Mechanisms of methane activation and transformation on molybdenum oxide based catalysts

We present a comprehensive survey of different C-H activation pathways over various kinds of active sites of terminal oxygens [=O] and bridge oxygens [-O-] by using Mo3O9 model systems. This allows us to provide some insights into fundamental issues concerning C-H activation by metal oxo species involved in many heterogeneous, homogeneous, and enzymatic processes. We show that H abstraction is the most feasible reaction pathway for the activation of a C-H bond on molybdenum oxides; and that [=O] is more active than [-O-]. Our calculations also suggest that (2+2) can be an alternative if M=O bond possesses a high polarity, while (5+2) can provide another effective pathway if two M=O bonds are in close proximity. Implications for the related heterogeneous, homogeneous, and enzymatic processes are discussed.     

Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-monocerin

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-monocerin has been accomplished. The cis-fused furobenzopyranone of monocerin was efficiently constructed via a Lewis acid-mediated stereoselective cyclization of 1,2,4-triols intermediate.     

介孔Co-Al2O3催化剂上甲烷部分氧化制合成气

采用一锅法制备了介孔Co-Al2O3催化剂,并首次用于甲烷部分氧化制合成气反应. 结果表明,与普通浸渍法相比,一锅法制备的Co-Al2O3催化剂表现出更为优异的催化性能. 合成的介孔Co-Al2O3催化剂具有大的比表面积和孔体积,以及规整有序的六方介孔孔道,Co物种高度分散,从而导致还原后高的金属分散度,而介孔孔道对金属纳米颗粒的约束作用可有效增强金属的抗烧结能力.     

Morphology and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene with different stereo‐defect distribution in injection molding

Large amount of work has been published on the isotacticity–properties relationship of isotactic polypropylene (iPP). However, the stereo‐defect distribution dependence of morphology and mechanical properties of iPP injection molding samples is still not clear. In this study, two different isotactic polypropylene (iPP) resins (PP‐A and PP‐B) with similar average isotacticity but different stereo‐defect distribution were selected to investigate the morphology evolution and mechanical properties (tensile and notching) of their injection molding samples using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), 2D wide angle X‐ray diffraction (2D‐WAXD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of DMA showed that the molecular movement ability of PP‐A (with less uniform distribution of stereo‐defect) was stronger than that of PP‐B, meanwhile the analysis of DSC and SEM suggested that after injection molding, smaller spherullites, and crystals with higher perfection had formed in the specimens of PP‐A. The resulting of tensile properties of PP‐A were found to be better than that of PP‐B. The results of morphology evolution by SEM observation and 2D‐WAXD showed that PP‐A is more likely to occur interspherulite deformation and can disperse the tensile stress more efficiently, and therefore, its crystal structure can withstand a greater force when tensile stress is applied. On the other hand, PP‐B has larger spherulites and boundaries, and low perfection of lamellaes, and the intraspherulte deformation tend to take place. It is easier for the crystal of PP‐B to be broken up and reoriented along the tensile direction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gold‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Acyloxy Migration/Intramolecular [3+2] 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddtion Cascade Reaction: An Efficient Strategy for Syntheses of Medium‐Sized‐Ring Ethers and Amines

A highly efficient strategy for the formation of medium‐sized‐ring ethers and amines based on a gold‐catalyzed cascade reaction, involving enynyl ester isomerization and intramolecular [3+2] cyclization, has been developed. Various multisubstituted medium‐sized‐ring unsaturated ethers and amines were obtained through this transformation. This method represents one of the relatively few transition metal catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition reactions for medium‐sized ring synthesis.     

Production of Hydrogen Peroxide by Photocatalytic Processes

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has received increasing attention because it is not only a mild and environmentally friendly oxidant for organic synthesis and environmental remediation but also a promising new liquid fuel. The production of H₂O₂ by photocatalysis is a sustainable process, since it uses water and oxygen as the source materials and solar light as the energy. Encouraging processes have been developed in the last decade for the photocatalytic production of H₂O₂. In this Review we summarize research progress in the development of processes for the photocatalytic production of H₂O₂. After a brief introduction emphasizing the superiorities of the photocatalytic generation of H₂O₂, the basic principles of establishing an efficient photocatalytic system for generating H₂O₂ are discussed, highlighting the advanced photocatalysts used. This Review is concluded by a brief summary and outlook for future advances in this emerging research field.     

Total Synthesis of (−)‐Pepluanol B: Conformational Control of the Eight‐Membered‐Ring System

The first total synthesis of the Euphorbia diterpenoid pepluanol B in both racemic and enantioenriched form involves 20 steps from a known bicyclic diol. This synthesis features an unprecedented bromo‐epoxidation to control the eight‐membered‐ring conformation. In addition, salient reactions for the construction of the tetracyclic backbone include a sterically challenging aldol reaction to establish the quaternary center, a ring closing metathesis (RCM) to forge the eight‐membered ring, and a diastereoselective cyclopropanation to assemble the embedded cyclopropane motif.     

On-Line Separation and Preconcentration of Trace Metals in Biological Samples Using a Microcolumn Loaded with PAN-Modified Nanometer-Sized Titanium Dioxide,and Their Determination by ICP-AES

A flow injection analysis system incorporating a microcolumn of nanometer-sized TiO₂ loaded with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) has been used for the development of an on-line multi-element method for simultaneous separation and preconcentration and subsequent determination of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Y³⁺, Yb³⁺ and Bi³⁺ by ICP-AES. Effects of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions, adsorption capacity and interfering ions on analyte recovery were examined. The adsorption capacity of nanometer-sized TiO₂ loaded with PAN was 4.73, 18.57, 3.81, 6.14, 4.52 and 20.35mgg^–1 for Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Y³⁺, Yb³⁺, Co²⁺ and Bi³⁺, respectively. The method has been applied to the analysis of trace elements in standard reference biological samples, and the results are in good agreement with the certified values.