of the fracture surfaces obtained in fracture tests on nominally identical specimens, in which different levels of crack extension were produced. The material examined was an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, and the fracture tests were performed at low loading rate on single-edge notched in bending specimens.The results demonstrated that this load separation criterion based methodology is a promising approach for the determination of the point of fracture initiation, and for material fracture resistance, J_Ic, evaluation. The method also has experimental simplicity and a high degree of repeatability.     

Experimental determination of k 0 , Q 0 , \bar{E}_{r} factors and neutron cross-sections for 41 isotopes of interest in Neutron Activation Analysis

The k ₀ -literature has been reviewed every decade but some of its nuclear data is still more than 30 years old. Sometimes Q ₀ values were adopted from the nuclear data at that time or were experimentally determined by only 1 laboratory. Other isotopes were listed with accurate pairs of (k ₀ , Q ₀ ) values but were also quoted as candidates for redetermination for different reasons (i.e. imprecise cadmium transmission factors, half-lives). In this work we aim at the experimental re-determination of k ₀ and Q ₀ values for 41 isotopes of analytical interest while introducing a methodology for simultaneous $ \bar{E}_{r} $ and Q ₀ determination employing N irradiation channels. In order to satisfy the metrological level required, up to 12 repeats per standard were irradiated in up to 4 irradiation channels of the Belgian Reactor 1 (BR1, SCK?CEN) having a wide spread in neutron characteristics. Our relative percentile differences to the literature values were usually ≤10 % for Q ₀ factors, ≥25 % for $ \bar{E}_{r} $ values and ≤4 % for k ₀ values. Our precision and accuracy are discussed thoroughly.     

Phase Transfer Promoted Ruthenium Oxide Oxidations of Carbohydrates II

ABSTRACT

The use of a phase transfer catalyst, benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTEAC), is described in conjunction with the ruthenium dioxide/periodate : water/chloroform system for the oxidation of carbohydrate alcohols to the corresponding ketone, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid. The method was found to be applicable to carbohydrates appropriately protected as acetals, ethers, or containing a benzoyloxy group not positioned to readily undergo β-elimination. While the method was very suitable for the oxidation of carbohydrate secondary alcohols to ketones, it was found to be less suitable for the oxidation of a carbohydrate primary alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde or carboxylic acid. Evidence presented suggests that under the mildly basic conditions of the reaction, ruthenium tetraoxide is converted to ruthenate and perruthenate ions in the aqueous solution and then the perruthenate ion is carried by the phase transfer catalyst into the organic layer where oxidation of the substrate occurs. A number of examples illustrating the scope of the method are presented.     

Steric and Electronic Effects on the Configurational Stability of Residual Chiral Phosphorus‐Centered Three‐Bladed Propellers: Tris‐aryl Phosphane Oxides

A series of tris‐aryl phosphane oxides existing as residual enantiomers or diastereoisomers with substituents on the aryl rings differing in size and electronic properties were synthesized and characterized. Their electronic properties were evaluated on the basis of their electrochemical oxidation and reduction potentials together with those of the corresponding “blade bromides” (i.e., the naphthalene derivatives displaying the same substitution pattern of the tris‐naphthyl phosphane oxide blades, with a bromo substituent where the phosphorus atom is located) determined by CV. The residual stereoisomeric phosphane oxides were isolated in a stereochemically pure state and were found to be highly configurationally stable at room temperature (stereoisomerization barriers of about 27 kcal mol^?1). The chiroptical properties of the residual stereoisomers and the assignments of absolute configuration are discussed. The configurational stability of residual tris‐aryl phosphane oxides was found to be scarcely influenced by the electronic properties of the substituents present on the aromatic rings constituting the blades, while steric effects play the most relevant role. Detailed theoretical calculations are in agreement with the experimental results and also contribute to a rational interpretation of the stereodynamics of these systems.     

A Fully Integrated Continuous‐Flow System for Asymmetric Catalysis: Enantioselective Hydrogenation with Supported Ionic Liquid Phase Catalysts Using Supercritical CO2 as the Mobile Phase

A continuous‐flow process based on a chiral transition‐metal complex in a supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) as the mobile phase is presented for asymmetric catalytic transformations of low‐volatility organic substrates at mild reaction temperatures. Enantioselectivity of >99 % ee and quantitative conversion were achieved in the hydrogenation of dimethylitaconate for up to 30 h, reaching turnover numbers beyond 100 000 for the chiral QUINAPHOS–rhodium complex. By using an automated high‐pressure continuous‐flow setup, the product was isolated in analytically pure form without the use of any organic co‐solvent and with no detectable catalyst leaching. Phase‐behaviour studies and high‐pressure NMR spectroscopy assisted the localisation of optimum process parameters by quantification of substrate partitioning between the IL and scCO₂. Fundamental insight into the molecular interactions of the metal complex, ionic liquid and the surface of the support in working SILP catalyst materials was gained by means of systematic variations, spectroscopic studies and labelling experiments. In concert, the obtained results provided a rationale for avoiding progressive long‐term deactivation. The optimised system reached stable selectivities and productivities that correspond to 0.7 kg L ^?1 h^?1 space–time yield and at least 100 kg product per gram of rhodium, thus making such processes attractive for larger‐scale application.     

Experimental k 0 and k 0-fission factors for the determination of the n(235U)/n(238U) enrichment levels and correction for 235U fission interferences in samples containing uranium

In 2010 we investigated the applicability of the current k ₀ and k ₀-fission factors for the determination of the n(²³⁵U)/n(²³⁸U) isotopic ratio in multi-elemental samples containing uranium. An overestimation 3–4 % was observed in our determinations when employing the recommended 2003 k ₀-literature. After a recalibration of all our laboratory instruments, a 3 % overestimation was still observed in this work when employing this nuclear data. Therefore we aimed at the experimental re-determination of these composite nuclear constants in order to enhance the reliability of the isotopic ratio determination method and the accuracy of our data-filtering algorithms. New k ₀-fission factors are given for 7 nuclides that are not currently present in the 2012 k ₀-database. Several additional k ₀ factors are introduced for some nuclides in this library. Our k ₀ results are also compared with those recently reported by Blaauw et al.     

Multivariate optimization of a headspace solid‐phase microextraction method followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of terpenes in Nicotiana langsdorffii

A simple and sensitive procedure based on headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of five terpenes (α‐pinene, limonene, linalool, α‐terpineol, and geraniol) in the leaves of Nicotiana langsdorffii. The microextraction conditions (extraction temperature, equilibration time, and extraction time) were optimized by means of a Doehlert design. The experimental design showed that, for α‐pinene and limonene, a low temperature and a long extraction time were needed for optimal extraction, while linalool, α‐terpineol, and geraniol required a high temperature and a long extraction time. The chosen compromise conditions were temperature 60°C, equilibration time 15 min and extraction time 50 min. The main analytical figures of the optimized method were evaluated; LODs ranged from 0.07 ng/g (α‐pinene) to 8.0 ng/g (geraniol), while intraday and interday repeatability were in the range 10–17% and 9–13%, respectively. Finally, the procedure was applied to in vitro wild‐type and transgenic specimens of N. langsdorffii subjected to abiotic stresses (chemical and heat stress). With the exception of geraniol (75–374 ng/g), low concentration levels of terpenes were measured (ng/g level or lower); some interesting variations in terpene concentration induced by abiotic stress were observed.     

Driving Organic Nanocrystals Dissolution Through Electrochemistry

We have recently discussed how organic nanocrystal dissolution appears in different morphologies and the role of the solution pH in the crystal detriment process. We also highlighted the role of the local molecular chemistry in porphyrin nanocrystals having comparable structures: in water-based acid solutions, protonation of free-base porphyrin molecules is the driving force for crystal dissolution, whereas metal (Zn^II) porphyrin nanocrystals remain unperturbed. However, all porphyrin types, having an electron rich π-structure, can be electrochemically oxidized. In this scenario, a key question is: does electrochemistry represent a viable strategy to drive the dissolution of both free-base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals? In this work, by exploiting electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM), we monitor in situ and in real time the dissolution of both free-base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals, as soon as molecules reach the oxidation potential, showing different regimes according to the applied EC potential.     

Inherently Chiral Macrocyclic Oligothiophenes: Easily Accessible Electrosensitive Cavities with Outstanding Enantioselection Performances

Linear conjugated oligothiophenes of variable length and different substitution pattern are ubiquitous in technologically advanced optoelectronic devices, though limitations in application derive from insolubility, scarce processability and chain‐end effects. This study describes an easy access to chiral cyclic oligothiophenes constituted by 12 and 18 fully conjugated thiophene units. Chemical oxidation of an “inherently chiral” sexithiophene monomer, synthesized in two steps from commercially available materials, induces the formation of an elliptical dimer and a triangular trimer endowed with electrosensitive cavities of different tunable sizes. Combination of chirality with electroactivity makes these molecules unique in the current oligothiophenes literature. These macrocycles, which are stable and soluble in most organic solvents, show outstanding chiroptical properties, high circularly polarized luminescence effects and an exceptional enantiorecognition ability.