A direct and mild formylation method for substituted benzenes utilizing dichloromethyl methyl ether-silver trifluoromethanesulfonate.

A silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgOTf)-promoted direct and mild formylation of benzenes has been developed. The reaction utilizing dichloromethyl methyl ether (Cl2CHOMe) and AgOTf powerfully formylated various substituted benzenes under temperature conditions as low as -78 °C without losing the protecting groups on the phenolic hydroxyl group.

Analysis of atomospheric carcinogens and their cofactors.

Problems in the sampling and analysis of a variety of key air pollutants have been considered. The pollutants of primary interest were those with carcinogenic, mutagenic or cofactor activity. These include benzo[a]pyrene, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alkylating agents, amines, chloromethyl ethers, epoxides nitrosamines, nitrogen dioxide, nitrates, sulfate and sulfite. Screening tests of the analytical and bioassay types were also discussed; a large variety of these tests were summarized in tables. Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene in urban atmospheres, in highly polluted atmospheres and effluents, and in a large variety of environment mixtures were reported.