C-(α-d-Glucopyranosyl)-phenyldiazomethanes-irreversible inhibitors of α-glucosidase.

Several C-(α-d-glucopyranosyl)-phenyldiazomethanes, with different substituent groups at the para-position of the phenyl ring, were prepared. The stabilities of these diazo compounds were investigated through NMR and UV monitoring. The para-cyano substituted diazo compound was found to be stable in neutral media (pH 7.0 buffer) and could be isolated. Inhibitory activity investigations indicated that this compound is an irreversible inhibitor against α-glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Cooperative catalysis in glycosidation reactions with O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidates as glycosyl donors.

Thiourea mediates cooperative glycosidation through hydrogen bonding. N,N'-Diarylthiourea as cocatalyst enforces an SN2-type acid-catalyzed glycosidation even at room temperature (see scheme; Bn=benzyl). From O-(α-glycosyl) trichloroacetimidates as glycosyl donors and various acceptors, ß-glycosides are preferentially or exclusively obtained.

A microwave-facilitated rapid synthesis of gold nanoclusters with tunable optical properties for sensing ions and fluorescent ink.

Luminescent glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters (GS-AuNCs) with tunable emissions have been efficiently synthesized by a solution-based microwave method.

Template- and surfactant-free synthesis of ultrathin CeO2 nanowires in a mixed solvent and their superior adsorption capability for water treatment.

Ultrathin CeO2 nanowires with a diameter of 5 nm and an aspect ratio of more than 100 can be prepared by a one-step refluxing approach in a mixed solvent composed of water and ethanol without using any templates or surfactants. The formation mechanism of the as-synthesized ultrathin nanowires has been investigated. The as-synthesized CeO2 nanowires with a high surface area of 125.31 m2 g-1 exhibited excellent wastewater treatment performance with high removal capacities towards organic dyes and heavy metal ions. In addition, the as-synthesized CeO2 nanowires can adsorb Congo red selectively from a mixed solution composed of several dyes. Successful access to high quality ultrathin nanowires will make it possible for their potential application in catalysis and other fields.

Hollow ternary PtPdCu nanoparticles: a superior and durable cathodic electrocatalyst.

Hollow alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) represent one kind of promising fuel cell electrocatalyst. However, the formation of single-cavity hollow structures by a dealloying process is quite challenging owing to the random leaching/dissolution of transition metals, surface passivation and the limited diffusion distance of the noble metals. Here we present a facile method to prepare hollow PtPdCu NPs derived from monodisperse alloy NPs by an acetic acid-assisted dealloying process. Here, acetic acid not only acts as a chemical etching agent but also plays an important role in the removal of the residual surfactants for colloidal NPs. Our findings rectify the current knowledge that hollow alloyed NPs cannot be prepared by a dealloying strategy and provide further understanding of the dealloying process in a ternary system. Such unique hollow ternary PtPdCu NPs exhibit outstanding durability and improved catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction.