One-pot synthesis of Au@SiO(2) catalysts: a click chemistry approach

Ring Contraction by Rearrangement of Sterically Congested Cyclic (Amino)(aryl)carbenes

The rearrangement of sterically congested cyclic (amino)(aryl)carbenes (CAArCs) by the reaction of related iminium salts with potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide is reported, allowing for forming benzocyclobutanimines via a ring contraction process. Mechanistic studies by theoretical calculations indicate that the formation of conjugated ketenimines as intermediates could be considered, in which steric hindrance caused by N-alkyl motifs of CAArCs plays an important role in promoting the ring-opening by the cleavage of C-N bond.

The fats of the matter: Lipids in prebiotic chemistry and in origin of life studies

The unique biophysical and biochemical properties of lipids render them crucial in most models of the origin of life (OoL). Many studies have attempted to delineate the prebiotic pathways by which lipids were formed, how micelles and vesicles were generated, and how these micelles and vesicles became selectively permeable towards the chemical precursors required to initiate and support biochemistry and inheritance. Our analysis of a number of such studies highlights the extremely narrow and limited range of conditions by which an experiment is considered to have successfully modeled a role for lipids in an OoL experiment. This is in line with a recent proposal that bias is introduced into OoL studies by the extent and the kind of human intervention. It is self-evident that OoL studies can only be performed by human intervention, and we now discuss the possibility that some assumptions and simplifications inherent in such experimental approaches do not permit determination of mechanistic insight into the roles of lipids in the OoL. With these limitations in mind, we suggest that more nuanced experimental approaches than those currently pursued may be required to elucidate the generation and function of lipids, micelles and vesicles in the OoL.

Metal-incorporated mesoporous oxides: Synthesis and applications

Mesoporous oxides are outstanding metal nanoparticle catalyst supports owing to their well-defined porous structures. Such mesoporous architectures not only prevent the aggregation of metal nanoparticles but also enhance their catalytic performance. Metal/metal oxide heterojunctions exhibit unique chemical and physical properties because of the surface reconstruction around the junction and electron transfer/interaction across the interface. This article reviews the methods used for synthesizing metal-supported hybrid nanostructures and their applications as catalysts for environmental remediation and sensors for detecting hazardous materials.

MAu2GeS4-Chalcogel (M = Co, Ni): Heterogeneous Intra- and Intermolecular Hydroamination Catalysts

High surface area macroporous chalcogenide aerogels (chalcogels) MAu₂GeS₄ (M = Co, Ni) were prepared from K₂Au₂GeS₄ precursor and Co(OAc)₂ or NiCl₂ by one-pot sol-gel metathesis reactions in aqueous media. The MAu₂GeS₄-chalcogels were screened for catalytic intramolecular hydroamination of 4-pentyn-1-amine substrate at different temperatures. 87% and 58% conversion was achieved at 100 °C, using CoAu₂GeS₄- and NiAu₂GeS₄-chalcogels respectively, and the reaction kinetics follows the first order. It was established that the catalytic performance of the aerogels is associated with the M²⁺ centers present in the structure. Intermolecular hydroamination of aniline with 1-R-4-ethynylbenzene (R = -H, -OCH₃, -Br, -F) was carried out at 100 °C using CoAu₂GeS₄-chalcogel catalyst, due to its promising catalytic performance. The CoAu₂GeS₄-chalcogel regioselectively converted the pair of substrates to respective Markovnikov products, (E)-1-(4-R-phenyl)-N-phenylethan-1-imine, with 38% to 60% conversion.

Room temperature hydroamination of alkynes with anilines catalyzed by anti-Bredt di(amino)carbene gold(i) complexes

Anti-Bredt di(amino)carbene gold(i) complexes are excellent precatalysts for the room temperature hydroamination of terminal alkynes with a variety anilines and hydrazines.

Synthesis and characterization of gold complexes with pyridine-based SNS ligands and as homogeneous catalysts for reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Three gold complexes efficiently catalyze 4-nitrophenol reduction to 4-nitroaniline in the presence of NaBH₄ under homogeneous conditions in water.