Formal (4+1) Cycloaddition and Enantioselective Michael–Henry Cascade Reactions To Synthesize Spiro[4,5]decanes and Spirooxindole Polycycles

Spiro[4,5]decanes and polycyclic compounds bearing spiro[4,5]decane systems are important biofunctional molecules. Described are diastereoselective formal (4+1) cycloaddition reactions to afford oxindole-functionalized spiro[4,5]decanes and organocatalytic enantioselective Michael–Henry cascade reactions of the (4+1) cycloaddition products to generate spirooxindole polycyclic derivatives bearing the spiro[4,5]decane system. Spiro[4,5]decanes bearing oxindoles containing three stereogenic centers and spirooxindole polycycles having seven stereogenic centers, including two all-carbon chiral quaternary centers and one tetrasubstituted chiral carbon center, were obtained with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.     

Spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance induced by the spin Hall effect

We demonstrate that the spin Hall effect in a thin film with strong spin-orbit scattering can excite magnetic precession in an adjacent ferromagnetic film. The flow of alternating current through a Pt/NiFe bilayer generates an oscillating transverse spin current in the Pt, and the resultant transfer of spin angular momentum to the NiFe induces ferromagnetic resonance dynamics. The Oersted field from the current also generates a ferromagnetic resonance signal but with a different symmetry. The ratio of these two signals allows a quantitative determination of the spin current and the spin Hall angle.     

Electron spin resonance of the two-dimensional metallic state and the quantum Hall state in a Si/SiGe quantum well

We report electrically detected electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements of a high mobility two-dimensional (2D) electron system formed in a Si/SiGe quantum well, with millimeter wave in a high magnetic field . The negative ESR signal observed under an in-plane magnetic field gives direct evidence that the spin polarization leads to a resistance increase in the 2D metallic state. Suppression of spin decoherence was observed in the quantum Hall state at the Landau level filling factor ν=2. Strength of the nuclear magnetic field in the resonance is evaluated to be less than , much smaller than that reported for GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures.     

Regional distribution of manganese,iron, copper,and zinc in the rat brain during development

Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined in the brain regions of normal 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 14-, 21-, 42-, 77-, and 147-day-old Wistar rats using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and their maps were illustrated in color to visually compare the distribution of the elements at various stages of the growth process. Sagittal slices (1-mm thickness) sectioned at the level of the substantia nigra were divided into 18 regions, and the small slice samples were digested in microwave-assisted closed vessels for ICP-MS measurement. Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations increased region-specifically with age, and their distributional maps showed some characteristics. These findings are discussed in terms of needs for these trace elements in the normal brain. Among new findings about their brain distribution, it is especially noteworthy that higher concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn were observed in the substantia nigra compared with those in neighboring regions. The mapping method in this work is expected to open up possibilities for screening of the in vivo element–element interrelationships among these essential elements.     

Synthesis of maremycins A and D1 via cycloaddition of a nitrone with (E)-3-ethylidene-1-methylindolin-2-one

A concise synthesis of maremycins A and D1 has been accomplished via cycloaddition of a chiral cyclic nitrone with ( E)-3-ethylidene-1-methylindolin-2-one as a key step. This synthesis clarifies the stereochemistry of the maremycins and is suitable for large-scale synthesis for biological screening.     

Total synthesis of (-)-kainic acid via intramolecular Michael addition: a second-generation route

A total synthesis of (-)-kainic acid starting from the commercially available 2-azetidinone is described. The key delta-lactone intermediate was concisely prepared from the commercially available azetidinone through the Reformatsky-type reaction and an introduction of a glycine moiety. The construction of the functionalized pyrrolidine ring was executed by a one-pot sequential elimination-Michael addition protocol of a beta-amino-delta-lactone intermediate with high diastereoselectivity.