Gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroarylation of alkenes with indoles under thermal and microwave-assisted conditions.

An efficient method for intermolecular hydroarylation of aryl and aliphatic alkenes with indoles using a combination of [(PR(3))AuCl]/AgOTf as catalyst under thermal and microwave-assisted conditions has been developed. The gold(I)-catalyzed reactions of indoles with aryl alkenes were achieved in toluene at 85 degrees C over a reaction time of 1-3 h with 2 mol% of [(PR(3))AuCl]/AgOTf as catalyst. This method works for a variety of styrenes bearing electron-deficient, electron-rich, and sterically bulky substituents to give the corresponding products in good to high yields (60-95%). Under microwave irradiation, coupling of unactivated aliphatic alkenes with indoles gave the corresponding adducts in up to 90% yield. Selective hydroarylation of terminal C=C bond of conjugated dienes with indoles gave good product yields (62-81%). On the basis of deuterium-labeling experiments, a reaction mechanism involving nucleophilic attack of Au(I)-coordinated alkenes by indoles is proposed.

Chemistry of energetically activated cumulenes - from allene (H2CCCH2) to hexapentaene (H2CCCCCCH2).

During the last decade, experimental and theoretical studies on the unimolecular decomposition of cumulenes (H(2)C(n)H(2)) from propadiene (H(2)CCCH(2)) to hexapentaene (H(2)CCCCCCH(2)) have received considerable attention due to the importance of these carbon-bearing molecules in combustion flames, chemical vapor deposition processes, atmospheric chemistry, and the chemistry of the interstellar medium. Cumulenes and their substituted counterparts also have significant technical potential as elements for molecular machines (nanomechanics), molecular wires (nano-electronics), nonlinear optics, and molecular sensors. In this review, we present a systematic overview of the stability, formation, and unimolecular decomposition of chemically, photo-chemically, and thermally activated small to medium-sized cumulenes in extreme environments. By concentrating on reactions under gas phase thermal conditions (pyrolysis) and on molecular beam experiments conducted under single-collision conditions (crossed beam and photodissociation studies), a comprehensive picture on the unimolecular decomposition dynamics of cumulenes transpires.

The atmospheric photolysis of E-2-hexenal, Z-3-hexenal and E,E-2,4-hexadienal.

The atmospheric photolysis of E-2-hexenal, Z-3-hexenal and E,E-2,4-hexadienal has been investigated at the large outdoor European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) in Valencia, Spain. E-2-Hexenal and E,E-2,4-hexadienal were found to undergo rapid isomerization to produce Z-2-hexenal and a ketene-type compound (probably E-hexa-1,3-dien-1-one), respectively. Both isomerization processes were reversible with formation of the reactant slightly favoured. Values of j(E-2-hexenal)/j(NO(2)) = (1.80 +/- 0.18) x 10(-2) and j(E,E-2,4-hexadienal)/j(NO(2)) = (2.60 +/- 0.26) x 10(-2) were determined. The gas phase UV absorption cross-sections of E-2-hexenal and E,E-2,4-hexadienal were measured and used to derive effective quantum yields for photoisomerization of 0.36 +/- 0.04 for E-2-hexenal and 0.23 +/- 0.03 for E,E-2,4-hexadienal. Although photolysis appears to be an important atmospheric degradation pathway for E-2-hexenal and E,E-2,4-hexadienal, the reversible nature of the photolytic process means that gas phase reactions with OH and NO(3) radicals are ultimately responsible for the atmospheric removal of these compounds. Atmospheric photolysis of Z-3-hexenal produced CO, with a molar yield of 0.34 +/- 0.03, and 2-pentenal via a Norrish type I process. A value of j(Z-3-hexenal)/j(NO(2)) = (0.4 +/- 0.04) x 10(-2) was determined. The results suggest that photolysis is likely to be a minor atmospheric removal process for Z-3-hexenal.

Toxicological problems associated with the manufacture of triazapentadienes.

1, 3, 5-triazapenta-1, 4-dienes are a new group of pesticides which are particularly effective against acarids. This report concerns various toxicological manifestations which occurred amongst the workforce of a small chemical processing plant engaged in the manufacturer of these substances. The toxic effects noted can be divided into three groups: (1) "Skin flushes", similar to those which have been observed amongst workers using dimethyl formamide. (2) Acute keratoconjunctivitis which occurred as a delayed reaction (between 6 and 12 hours after finishing work). (3) Intoxication following inhalation of isopropyl alcohol fumes. This is of special interest as reputable authorities discount this method of absorption as being a serious problem resulting from the use of isopropyl alcohol in an industrial situation.