One-pot synthesis of allyl thioacetate from benzaldehydes and activated alkenes using the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction as a key step

An efficient, regioselective and steresoselecitive one-pot protocol for the synthesis of (Z)-S-2-alkoxycarbonyl-3-acylallyl ethanethioates and (E)-S-2-cyano-3-acylallyl ethanethioates from benzaldehydes and activated alkenes (methyl acrylate and acrylonitrile) was developed. Our method consisted of Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of benzaldehydes and activated alkenes using DABCO followed by acetylation using acetic anhydride and a catalytic amount of DMAP, and S_N2′ reaction with potassium thioacetate in DMF. The first two reactions proceeded under solvent-free condition.     

Effect of the dimensions of carbon nanotube channels on copper–cobalt–cerium catalysts for higher alcohols synthesis

A series of carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported copper–cobalt–cerium catalysts were prepared and investigated for higher alcohols synthesis. The superior selectivity for the formation of ethanol and C_2 + alcohols achieved using the CuCoCe/CNT(8) catalyst was 39.0% and 67.9%, respectively. The diameters of CNTs considerably influence the distribution of metal particles and the electronic interaction between the tube surface and the active species. The electronic effect between the encapsulated Co species and the inner surface is greatly improved in the narrowest CNT channel, which is expected to facilitate the reduction of cobaltous oxide and promote the alcohols yield remarkably (291.9 mg/g_cath).     

Sulfated tungstate: A green catalyst for synthesis of thiomorpholides via Willgerodt–Kindler reaction

Use of sulfated tungstate as an efficient, green and reusable catalyst for preparation of thiomorpholides via Willgerodt–Kindler reaction pathway is presented. The reaction proceeds under solvent free condition. The advantages of this method are high yields, short reaction times, ease of product isolation and recyclability of catalyst for a number of times without significant loss of activity.     

A sol–gel approach for the room temperature synthesis of Al-containing micelle-templated silica

A two-step sol–gel method has been developed for the synthesis of Al-containing micelle-templated silica (Al-MTS) with Si/Al atomic ratios in the range 8–45. The synthesis proceeds at ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, acid medium and for only 3 h. For the calcined materials, a decrease of both the d₁₀₀ spacing and the pore size, as well as an increase in the wall thickness, are observed with ncreasing aluminum content. Thus, the average pore size changed from 2.4 nm (Si/Al=45) to 1.4 nm (Si/Al=8), i.e. the pore size reaches the micropore range without varying the chain length of the surfactant used as micellar templating agent. The ²⁷Al NMR-MAS spectra show that in the as-synthesized samples the aluminum is present as tetrahedrally coordinated species, which are partially transformed into octahedral aluminum upon calcination. Since the synthesis takes place in the absence of alkali cations, the Al-MTS materials are directly obtained in the acid form, making a subsequent ion exchange and calcination treatments superfluous.     

Molybdenum carbonyl grafted onto silicate intercalated cobalt–aluminum hydrotalcite: A new potential catalyst for the hydroformylation of octene

We present the first example of molybdenum carbonyl grafted on diaminosiloxane-functionalized cobalt–aluminum hydrotalcite (CA–HTSi–DA–Mo) as a promising catalyst for the hydroformylation of olefins. The catalyst showed 80% conversion with selective formation of branched aldehyde. About 70% of the catalytic activity retains even after three cycles.     

A polymer complex solution process for the synthesis and characterization of Ni–YSZ cermet material

Ni–YSZ cermets for SOFC anodes were prepared by the Pechini-type reaction route. The initial polymer precursors were prepared with different citric acid/ethylene glycol (CA/EG) molar ratios. The properties of the samples at different stages of the preparation procedure were evaluated with regard to thermal decomposition (TG–DTA), crystallite size (XRD), surface area (BET), sinterability and phase distribution (SEM). The results showed that an increase of CA and EG in the starting solution increased the final temperature of the thermal decomposition of gels from 340 °C to 382 °C, and the specific surface area of calcined NiO–YSZ powders from 10 m² g⁻¹ to 27 m² g⁻¹. In parallel the sinterability of the samples increased. A distinct increase of CA in the predominantly aqueous solution diminished the nickel grain size in the final Ni–YSZ material. A shift from aqueous to organic media further reduced the nickel-rich regions to around 0.2 μm.     

The role of zinc oxide in Cu/ZnO catalysts for methanol synthesis and the water–gas shift reaction

All commercial catalysts for methanol synthesis and for the water–gas shift reaction in the low temperature region contain zinc oxide in addition to the main active component, copper. The varied benefits of zinc oxide are analysed here. The formation of zincian malachite and other copper/zinc hydroxy carbonates is essential in the production of small, stable copper crystallites in the final catalyst. Further, the regular distribution of copper crystallites on the zinc oxide phase ensures long catalyst life. Zinc oxide also increases catalyst life in the water–gas shift process by absorbing sulphur poisons but it is not effective against chloride poisons. In methanol synthesis, zinc oxide (as a base) removes acidic sites on the alumina phase which would otherwise convert methanol to dimethyl ether. Although bulk reduction of zinc oxide to metallic zinc does not take place, reduction to copper–zinc alloy (brass) can occur, sometimes as a surface phase only. A new interpretation of conflicting measurements of adsorbed oxygen on the copper surfaces of methanol synthesis catalysts is based on the formation of Cu–O–Zn sites, in addition to oxygen adsorbed on copper alone. The possible role of zinc oxide as well as copper in the mechanisms of methanol synthesis is still the subject of controversy. It is proposed that, only under conditions of deficiency of adsorbed hydrogen on the copper phase, hydrogen dissociation on zinc oxide, followed by hydrogen spillover to copper, is significant. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Conversion of zeolite—A in to various ion-exchanged catalytic forms and their catalytic efficiency for the synthesis of benzimidazole

Zeolite-A was synthesized and converted into various ion-exchanged catalytic forms successfully. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area measurement and thermal programmed desorption (TPD). Their catalytic activity was tested on the synthesis of benzimidazole using o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) and aldehyde at room temperature. The reaction proceeds efficiently under ambient conditions. The catalysts gave a high isolated yield of benzimidazole in a shorter reaction time at room temperature and were recycled several times.     

The influence of precursors and additives on the hydrothermal synthesis of VO2: A route for tuning the metal–insulator transition temperature

Thermochromic materials have attracted the attention of scientific and technological researchers due to their ability to change color depending on the temperature. Vanadium dioxide (VO₂) is capable of considerable polymorphs and has aroused interest mainly because its metal–insulator transition (MIT) presents a thermochromic characteristic at a relatively low temperature. This work aimed to obtain vanadium oxide nanostructures using hydrothermal synthesis to tune the MIT temperature. Ammonium metavanadate or vanadium pentoxide was used as a precursor of vanadium, oxalic acid as a reducing agent, and sodium molybdate as an additive. The starting materials were homogenized and inserted in a hydrothermal reactor at 180 °C. After 24 h of synthesis, part of the resulting product was heat-treated at 400 °C for 3 h. The powders obtained were characterized by their structure, morphology, and thermal properties. The results showed a fiber/rod-shaped VO₂ (M) morphology. Distinct strategies were used to obtain the crystalline phase of interest (VO₂(M)), and the presence of a reversible change occurring at ~68 °C was evaluated according to the parameters from the VO₂ phase transition. The addition of sodium molybdate favored a 22% reduction in the MIT temperature when the precursor used was vanadium pentoxide, indicating possible doping in the structure increased the effects of smaller crystallite size and the presence of crystalline phases. This work opens new perspectives for applications of the vanadium oxides obtained, such as in thermal sensors and/or intelligent materials.     

A simple solid–liquid grinding/templating route for the synthesis of magnetic iron/graphitic mesoporous carbon composites

Magnetic iron/graphitic mesoporous carbon composites were prepared by a simple one-step solid–liquid grinding/templating route. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the samples. It was observed that a high content of magnetic iron nanoparticles could be embedded in the walls of graphitic mesoporous carbon matrix, and the resulting materials have a hierarchical mesostructure with a high specific surface area, large pore volume, and high saturation magnetization, giving the materials wide potential applications as catalyst supports and adsorbents.     

A New Concept for Adhesion Promotion in Metal–Polymer Systems by Introduction of Covalently Bonded Spacers at the Interface

A new concept for molecular interface design in metal–polymer systems is presented. The main features of this concept are the replacement of weak physical interactions by strong covalent bonds, the flexibilization of the interface for compensating different thermal expansions of materials by using long-chain flexible and covalently bonded spacers between the metal and the polymer as well as its design as a moisture-repellent structure for hindering diffusion of water molecules into the interface and hydrolysis of chemical bonds. For this purpose, the main task was to develop plasmachemical and chemical techniques for equipping polymer surfaces with monotype functional groups of adjustable concentration. The establishing of monotype functional groups allows grafting the functional groups by spacer molecules by applying usual wet-chemical reactions. Four processes were favoured for production of monotype functional groups by highly selective reactions: the plasma bromination, the plasma deposition of plasma polymers, the post-plasma chemical reduction of O-functionalities to OH-groups, and the chemical replacement of bromine groups by NH₂-groups. The grafting of flexible organic molecules as spacers between the metal layer and polymer improved the peel strength of the metal. To obtain maximal peel strength of aluminium coatings to polypropylene films and occurrence of cohesive failure in the polypropylene substrate, about 27 OH groups per 100 C-atoms or 6 COOH groups per 100 C-atoms were needed. Introducing C_6–11-aliphatic spacers 1 OH or COOH group per 100 C-atoms contributed about 60% of the maximal peel strength of the Al–PP system, i.e. 2 or 3 spacer molecules per 100 C-atoms were sufficient for maximal peel strength.     

A combined salt–hard templating approach for synthesis of multi-modal porous carbons used for probing the simultaneous effects of porosity and electrode engineering on EDLC performance

A new approach, based on a combination of salt and hard templating for producing multi-modal porous carbons is demonstrated. The hard template, silica nanoparticles, generate mesopores (∼22 nm), and in some cases borderline-macropores (∼64 nm), resulting in high pore volume (∼3.9 cm³/g) while the salt template, zinc chloride, generates borderline-mesopores (∼2 nm), thus imparting high surface area (∼2100 m²/g). The versatility of the proposed synthesis technique is demonstrated using: (i) dual salt templates with hard template resulting in magnetic, nanostructured-clay embedded (∼27% clay content), high surface area (∼1527 m²/g) bimodal carbons (∼2 and 70 nm pores), (ii) multiple hard templates with salt template resulting in tri-modal carbons (∼2, 12 and 28 nm pores), (iii) low temperature (450 °C) synthesis of bimodal carbons afforded by the presence of hygroscopic salt template, (iv) easy coupling with physical activation approaches. A selected set of thus synthesized carbons were used to evaluate, for the first time, the simultaneous effects of carbon porosity and pressure applied during electrode fabrication on EDLC performance. Electrode pressing was found to be more favorable for carbons containing hard-templated mesopores (∼87% capacitance retention at current density of 40 A/g) as compared to those without (∼54% capacitance retention).     

A new method for the synthesis of tetrahydrothiophene-S,S-dioxide derivatives: the Michael ring closure reaction between halomethyl (E)-β-styryl sulfones and CH-acids

Bromomethyl and chloromethyl (E)-β-styryl sulfones enter a Michael ring closure reaction with sodium enolates prepared from dimethyl malonate, malononitrile and ethyl acetoacetate. The condensation results in formation of substituted tetrahydrothiophene-S,S-dioxides. It is a new instance of α-haloalkyl sulfones transformations, which are not connected with Ramberg–Bäcklund reaction.     

A Systematic Structure–Activity Study of a New Type of Small Peptidic Transfection Vector Reveals the Importance of a Special Oxo-Anion-Binding Motif for Gene Delivery

We discovered a new class of artificial peptidic transfection vectors based on an artificial anion-binding motif, the guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole (GCP) cation. This new type of vector is surprisingly smaller than traditional systems, and our previous work suggested that the GCP group was important for promoting critical endosomal escape. We now present here a systematic comparison of similar DNA ligands featuring our GCP oxo-anion-binding motif with DNA ligands only consisting of naturally occurring amino acids. Structure–activity studies showed that the artificial binding motif clearly outperformed natural amino acids such as histidine, lysine, and arginine. It improved the ability to shuttle foreign genetic material into cells, yet successfully mediated endosomal escape. Also, plasmids that were complexed by our artificial ligands were stabilized against cytosolic degradation to some extent. This resulted in the successful expression of plasmid information (comparable to gold standards such as polyethyleneimine). Hence, our study clearly demonstrates the importance of the tailor-made GCP anion-binding site for efficient gene transfection.     

Bi (NO3)3·5H2O and cellulose mediated Cu-NPs — A highly efficient and novel catalytic system for aerobic oxidation of alcohols to carbonyls and synthesis of DFF from HMF

A highly efficient and versatile catalytic system for oxidation of primary and secondary aromatic alcohols to carbonyls has been developed. High efficiency, general synthetic applicability, broader functional group tolerance and versatility towards oxidation of both primary and secondary aromatic alcohols are the key features of this green and sustainable protocol. Selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) to biofuel 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) has been observed in excellent yields. Use of sustainable bio-polymer cellulose as a Cu-nanoparticle support makes the catalytic system environmentally benign.     

A new route for the synthesis of functionalized benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide derivatives via intramolecular C–H activation reactions of N,N′,N′′-trisubstituted guanidines and benzenesulfonylchloride

ABSTRACT

In this study, a simple and appropriate procedure for the synthesis of functionalized benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide with good yields via the Cu-catalyzed intramolecular C–H activation reaction from benzenesulfonylchloride and N,N′,N′′-trisubstitutedguanidines, generated by copper(II) oxide-catalyzed hydroamination of carbodiimides, is reported.     

Straightforward synthesis and structural characterization of the first alkoxy-zircono-silsesquioxanes — Potential models for zirconia–silica epoxidation catalysts: Molecular hybrid materials mimicking solution exchange in MOFs

The first representatives of alkoxy-zircono-silsesquioxane compounds, dinuclear [Cy₇Si₇O₁₂]Zr(ROH)(μ-OR)₂Zr(ROH)[O₁₂Si₇Cy₇], where R = ⁿPr, ⁿBu, ^tBu; Cy = c-C₆H₁₁, and [Cy*₇Si₇O₁₂]Zr(μ-ROH)(μ-OR)₂Zr[O₁₂Si₇Cy*₇], R = ^tBu; Cy* = c-C₅H₉, have been prepared with quantitative yield by interaction of the corresponding zirconium alkoxides with the cycloalkyl-substituted cage silsesquioxanes in hexane. The X-ray single crystal study of the n-butoxide derivative revealed that zirconium atoms are hexacoordinated with the 3 oxygen atoms of the cage ligand, 2 — from the bridging alkoxide groups and one — from the solvating alcohol molecule in the coordination sphere. The molecule is additionally supported by a hydrogen bond between the solvating alcohol and an oxygen atom belonging to the cage ligand coordinated by the other zirconium atom. The structures of produced silsesquioxanes display behavior typical for metal–organic frameworks as they crystallize initially as hexane clathrates, but lose the solvent on storage in inert atmosphere. This results in formation of empty channels situated along the c-axis.     

A simple approach for the synthesis of bi-functional Fe3O4@WO3 − x core–shell nanoparticles with magnetic-microwave to heat responsive properties

A facile direct precipitation method has been developed for the synthesis of multi-functional magnetic, microwave to heat responsive properties with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as the core and WO_3 − x as the shell. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the obtained bi-functional nanoparticles had a core-shell structure and a spherical morphology. The average size was ~ 250 nm, and the thickness of the shell was ~ 15 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a cubic spinel structure of Fe₃O₄ core and the WO_3 − x shell were obtained. The nanoparticles showed both strong magnetic, and unique microwave to heat responsive properties, which may lead to development of nanoparticles with great potential for applications in drug targeting delivery, controlled release drug, photo- and microwave-thermal combination therapy and water treatment.     

A convenient method for the synthesis of [Pd{[(η5-C5H3)–CHN–(CH2)2–NMe2]Fe(η5-C5H5)}Cl] and the study of its reactivity with diphosphines

A one-pot method for the preparation of [Pd{[(η⁵-C₅H₃)–CHN–(CH₂)₂–NMe₂]Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}Cl] is described. Its X-ray crystal structure and its reactions with the diphosphines Ph₂P–(CH₂)_n–PPh₂ {with n=1 (ddpm) or 2 (dppe)} are also reported.