Curvature driven flow of bi-layer interfaces

We introduce the Functionalized Cahn-Hilliard (FCH) energy, a negative multiple of the Cahn-Hilliard energy balanced against the square of its own variational derivative, as a finite width regularization of the sharp-interface Canham-Helfrich energy. Mass-preserving gradient flows associated to the FCH energy are higher-order phase field models which develop not only single-layer, or front-type interfaces, but also bi-layer, or homoclinic interfaces with associated endcap and multi-junction structures. The single-layer interfaces manifest a fingering instability which grows into endcapped bi-layers. The meandering growth of the bi-layer interfaces and the subsequent merging lead to a multi-junction dominated network that bears a striking similarity to the phase separated domains of both perfluorosulfonic membranes and amphiphilic di-block co-polymer solutions. The bi-layers generated by the gradient flows of the FCH energy have an interfacial width which scales with ε?1, however for fixed ε, there is a class of bi-layers parameterized by width and background state. Our primary result is the asymptotic derivation of the normal velocity of a closed bi-layer hypersurface in R^d (d≥2) coupled to the evolution for the surface width, curvature, and background state. We also show the convergence of the FCH energy to a scaled Canham-Helfrich type energy for both single and bi-layer interfaces, with the surface area coefficient of the limiting Canham-Helfrich energy coupling to the bi-layer width. Thus the bi-layer networks grow to maximize surface area while minimizing the square of curvature, up to the point that the increase in surface area stretches the bi-layers too thin.     

Synthesis and characterization of ionic liquid-functionalized alumino-silicate MCM-41 hybrid mesoporous materials

Ionic liquid-functionalized alumino-silicate MCM-41 hybrid mesoporous materials have been synthesized with two-step approach, by means of in situ skeleton doping with aluminium and post surface grafting with N-methylimidazole ionic liquid groups. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ²⁷Al and ¹³C MAS NMR spectra and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of NH₃. The results indicated that the bifunctionalized MCM-41 possessed ordered mesostructure. Aluminium was efficiently introduced into the framework of the mesostructure, generating Lewis and Brönsted acid sites. N-methylimidazole ionic liquid groups were covalently grafted onto the surface of mesoporous materials. The as-synthesized bifunctional MCM-41 showed good catalytic performance in the coupling reaction of CO₂ and propylene oxide.     

A convenient route to functionalized 3-amino-N-methylfuro[3,2-b]pyridine-2-carboxamides

The synthesis of novel functionalized 3-amino-N-methylfuro[3,2-b]pyridine-2-carboxamides is described from cyanopyridine intermediates. Based on the difference in halogen reactivity, ethyl [(5-bromo-2-chloropyridin-3-yl)oxy]acetate was functionalized by a palladium-catalyzed reaction, before the cyclization to the desired furo[3,2-b]pyridines.     

An efficient fluoride-mediated O-arylation of sterically hindered halophenols with silylaryl triflates under mild reaction conditions

The reaction between 2,6-dihalophenols and 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates in the presence of CsF using acetonitrile as solvent at room temperature led to the formation of functionalized diaryl ethers in very good yields.     

Synthesis of bi- and tetracatenar highly fluorinated compounds for grafting on silicone materials

A series of highly fluorinated compounds bearing two or four perfluoroalkyl (R_F) chains, with a flexible or rigid core have been synthesized. Radical additions, nucleophilic addition or condensation reactions were implemented for these synthesis, using perfluoroalkylated iodides and alcohols and various type of substrates: bis(allylic) derivatives, epichlorhydrin, diacid derivatives. All compounds contain an unsaturated moiety (vinyl, allyl or internal double bond) to be grafted on silicone materials by a catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction.     

Selective extraction of emerging contaminants from water samples by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using functionalized ionic liquids

Functionalized ionic liquids containing the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (FAP) anion were used as extraction solvents in dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the extraction of 14 emerging contaminants from water samples. The extraction efficiencies and selectivities were compared to those of an in situ IL DLLME method which uses an in situ metathesis reaction to exchange 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIM-Cl) to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (BMIM-NTf(2)). Compounds containing tertiary amine functionality were extracted with high selectivity and sensitivity by the 1-(6-amino-hexyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (HNH(2)MPL-FAP) IL compared to other FAP-based ILs and the BMIM-NTf(2) IL. On the other hand, polar or acidic compounds without amine groups exhibited higher enrichment factors using the BMIM-NTf(2) IL. The detection limits for the studied analytes varied from 0.1 to 55.1 μg/L using the traditional IL DLLME method with the HNH(2)MPL-FAP IL as extraction solvent, and from 0.1 to 55.8 μg/L using in situ IL DLLME method with BMIM-Cl+LiNTf(2) as extraction solvent. A 93-fold decrease in the detection limit of caffeine was observed when using the HNH(2)MPL-FAP IL compared to that obtained using in situ IL DLLME method. Real water samples including tap water and creek water were analyzed with both IL DLLME methods and yielded recoveries ranging from 91% to 110%.     

Solvent and substituent effects on the photochemistry of norbornadiene-diarylacetylene Pauson-Khand adducts

The photochemistry of Pauson-Khand cycloadducts of norbornadiene with a series of bis-aryl alkynes has been studied. Two types of photochemical transformation take place: photorearrangement to tricyclic ketones or photochemical 6π electrocyclization. High selectivity levels have been attained for each pathway, controlled by the polarity of the solvent, irradiation wavelength, and presence (or absence) of oxygen.     

One-pot,three-component cascade synthesis of new tetrasubstituted pyrroles by coupling reaction of 2-functionally substituted 2-alkenals,amines, and nitroethane

The reactivity of 2-alkylthio(2-alkoxy)-substituted 3-aryl(hetaryl)propenals in a one-pot, three-component reaction with primary amines and nitroethane has been studied. A method for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles (in 36–80% yield) from 2-alkylthiopropenals has been developed on the basis of this reaction. It is found that the reaction proceeds via formation of the intermediate imine of the starting enal, which undergoes 1,2-addition by nitroethane to give kinetically controlled 2-alkylthio-3-alkylamino-1-aryl(hetaryl)-4-nitropentene. When left to stand, upon heating or under microwave assistance, this adduct can be transformed into the thermodynamically controlled 1,4-adduct. The latter undergoes intramolecular cyclization to afford the target pyrrole. A possibility of such isomerization of addition products of nitroalkane to 2-functionalized α,β-unsaturated imines is revealed for the first time. Scope of the reaction depending upon its conditions as well as structure of the starting substrates and amines has been studied.     

A novel tandem process leading to functionalized glutarimides

The synthesis of various functionalized or spirobicyclic glutarimides by a novel tandem process has been disclosed. The reaction involves a base-catalyzed Michael addition of active methylene compounds to secondary conjugated amides, followed by intramolecular N-acylation of the carboxamido group. It provides a relatively general and simple access to useful synthetic intermediaries and potentially active pharmacological compounds. In addition, a novel group of spirobicyclic systems has been synthesized.