Evolution of Chemical Research in Nice, Côte d'Azur: From Early Laboratories to the 'Institut de Chimie de Nice'

The 'Institut de Chimie de Nice' (ICN), founded in 2012, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Today, the ICN is part of the University Côte d'Azur (UCA), one out of nine excellence universities in France. ICN is also affiliated to the CNRS. We use the institute's anniversary to reflect on the origins and the successful evolution of research in chemical sciences in Nice, France. We outline research topics and their development towards modern chemistry in Nice that are characterized by innovation and territorial anchoring. At present, four research axes, namely aroma and perfume chemistry, medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, and material chemistry structure the institute. ICN has created five start-up companies and includes a technological platform. The ICN is central part of the university and contributes to the advancement in chemical sciences as evidenced by both fundamental research and active contributions to local partnerships.

Iron-catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Propargyl Carboxylates and Grignard Reagents: Synthesis of Substituted Allenes

Presented herein is a mild, facile, and efficient iron-catalyzed synthesis of substituted allenes from propargyl carboxylates and Grignard reagents. Only 1-5 mol % of the inexpensive and environmentally benign [Fe(acac)3 ] at -20 °C was sufficient to afford a broad range of substituted allenes in excellent yields. The method tolerates a variety of functional groups.