V-shaped nematogens with the "magic bent angle"

V-shaped nematogens 1a-c and 2a-b with benzodithiophene bending units have been synthesised. The derivatives 1a-c comprise a flat core with a bending angle of 109°, which is almost the tetrahedral angle proposed to be optimal in the realization of mesogens forming a biaxial nematic thermotropic mesophase.     

Palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira reactions of aryl amines with alkynes via in situ formation of arenediazonium salts

A general and convenient palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction of in situ generated arenediazonium salts has been developed and various internal arylalkynes are produced in good yields under mild conditions.     

A novel Zn-catalyzed hydroamination of propargylamides: a general synthesis of di- and tri-substituted imidazoles

Starting from commercially available amines and propargylamides a variety of substituted imidazoles were synthesized via a novel hydroamination-cyclization sequence. The target compounds are obtained in good to excellent yields in the presence of catalytic amounts of zinc triflate.