X-ray Crystal Structure, ab Initio Calculations, and Reactivity of 1,3,2lambda(5)-Diazaphosphetes: A New Type of 4-pi-Electron 4-Membered Heterocycle

The structure of P,P-bis(diisopropylamino)-4-phenyl-1,3,2lambda(5)-diazaphosphete, 1a, has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study (C(19)H(33)N(4)P, monoclinic system, space group P2(1), a = 9.482(1) ?, b = 11.374(3) ?, c = 9.668(2) ?, beta = 97.16(1) degrees, Z = 2). According to quantum chemical calculations at an RHF level of optimization utilizing the 6-31g(d,p) basis set, 1a has a zwitterionic structure with the negative charge delocalized on the NCN allylic fragment and the positive charge localized at the phosphorus. Heterocycle 1a reacts with water and benzaldehyde affording N-phosphoranylbenzamidine 3 (95% yield) and the expected aza-Wittig adduct 4 (85% yield), respectively. Addition of 1 equiv of methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate and of 2 equiv of BH(3).THF to 1a affords cyclic phosphonium salt 5 (94% yield) and the bis(borane) adduct 6a (90% yield), respectively. Dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate slowly reacts with 1a giving rise to 1,3,4lambda(5)-diazaphosphinine, 9, in 70% yield. The X-ray crystal structures of products 2,3, and 6a are reported (2: C(26)H(38)N(5)P, monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 16.337(8) ?, b = 19.810(2) ?, c = 8.800(2) ?, beta = 117.68(2) degrees, Z = 4. 3: C(19)H(35)N(4)OP, orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 9.090(1) ?, b = 12.955(2) ?, c = 17.860(3) ?, Z = 4. 6a: C(19)H(39)B(2)N(4)P, orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 10.340(1) ?, b = 13.247(1) ?, c = 16.996(1) ?, Z = 4).     

Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Cornea

The cornea sits at the anterior aspect of the eye and, like the skin, is highly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The cornea blocks a significant proportion of UVB from reaching the posterior structures of the eye. However, UVA can penetrate the full thickness of the cornea, even reaching the anterior portion of the lens. Epidemiological data indicate that UVR is a contributing factor for a multitude of diseases of the cornea including pterygium, photokeratitis, climatic droplet keratopathy and ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), although the pathogenic mechanisms of each require further elucidation. UVR is a well‐known genotoxic agent, and its effects have been well characterized in organs such as the skin. However, we are only beginning to identify its effects on the cornea, such as the UVR signature C → T and CC → TT transversions identified by sequencing and increased proliferative and shedding rates in response to UVR exposure. Alarmingly, a single low‐dose exposure of UVR to the cornea is sufficient to elicit genetic, molecular and cellular changes, supporting the consideration of using protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses when outdoors. The aim of this review was to describe the adverse effects of UVR on the cornea.     

Synthesis and general properties of silated-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in prospect of biomedical use

Synthesis of grafting silane on a hydro soluble cellulose ether (HPMC) was described. In alkaline medium, this derivate is under gel form. With a decrease of the pH, a self-hardening occurs due to the silanol condensation. For potential biomedical use, we described the silated-HPMC synthesis, the gel behavior after steam sterilization and the parameters of the silanol condensation i.e. pH, silane percentage and temperature. Minimum kinetic of the condensation was observed for pH between 5.5 and 6.5. So temperature catalyzed the reaction and the self-hardening speed was increased by silane percentage.     

Stable (amino)(phosphino)carbenes: difunctional molecules

(Amino)(phosphino)carbenes are stable due to the donation of the nitrogen lone pair, the phosphino group remains strongly pyramidalized. Reactions can be performed selectively at the carbene center, but also at the phosphorus center leading to new stable carbenes. These difunctional molecules can be considered as hybrid ligands.     

Description of pulse propagation in a dispersive medium by use of a pulse quality factor

We investigated how the duration of short laser pulses evolves in a dispersive material, using rms widths and a propagation law based on a pulse quality factor. Experiments were carried out with femtosecond pulses (10 to 25fs at the temporal waist) propagating in bulk fused silica. Excellent agreement was found between theory and experiment. This approach does not require complete characterization of laser pulses and eliminates the need for any assumption regarding the interpretation of autocorrelation traces. The method is of general validity, and it can be applied to pulses of arbitrary shape.