Swern Oxidation of α-Ketols to α-Diketones1

The Swern oxidation of acyclic and cyclic α-ketols delivered α-diketones or the tautomeric diosphenols in good yield.     

Rare earth metal trifluoromethanesulfonates catalyzed benzyl-etherification

Rare earth metal trifluoromethanesulfonates [rare earth metal triflate, RE(OTf)3] were found to be efficient catalyst for benzyl-etherification. In the presence of a catalytic amount of RE(OTf)3, condensation of benzyl alcohols and aliphatic alcohols proceeded smoothly to afford the benzyl ethers. The condensation between benzyl alcohols and thiols also proceeded, and thio ethers were obtained in good yield. In these reactions, RE(OTf)3 could be recovered easily after the reactions were completed and could be reused without loss of activity.     

Cobalt Ion-Doped TiO(2) Photocatalyst Response to Visible Light

Photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was generated by doping a small amount of Co(2+) ions into TiO(2) particles. Nanometer-sized particles with the composition xCoO-(100-x) TiO(2) (xCo/TiO(2); 0300 nm) light irradiation but also induced the visible light (lambda>400 nm) response. The highest photocatalytic activities were obtained at x=0.03 for both irradiations. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Synthesis and properties of TSF-based spin-polarized donor

A novel organic donor radical, TSBN, which is a benzotetraselenafulvalene derivative carrying a nitronyl nitroxide group in a cross-conjugated manner was prepared. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that TSBN forms a sheet-like network within the ac plane through intermolecular chalcogen contacts. Its spin-polarized structure was confirmed by cyclic voltammogram, ESR spectra of singly oxidized species and DFT calculation. The neutral crystal of TSBN showed nonlinear I–V characteristics at 2 K and exhibited negative magnetoresistance (?5% at 2 K under 5 T).     

A novel synthetic method for α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones

A novel synthetic method for α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones involving a thioallylic rearrangement as a key step was developed.     

New synthetic reaction by electrolysis malonic acid as a ketone synthon

Malonic acid derivatives(gem-dicarboxylic acids) were converted to the corresponding ketones by the electrolysis. The reaction was employed for the synthesis of jasmones.