Click polymerization: The aurora of polymer synthetic methodology

As an emerged efficient polymerization methodology, the click polymerization plays a significant role in the area of polymer and materials sciences. Similar to the click reaction, the click polymerization enjoys the advantages of high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and high regio- and stereo-selectivity etc. In this highlight, we summarize the recent progress on click polymerizations, with focus on the alkyne-based ones. The challenges and opportunities in this area are also briefly discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 616–621     

A novel azide-free asymmetric synthesis of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) starting from Roche’s epoxide

A novel azide-free asymmetric synthesis of oseltamivir phosphate 1 (Tamiflu®) starting from Roche’s epoxide is described. Roche epoxide 2 was converted into N-acetyl aminoalcohol 3 in 95% yield via a BF₃·OEt₂-catalyzed epoxide-opening with acetonitrile as a nucleophile. Compound 3 was then transformed into a methanesulfonate 4 in 98% yield. Compound 4 was converted into aziridine 5 in 91% yield. Aziridine 5 was subsequently converted into oseltamivir phosphate 1 via two paths (a and b). In the path a, compound 5 underwent aziridine-opening with diallylamine as a nucleophile to afford compound 7 in 93% yield; compound 7 could then be converted into oseltamivir phosphate 1 in 88% yield. In path b, compound 5 underwent aziridine-opening with isopropyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate as a nucleophile to afford compound 8 in 94% yield, which was then converted into oseltamivir phosphate 1 in 82% yield.     

A Convenient Synthesis of (3-Oxo-1,3-diaryl) Propylpropanedinitrile Catalyzed by Kf-Alumina

A series of (3-oxo-1,3-diaryl) propylpropanedinitriles were synthesized by Michael addition reaction of chalcones and malononitriles in the presence of potassium fluoride on alumina.     

Research Progress of Lithium Plating on Graphite Anode in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Lithium plating on graphite anode is triggered by harsh conditions of fast charge and low temperature, which significantly accelerates SOH (state of health) degradation and may cause safety issues of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). This paper has reviewed recent research progress of lithium plating on graphite anode. Firstly, we summarize the forming mechanisms of Li plating with corresponding influence factors, the detecting methods and hazard of Li plating. Then, approaches to suppress Li plating are discussed, including anode surface modification, electrolyte composition optimization and development of optimal charge strategies. Finally, we conclude and propose the remaining challenges and prospects in terms of mechanism research, detecting approaches, and suppressing methods of Li plating. This review highlights the development of Li plating research and plays a guiding rule of further study on Li plating in LIBs.     

Chaos in a seasonally and periodically forced phytoplankton–zooplankton system

The effect of seasonality and periodicity on plankton dynamics is investigated. Periodic variations are added to two different parameters of the plankton ecosystem: the growth rate of phytoplankton and the death rate of the zooplankton. The dynamic behaviors of the system is simulated numerically. A variety of complex population dynamics including chaos, quasi-periodicity, and periodic resonance are obtained. Our result reinforces the conjecture that seasonality and periodicity are crucial to plankton dynamics.