Alkyl Levulinates and 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran: Possible Biomass-Based Solvents in Palladium-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation

In this research, ethyl levulinate, methyl levulinate, and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as bio-derived hemicellulose-based solvents were applied as green alternatives in palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation reactions. Iodobenzene and morpholine were used in optimization reactions under different conditions, such as temperatures, pressures, and ligands. It was shown that the XantPhos ligand had a great influence on conversion (98%) and chemoselectivity (100% carboxamide), compared with the monodentate PPh₃. Following this study, the optimized conditions were used to extend the scope of substrates with nineteen candidates (various para-, ortho-, and meta-substituted iodobenzene derivatives and iodo-heteroarenes), as well as eight different amine nucleophiles.

Monoterpene-based metallophthalocyanines: Sustainable synthetic approaches and photophysical studies

Tetra-substituted zinc(II) and copper(II) phthalocyanines bearing peripheral alkoxy-monoterpene groups were prepared by conventional vs. non-conventional synthetic approaches (ultrasound and microwave irradiation). The synthesis of (1[Formula: see text]-(–)-myrtenol (a) and (1[Formula: see text],2[Formula: see text],5[Formula: see text]-([Formula: see text]-menthol (b) derived phthalonitrile precursors was performed through ipso-nitro aromatic substitution reactions, with optimal conditions being obtained using ultrasound irradiation, which allowed us to achieve full conversions in 4.5 h, with isolated yields up to 74%. The subsequent cyclotetramerization of monoterpene-based phthalonitriles was carried out using Zn(II) or Cu(II) salts as metal templates, and also using conventional and non-conventional heating methods. Microwave-assisted synthesis was shown to be the most efficient approach, providing complete conversions in 1 h, yielding the target monoterpene-based metallophthalocyanines in up to 70% isolated yields. Furthermore, photophysical and photochemical studies revealed that Zn(II) phthalocyanines possess fluorescence quantum yields in the range of [Formula: see text] 0.27–0.29, while Cu(II) phthalocyanines exhibited room temperature phosphorescence. In addition, the monoterpene-based Zn(II) phthalocyanines led to high singlet oxygen quantum yields ([Formula: see text] 0.55–0.69).

Catalysis for Global Development. Contributions around the Iberoamerican Federation of Catalysis

Following biennial meetings held since 1968, the Iberoamerican Federation of Catalysis Societies (FISoCat), the Portuguese Chemical Society (SPQ) and the University of Coimbra jointly organized the XXVI Iberoamerican Congress on Catalysis (CICat 2018), which took place in the historic city of Coimbra, Portugal, between the 9th and 14th of September 2018 [...]