The stereochemistry of cyclisation of n-t-butyldihydrocinnamamide to a β-lactam

Using a stereospecifically labelled precursor, the peroxide catalysed cyclisation of N-$\text{t}$-butyldihydrocinnamamide to the corresponding β-lactam was shown to proceed with complete loss of stereochemistry at the benzylic carbon atom.     

Synthetic metals based on tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene(TMTSF): Varied anisotropy in the low temperature (125K) structures of (TMTSF)2X,X=C104-, PF6-, and AsF6-.

The low temperature (125K) X-ray crystal structures of (TMTSF)₂X, X=C10₄^-, PF₆^-, and AsF₆^- reveal decreases in the intermolecular interand intrastack Se-Se contact distances upon cooling (298K to 125K) which are highly anisotropic and different from one salt to another. The changes in the interstack distances, which are normal to the stacking direction, are approximately twice those involving intrastack Se-Se interactions. These observations establish that the anisotropic structural changes which accompany decreased temperature are common to numerous (TMTSF)₂X radical cation conducting salts.     

A multi-objective optimization model for aquifer management under transient and steady-state conditions

A multiple objective waste-disposal model is developed and analysed. The model is a modification of the single objective waste-disposal model of Alley, Aguado and Remson. The solution structure is obtained using the method of constraints so that dual variables (shadow prices) are available with the solutions.     

The photochemistry of sulfur dioxide excited within its first allowed band (3130 Å) and the “forbidden” band (3700–;4000 Å)

The quantum yields of SO₃ formation have been determined in pure SO₂ and in SO₂ mixtures with NO, CO₂, and O₂ using both flow and static systems. In separate series of experiments excitation of SO₂ was effected within the forbidden band, SO₂(³B₁) ← \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$$ {\rm SO}_2 (\tilde X,^1 A_1 ) $$\end{document}, and within the first allowed singlet band at 3130 Å. The values of Φ were found to be sensitive to the flow rate of the reactants. These results and the apparently divergent quantum yield results of Cox [10], Allen and coworkers [24, 26, 29], and Okuda and coworkers [11] were rationalized quantitatively in terms of the significant occurrence of the reactions SO + SO₃ → 2SO₂ (2), and 2SO → SO₂ + S [or (SO)₂] (3), in experiments of long residence time. From the present rate data, values of the rate constants were estimated, k₂=(1.2±0.7) × 10⁶; k₃=(5±4) × 10⁵ l˙/mole · sec. Φ values from triplet excitation experiments at high flow rates of NO? SO₂ and CO₂? SO₂ mixtures showed the sole reactant with SO₂ leading to SO₃ formation in this system to be SO₂(³B₁); SO₂(³B₁) + SO₂ → SO₃ + SO(³Σ^?) (la); k=(4.2±0.4) × 10⁷ l./mole · sec. With excitation of SO₂ at 3130 Å both singlet and triplet excited states play a role in SO₃ formation. If the reactive singlet state is ¹B₁, the long-lived fluorescent state, SO₂(¹B₁) + SO₂ → SO₃ + SO (¹ Δ or ³Σ^?) (lb), then k=(2.2±0.5) × 10⁹ l./mole · sec. From the observed inhibition of SO formation by added nitric oxide, it was found that the SO₃-forming triplet state, generated in this singlet excited SO₂ system, had a relative reactivity toward SO₂ and NO which was equal within the experimental error to that observed here for the SO₂(³B₁) species. Either SO₂(³B₁) molecules were created with an unexpectedly high efficiency in 3130 Å excited SO₂(¹B₁) quenching collisions, or another reactive triplet (presumably ³A₂ or ³B₂) of almost identical reactivity to SO₂(³B₁) was important here.     

A novel oxidative rearrangement of 6-methoxypyran-2-ones

As part of our continuing studies of pyrone-containing natural products, a series 6-methoxypyran-2-ones were synthesized. These were found to react with molecular oxygen at 20 degrees C, and this novel reaction yielded a series of highly functionalized alpha,beta-butenolides. [reaction: see text]     

Generalized anisotropic scaling theory and the transverse meissner transition

We consider a depinning transition in vortex systems with columnar disorder and tilted applied magnetic fields. From scaling arguments and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that this transverse Meissner transition is governed by a fixed point which is anisotropic in all three directions. This generalization of conventional anisotropic scaling means that the correlation length in different directions diverges with different rates, and we derive exact results for the anisotropy exponents. We make predictions which can be tested in experiments on superconductors with columnar disorder.     

Dissipation and tunneling in quantum Hall bilayers

We discuss the interplay between transport and intrinsic dissipation in quantum Hall bilayers, within the framework of a simple thought experiment. We compute, for the first time, quantum corrections to the semiclassical dynamics of this system. This allows us to reinterpret tunneling measurements on these systems. We find a strong peak in the zero-temperature tunneling current that arises from the decay of Josephson-like oscillations into incoherent charge fluctuations. In the presence of an in-plane field, resonances in the tunneling current develop an asymmetric line shape.     

Tuning intermolecular interactions in a rodlike polymer assembled at surfaces and in solution

The isolation of single polyelectrolyte chains of water-soluble poly(isocyanodipeptide)s (PICs) bearing carboxylic acid terminated side chains occurring both at surfaces and in solution was accomplished by reducing the intermolecular interactions through complexation with cations or positively charged surfactants.Scanning force microscopy and viscosity analyses revealed that this method allows to tune the conformation of the macromolecule, which is of importance for tailoring the physicochemical properties of the material.This is particularly significant for the use of these polymer chains as seed for biomineralization processes.     

Functionalized macrocycles from functionalized tetra-amines: pendent-arm macrocycles derived from dichloropivalic acid

Reaction between ethane-1,2-diamine and 3,3'-dichloropivalic acid results in different, isomeric tetra-amine derivatives, one a tetraamino carboxylic acid and the other a carboxamidotriamino alcohol, depending upon reaction conditions. Intended conversion of the Cu(II) complex of the former to a cyclam-like macrocycle through reaction with nitroethane and formaldehyde results in isolation of derivatives of both the former and the latter. This can be rationalized by assuming the intermediacy of an azetidinone, a species similar to that seen in simpler reactions of dichloropivalates. A single reaction thereby provides pendent-arm macrocycles where one has an electrophilic and the other a nucleophilic substituent. Parallel chemistry is not seen in the reaction between propane-1,3-diamine and 3,3'-dichloropivalate.