Evolution of a protecting-group-free total synthesis: studies en route to the neuroactive marine macrolide (-)-palmyrolide A

A full account of our synthetic work toward the first total synthesis of the neuroactive marine macrolide (-)-palmyrolide A is described. Our first-generation approach aimed to unlock the unknown C(5)-C(7) stereochemical relationship via the synthesis of four diastereomers of palmyrolide A aldehyde, a known degradation product. When these efforts provided inconclusive results, recourse to synthesizing all possible stereocombinations of the 15-membered macrolide was undertaken. These studies were critical in confirming the absolute stereochemistry, yielding the first total synthesis of (+)-ent-palmyrolide A. Subsequent to this work, the first protecting-group-free total synthesis of natural (-)-palmyrolide A is also reported.     

Chemoselective Oxidation of Alkenes by Metal-Organic Framework-Supported Copper Catalyst

Oxidation of alkenes to carbonyls or diols compounds is important in synthesizing fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. We report the synthesis and characterization of an aluminum metal-organic framework node-supported copper(II) chloride (DUT-5-CuCl), which is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of alkenes using H₂O₂ as an oxidizing agent. Styrene and various substituted styrenes were transformed into the corresponding carbonyl compounds in excellent selectivity and yields. DUT-5-CuCl is tolerant with various functional groups and could be recycled and reused at least 5 times in the oxidation of α-methylstyrene. Unlike the oxidation of styrene derivatives, DUT-5-Cu catalyzed oxidation of aliphatic and cyclic alkenes produced 1,2-diols compounds selectively. The mechanism of the DUT-5-Cu catalyzed oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde was investigated in detail by various experiments such as the determination of reaction intermediates and characterization of the catalyst after catalysis, and computational studies. This work highlights the importance of MOF-supported earth-abundant metal catalysts for oxidation reactions to produce fine chemicals.     

The photocurrent response of human cones is fast and monophasic

Background  

The precise form of the light response of human cone photoreceptors in vivo has not been established with certainty. To investigate the response shape we compare the predictions of a recent model of transduction in primate cone photoreceptors with measurements extracted from human cones using the paired-flash electroretinogram method. As a check, we also compare the predictions with previous single-cell measurements of ground squirrel cone responses.