Highly Regio- and Stereoselective Markovnikov Hydrosilylation of Alkynes Catalyzed by High-Nuclearity {Co14} Clusters

Regioselective Cu-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Internal Aryl Alkynes

Construction of vinylsilane building blocks is important for advancing the synthesis of complex small molecules and natural products. Herein, we report a highly regio- and stereoselective copper-catalyzed hydrosilylation of unsymmetrical internal aryl alkynes. The reaction is performed across a broad scope of internal aryl alkynes, providing exclusive access to α-vinylsilane alkenyl arene products, including several silylated small molecule drug analogs.

Construction of Ni2P/WS2/CoWO4@C multi-heterojunction electrocatalysis derived from heterometallic clusters for superior overall water splitting

The reasonable design of an economical and robust bifunctional electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is both essential but challenging. Herein, we synthesized a multi-interfacial Ni2P/WS2/CoWO4@C hybrid electrocatalyst devived from the heterometallic clusters [Co24(TC4A)6(WO4)8Cl6][HPW12O40], in which Ni2P was incorporated into WS2/CoWO4@C nanosheets via interfacial interactions by in situ phosphorization processes. Theoretical calculations revealed that moderate electron transfer from CoWO4 and Ni2P to WS2 induced by the multi-heterojunction significantly regulate the binding energies of the reactive intermediates, thus enhacing its intrinsic activity. Under alkaline medium, the overpotential of the optimized Ni2P/WS2/CoWO4@C electrocatalyst for OER and HER is only 206 mV and 90 mV at 10 mA cm-2, respectively, with extraordinary stability more than 100 h, and the potential of overall water splitting is only 1.46 V. This work motivates further research and presents a reliable design route for other heterojunction engineered cost-effective bifuctional electrocatalysts.

Proton Ionic Liquid Modulates Hydrogen Coverage and Subsurface Absorbed Hydrogen to Enhance Pd Metallene Electrocatalytic Semi-hydrogenation of Alkynols

Electrochemical semi-hydrogenation of alkynols to produce high-value alkenols is a green and sustainable approach. Although Pd can exhibit excellent semi-hydrogenation properties, its intrinsic mechanism still lacks in-depth study. Herein, a proton ionic liquid (PIL)-modified Pd metallene (Pdene@PIL) is synthesized for the electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBY) to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBE). The PIL modification of Pdene@PIL resulted in an MBY conversion of 96.1% and MBE selectivity of 97.2%, respectively. Theoretical calculations indicate the electron transfer between Pdene and PIL, leading to easier adsorption of MBY on the Pd surface. The d-band center of Pdene@PIL shifts away from the Fermi level, which weakens the adsorption of over-hydrogenated intermediates. At the same time, the PIL modification facilitates the adsorption of surface-adsorbed hydrogen (H*ads) and inhibits the formation of subsurface-absorbed hydrogen (H*abs). In particular, the PIL modification optimizes Hads* coverage, reduces the reaction energy of the rate-determining step (C5H8O*-C5H9O*), and inhibits HER. The reduction of H*abs formation inhibits the transfer of Pd to PdHx and suppresses the over-hydrogenation. This work provides new insights into the modulation of H* to enhance the alkynol electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation reaction (ESHR) process from the perspective of surface modification.

Dirhodium(II)/XantPhos Catalyzed Synthesis of β-(E)-Vinylsilanes via Hydrosilylation and Isomerization from Alkynes

A concise hydrosilylation of alkynes for synthesizing β-(E)-vinylsilanes catalyzed by dirhodium(II)/XantPhos has been developed. In this reaction, β-(E)-vinylsilanes were generated from the isomerization of β-(Z)-vinylsilanes catalyzed by dirhodium(II) hydride species rather than the direct insertion of triple bond into M-H or M-Si bond (traditional Chalk-Harrod mechanism or modified Chalk-Harrod mechanism). The hydrosilylation displayed a broad substrate scope for alkynes and tertiary silanes, tolerating diverse functional groups including halides, nitriles, amines, esters, and heterocycles.

Synthesis and characterization of homometallic cobalt complexes with metal-metal interactions

Complexes featuring metal-metal bonds play crucial roles in catalysis and small molecule activation due to the synergistic effects between the metals. Here, we report a series of homometallic cobalt complexes with metal-metal interactions that have been successfully stabilized by a multidentate ligand platform. Theoretical studies on metal-metal interactions in these cobalt complexes are discussed.

Metal-catalyzed Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes

Metal-catalyzed highly Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes provides a straightforward and atom-economical route to access 1,1-disubstituted alkenes, which have a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. However, the highly Markovnikov-type selective transformations are challenging due to the electronic and steric effects during the addition process. With the development of metal-catalyzed organic synthesis, different metal catalysts have been developed to solve this challenge, especially for platinum group metal catalysts. In this perspective, we review homogeneous metal-catalyzed Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes according to the classified element types as well as reaction mechanisms. Future avenues for investigation are also presented to help expand this exciting field.

Heterometallic Electrocatalysts Derived from High-Nuclearity Metal Clusters for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

The development of cost-effective electrocatalysts with an optimal surface affinity for intermediates is essential for sustainable hydrogen fuel production, but this remains insufficient. Here we synthesize Ni2P/MoS2-CoMo2S4@C heterometallic electrocatalysts based on the high-nuclearity cluster {Co24(TC4A)6(MoO4)8Cl6}, in which Ni2P nanoparticles were anchored to the surface of the MoS2-CoMo2S4@C nanosheets via strong interfacial interactions. Theoretical calculations revealed that the introduction of Ni2P phases induces significant disturbances in the surface electronic configuration of Ni2P/MoS2-CoMo2S4@C, resulting in more relaxed d-d orbital electron transfers between the metal atoms. Moreover, continuous electron transport was established by the formation of multiple heterojunction interfaces. The optimized Ni2P/MoS2-CoMo2S4@C electrocatalyst exhibited ultralow overpotentials of 198 and 73 mV for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively, in alkaline media, at 10 mA cm-2. The alkali electrolyzer constructed using Ni2P/MoS2-CoMo2S4@C required a cell voltage of only 1.45 V (10 mA cm-2) to drive overall water splitting with excellent long-term stability.

Copper-Metallized Porous N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand Polymer-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective 1,2-Carboboration of Alkynes

Alkenylboronates are highly versatile building blocks and valuable reagents in the synthesis of complex molecules. Compared with that of monosubstituted alkenylboronates, the synthesis of multisubstituted alkenylboronates is challenging. The copper-catalyzed carboboration of alkynes is an operationally simple and straightforward method for synthesizing bis/trisubstituted alkenylboronates. In this work, a series of copper-metallized N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) ligand porous polymer catalysts are designed and synthesized in accordance with the mechanism of carboboration. By using CuCl@POL-NHC-Ph as the optimal nanocatalyst, this study realizes the β-regio- and stereoselective (syn-addition) 1,2-carboboration of alkynes (regioselectivity up to >99:1) with satisfactory yields and a wide range of substrates. This work not only overcomes the selectivity of carboboration but also provides a new strategy for the design of nanocatalysts and their application in organic synthesis.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesis using plant extract and evaluation of their antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans

Dental decay is known in the world as the most common human infectious disease. Ascending process of dental caries index in the world shows the failure of oral disease prevention. Streptococcus mutans bacteria cause acid damage and tooth decay by producing acid over time. Nanomaterials with suitable functionality, high permeability, extremely large surface area, significant reactivity, unique mechanical features, and non-bacterial resistance can be considered as promising agents for antimicrobial and antiviral applications. In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles with size range from 2 to 16 nm containing Stevia natural sweetener were eco-friendly synthesized via a simple method. Additionally, their various concentrations were evaluated on S. mutans bacteria by applying the broth dilution method. The results demonstrated that these spherical NiO nanoparticles had efficient bacteriostatic activity on this gram-positive coccus.

Synthesis and Characterizations of Novel Spinel Ferrites Nanocomposites Al0.5Cr0.5Zn0Fe2O4 and Zn0.5Cr0.5Al0Fe2O4

In this study, novel spinel ferrites nanocomposites containing aluminum chromium zinc nanoferrites, Al0.5Cr0.5Zn0Fe2O4 and Zn0.5Cr0.5Al0Fe2O4 have been fabricated and characterized to determine the properties of highly stable conduction materials. The nanocomposites have been synthesized through the sol–gel method. Zinc and aluminum-doped chromium ferrites were prepared with the stoichiometric composition ZnxAlx-0.5Cr0.5Fe2O4 with ammonium hydroxide solution (NH4OH) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different temperatures with consecutive steps. After sintering the final nanoferrites, characterizations for morphological, spectral properties, and crystallinity have been determined through scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectrometer, respectively. SEM micrographs presented that higher sample density and agglomeration of the nanocomposite outer surface with temperature increase. The investigation of the dielectric and conduction properties presented with varying sintering temperature and Al–Zn doping greatly influenced the dielectric properties of spinel nanoferrites dielectric properties: dielectric loss tangent and dielectric constant. The effects of various sintering temperatures provide synergistic effects on the morphology and dielectric conductivity features. The characterizations presented that the dopants (Al, Zn) enhanced the magnetic and electrical properties of both chromium nanoferrites which can be implemented in high frequency single-layered electromagnetic waves absorbing devices in electrical and medical appliances in future.

Simulation Research of the n-Butanol Proportion Influence on HCCI Combustion of Free-Piston Diesel Engine Generators

For researching the influence of n-butanol proportion in diesel fuel on homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion of the free-piston diesel engine generator (FPDEG), a three-dimensional (3D) moving mesh computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation model of a FPDEG prototype was developed. A detailed chemical reaction mechanism of diesel fuel was selected as the HCCI combustion mechanism and coupled in the established HCCI combustion simulation model of the FPDEG prototype. The validity of the established HCCI combustion simulation model is proved by comparing the simulation and experimental pressure curves under the condition of pure diesel fuel. The simulation results of different n-butanol proportions in diesel fuel showed that as the n-butanol proportion increased from 0 to 60%, the maximum heat release rate decreased to 59.6 J/deg, the calculated indicated thermal efficiency augmented to 4.6%, the calculated indicated mean effective pressure increased to 0.057 MPa, and the final NOx and CO content decreased to 0.239 and 0.57 g/kg fuel, respectively, but the final soot content increased to 0.000562 g/kg fuel. Therefore, the n-butanol proportion of diesel fuel played a vital role in combustion and emission progress of the FPDEG.

Effect of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Paspalum scrobiculatum grains extract in biological applications

In this report, ZnO nanoparticles were biosynthesized using Paspalum scrobiculatum grains extract for the first time. GC-MS analysis explicated that diethyl phthalate was the major phytocompound with 94.09% in aqueous extract. ZnO nanoparticles formation was confirmed by various physicochemical analyses. HR-TEM images showed the hexagonal, rectangular shaped nanoparticles in 15-30 nm size. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic analyses showed the effective bioactivity of ZnO nanoparticles in 80 μg/ml concentration with 95.36%, 94.08%, and 91.96%, respectively. The morphological and tissue changes witnessed in larvicidal and insecticidal activities against Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Tribolium castaneum revealed the efficient nature of ZnO nanoparticles in 100 ppm at 48 h and 100 μg/kg at 72 h, respectively. The morphological changes in antibacterial activity demonstrated the bactericidal nature of ZnO nanoparticles against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus in 150 μg/ml concentration. The morphological observations in anticancer activity against HepG2 liver cancer cells showed the potent drug features of ZnO nanoparticles in 100 μg/ml concentration with 97.18% of cytotoxicity. The ZnO nanoparticles showed no toxicity against HDF normal cells in lower concentrations and it explicated the biocompatible features of nanoparticles. The Vigna radiata plant growth was efficiently promoted by low (60 ppm) concentration of nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles divulged effective degradation of IPA, EDTA, BQ, and DPBF in 75%, 45%, 55%, and 80% through ROS formation, respectively. Thus, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are biocompatible and inexpensive material compared to the traditional one and can be utilized as an efficient material in biological fields.

Thermal treatment alternatives for enzymes inactivation in fruit juices: Recent breakthroughs and advancements

Fruit juices (FJs) are frequently taken owing to their nutritious benefits, appealing flavour, and vibrant colour. The colours of the FJs are critical indicators of the qualitative features that influence the consumer's attention. Although FJs' intrinsic acidity serves as a barrier to bacterial growth, their enzymatic stability remains an issue for their shelf life. Inactivation of enzymes is critical during FJ processing, and selective inactivation is the primary focus of enzyme inactivation. The merchants, on the other hand, want the FJs to stay stable. The most prevalent technique of processing FJ is by conventional heat treatment, which degrades its nutritive value and appearance. The FJ processing industry has undergone a dramatic transformation from thermal treatments to nonthermal treatments (NTTs) during the past two decades to meet the requirements for microbiological and enzymatic stability. The manufacturers want safe and stable FJs, while buyers want high-quality FJs. According to the past investigation, NTTs have the potential to manufacture microbiologically safe and enzymatically stable FJs with low loss of bioactive components. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that different NTTs combined with or without other NTTs or mild heating as a hurdle technology increase the synergistic effect for microbiological safety and stability of FJs. Concise information about the variables that affect NTTs' action mode has also been addressed. Primary inactivates enzymes by modifying the protein structure and active site conformation. NTTs may increase enzyme activity depending on the nature of the enzyme contained in FJs, the applied pressure, pH, temperature, and treatment period. This is due to the release of membrane-bound enzymes as well as changes in protein structure and active sites that allow substrate interaction. Additionally, the combination of several NTTs as a hurdle technology, as well as temperature and treatment periods, resulted in increased enzyme inactivation in FJs. Therefore, a combination of thermal and non-thermal technologies is suggested to increase the effectiveness of the process as well as preserve the juice quality.

Modified chitosan-zeolite supported Pd nanoparticles: A reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles from aryl halides

A novel heterogeneous catalyst has been developed using chitosan-zeolite supported Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs@CS-Zeo) and used in an efficient synthesis of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles from aryl halides with high yields for relatively short reaction times with an easy work-up procedure. In this method, highly effective and reusable PdNPs@CS-Zeo catalyst was used in the reaction of various aryl iodides/bromides with K₄[Fe(CN)₆] as a non-toxic cyanide source to catalyze the [2 + 3] cycloaddition of the corresponding aryl nitriles with NaN₃ in the sequential one-pot preparation of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles. The synthesized PdNPs@CS-Zeo nanocatalyst was characterized using XRD, FTIR, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, Raman, TG-DTG, ICP-OES, BET, and EDS mapping. Additionally, the nanocatalyst could be effectively separated by filtration and reused for multiple times without significant decrease of catalytic activity.

Mesoporous Nano-Sized BiFeVOx.y Phases for Removal of Organic Dyes from Wastewaters by Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation

With an increasing demand for industrial dyes in our daily lives, water conditions have become worse. Recently, the removal of such environmentally hazardous pollutants from wastewaters through photocatalytic degradation has been drawing increased attention. Three mesoporous nanophases of BiFeVOx.y as (Bi₂Fe^IIIV_1−yO_5.5−y) visible light photocatalysts were synthesized in this study using ethylene glycol-citrate sol-gel synthesis combined with microwave- assisted calcination. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (UV-Vis/DRS) were used to characterize the BiFeVOx.y photocatalysts. The visible light-induced photocatalytic activities of the BiFeVOx.y phases were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution at pH ~10.0. The results of this study show that the combination of doping strategy with the utilization of advanced synthesis methods plays an important role in improving the structure and surface properties of BiFeVOx.y phases, and thereby enhancing their adsorption and photocatalytic efficiencies. The synthesized mesoporous tetragonal γ-BiFeVOx.y nanophase has been proven to be a potential visible-light photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes.

Investigation of Effective Parameters Ce and Zr in the Synthesis of H-ZSM-5 and SAPO-34 on the Production of Light Olefins from Naphtha

In this paper, Ce and Zr modified commercial SAPO-34 and H-ZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized via a wet impregnation method and used as catalysts for the production of light olefins from naphtha. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using SEM, TGA, XRD, BET, and NH3-TPD. Thermal catalytic cracking of parent catalysts (SAPO-34 and H-ZSM-5) and modified catalysts with Ce and Zr on the production of light olefins from naphtha has been studied. The effects of different loading of Ce (2–8 wt.%), Zr (2–5 wt.%), and different temperatures on the yield of ethylene and propylene were also investigated. The yield of ethylene and propylene improved by 21.78 wt% and 23.8 wt%, respectively, over 2% Ce and 2% Zr on SAPO-34 catalyst. This is due to the higher acid sites on the surface of modified catalysts. It was found that H-ZSM-5 with 2% Zr loading has the highest yield of light olefins (40.4%) at 650°C in comparison with unmodified parent catalysts, while Ce loading has less effect on the olefin yield compared to Zr loading. Finally, simultaneous loading of Ce and Zr showed no effect on the light olefin yield owing to the significant decline of acid sites.

Evaluation of the multifunctional activity of silver bionanocomposites in environmental remediation and inhibition of the growth of multidrug-resistant pathogens

Imperata cylindrica cellulose supported Ag bionanocomposites purified industrial water and controlled the contagious diseases with high potential activity.