B(C6F5)3: an efficient catalyst for reductive alkylation of alkoxy benzenes and for synthesis of triarylmethanes using aldehydes

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆F₅)₃] has been used as an efficient catalyst for reductive alkylation of alkoxy benzenes using aldehydes as an alkylating agent in the presence of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS). Various alkylated trimethoxybenzene derivatives have been prepared in good to high yields. In addition, B(C₆F₅)₃ was also used as a catalyst for the reaction of electron-rich arenes with aldehydes to obtain triarylmethanes. The use of reductive alkylation protocol for the synthesis of an isochroman and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives has also been demonstrated.     

Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds in Licorice Root Extract Potentially Contribute to Improving Growth,Bulb Quality and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa)

The increasing culinary use of onion (Alium cepa) raises pressure on the current production rate, demanding sustainable approaches for increasing its productivity worldwide. Here, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract (LRE) in improving growth, yield, nutritional status, and antioxidant properties of two high-yielding onion cultivars, Shandaweel and Giza 20, growing under field conditions in two consecutive years. Our results revealed that pretreatments of both onion cultivars with LRE exhibited improved growth indices (plant height and number of leaves) and yield-related features (bulb length, bulb diameter, and bulb weight) in comparison with the corresponding LRE-devoid control plants. Pretreatments with LRE also improved the nutritional and antioxidant properties of bulbs of both cultivars, which was linked to improved mineral (e.g., K⁺ and Ca²⁺) acquisition, and heightened activities of enzymatic antioxidants (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase) and increased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, phenolics, and flavonoids). LRE also elevated the contents of proline, total free amino acids, total soluble carbohydrates, and water-soluble proteins in both onion bulbs. In general, both cultivars displayed positive responses to LRE pretreatments; however, the Shandaweel cultivar performed better than the Giza 20 cultivar in terms of yield and, to some extent, bulb quality. Collectively, our findings suggest that the application of LRE as biostimulant might be an effective strategy to enhance bulb quality and ultimately the productivity of onion cultivars under field conditions.     

Detection of cancer affected cell using Sagnac interferometer based photonic crystal fiber refractive index sensor

Optical and Quantum Electronics - A complex studies of optoelectronics, non-linear optical and laser stimulated piezoelectric features of chalcogenide powder-like chalcogenide crystals pure and...