Surface Modification of Calcined Kaolinite for Enhanced Solvent Dispersion and Mechanical Properties in Polybutylene Adipate/Terephthalate Composites.

In order to regulate the surface properties of calcined kaolinite for the purpose of achieving uniform distribution within various polar dispersion media, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and phenyl glycidyl ether were employed to chemically modify calcined kaolinite. The grafting rate, surface properties, and dispersion properties of calcined kaolinite particles in different polar organic media were changed by varying the dosage of the modifiers. FT-IR analysis confirmed successful surface modification, while thermogravimetric analysis indicated a maximum graft coverage of 18.44 µmol/m2 for the modified particles. Contact angle measurements and particle size distribution analyses demonstrated the effective adjustment of surface characteristics by the modifiers. Specifically, at a mass ratio of 1.0 of modifier to kaolinite particles, the modified particles exhibited a contact angle of around 125°, achieving uniform dispersion in different polarity media. Particle size distribution ranged from 1600 nm to 2100 nm in cyclohexane and petroleum ether, and from 900 nm to 1200 nm in dioxane, ethyl acetate, and DMF, showcasing a significant improvement in dispersion performance compared to unmodified particles. Concurrently, to improve the mechanical properties of PBAT, modified particles were incorporated into the PBAT matrix, and the effect of modified particle addition on the tensile strength and fracture tensile rate of the composites was investigated. The optimal amount of modified particles is 6 wt.%~8 wt.%. This article aims at synthesizing modifier molecules containing different hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups to chemically graft onto the surface of calcined kaolinite. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups on the modified particles can adapt to dispersed systems of different polarities and achieve good distribution within them. The modified particles are added to PBAT to achieve good compatibility and enhance the mechanical properties of the composite material.

Controlling and Tuning the Dispersion Properties of Calcined Kaolinite Particles in Various Organic Solvents via the Modification Method Using Triethoxyvinylsilane and 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid.

The surface of calcined kaolinite particles underwent chemical modification using Vinyltriethoxysilane (VTMS) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA). The grafting ratio of VTMS on the calcined kaolinite surface was adjusted by varying its quantity. FT-IR analysis revealed the initial grafting of VTMS onto the kaolinite surface, resulting in the formation of a C=C reactive site on the surface. Subsequently, an olefin click reaction with 3-MPA occurred, leading to the effective grafting of 3-MPA onto the kaolinite surface and the formation of an efficient coating. Thermal analysis indicated that the optimal grafting level was achieved at a modifier content V:K ratio of 0.5. The estimated grafting ratio of the modifier on the kaolinite surface was approximately 40% when V:K was 0.5. Water contact angle and dispersion experiments demonstrated that the surface properties of kaolinite were effectively controlled by this modification approach. At V:K = 0.3, the modified kaolinite particles exhibited good dispersion in both polar and non-polar solvents. In polar solvents, the average particle size of modified kaolinite was below 1100 nm, while in non-polar solvents, it did not exceed 5000 nm. Considering all aspects, a V:K ratio of 0.3 is recommended. Further investigation into the impact of adding 3-MPA on the surface properties of modified kaolinite particles based on V:K = 0.3 revealed that the hydrophilicity of the modified particles could be enhanced. However, it is advised to keep the maximum M:V ratio (3-MPA to kaolinite) at 1.0.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzo[d]imidazole via Intramolecular C(sp3)-H Amination.

An electrochemical dehydrogenative amination for the synthesis of benzimidazoles was developed. This electrosynthesis method could address the limitations of the C(sp3)-H intramolecular amination synthesis reaction and provide novel access to obtain 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles without transition metals and oxidants. Under undivided electrolytic conditions, various benzimidazole derivatives could be synthesized, exhibiting functional group tolerance.

Metal-Free, N-Iodosuccinimide-Induced Regioselective Iodophosphoryloxylation of Alkenes with P(O)-OH Bonds.

A simple and efficient method for the regioselective iodophosphoryloxylation of alkenes with P(O)-OH bonds has been established by using NIS (N-iodosuccinimide) as the iodination reagent under transition-metal-free conditions. The present protocol is compatible with different functional groups, and suitable for various alkenes and P(O)-OH compounds. A variety of functionalized ß-iodo-1-ethyl phosphinic/phosphoric acid esters are obtained in good to excellent yields, which could be further transformed to diversified building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive compounds, pharmaceuticals and functional materials.

Electrochemical HI-mediated Intermolecular C-N Bond Formation to Synthesize Imidazoles from Aryl Ketones and Benzylamines.

An efficient and novel electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization of aryl ketones and benzylamines for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles has been developed under metal- and oxidant-free conditions. This direct C-N bond formation strategy, with a broad functional group tolerance, affords the desired imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields.

Electrochemical Oxidative Intramolecular N-S Bond Formation: Synthesis of 3-Substituted 5-Amino-1,2,4-Thiadiazoles.

A facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3-substituted 5-amino-1,2,4-thiadiazoles has been developed through the electro-oxidative intramolecular dehydrogenative N-S bond formation of imidoyl thioureas. Various 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance under catalyst- and oxidant-free electrolytic conditions at room temperature.

One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Acyl-1,2,3-Thiadiazoles from Enaminones, Tosylhydrazine, and Elemental Sulfur under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions.

I2/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-mediated C-S, S-N, and C-N bond cross-coupling cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 5-acyl-1,2,3-thiadiazoles from enaminones, tosylhydrazine, and elemental sulfur has been developed under transition-metal-free conditions. This strategy is operationally simple, compatible with a wide range of functional groups, and provides the desired products in moderate to excellent yields.

Synthesis of 2-Acyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes by Silver-Promoted Oxidative C-C σ-Bond Acylation/Arylation of Alkylidenecyclopropanes with α-Ketoacids.

A novel and efficient AgNO3-facilitated oxidative C-C σ-bond difunctionalization of alkylidenecyclopropanes with α-ketoacids for preparing 2-acyl-substituted 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes is developed. This radical acylation/arylation transformation proceeds via decarboxylation of the α-ketoacid, acylation of the carbon-carbon double bond, cleavage of the carbon-carbon σ-bond, and cyclization with a connected aromatic ring and offers a mild and facile strategy for acylation/arylation of carbon-carbon σ-bonds with an acyl radical and an aromatic ring to build two new carbon-carbon bonds. This method uses an inexpensive oxidant, features a wide substrate scope, and is operationally simple.

Visible-Light-Catalyzed C-C Bond Difunctionalization of Methylenecyclopropanes with Sulfonyl Chlorides for the Synthesis of 3-Sulfonyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalenes.

A novel visible-light-catalyzed sulfonylation/arylation of carbon-carbon σ-bond with sulfonyl chlorides for the synthesis of 3-sulfonylated 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes is developed. This difunctionalization proceeds via a sequence of C═C bond sulfonylation, C-C σ-bond cleavage, and intramolecular cyclization, and the experiment result shows that the C-C σ-bond difunctionalization reaction includes a radical process. This strategy provides a simple and convenient route for difunctionalization of C-C bonds with an aromatic carbon and a sulfonyl radical by one-pot construction of a C-S bond and a new C-C bond.

Visible-light-mediated difunctionalization of vinylcyclopropanes for the synthesis of 1-sulfonylmethyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes.

An efficient method for visible-light-mediated sulfonylation/arylation of the C-C σ-bond in vinylcyclopropanes with sulfonyl chlorides to synthesize 1-sulfonylmethyl-substituted 3,4-dihydronaphalenes has been developed. A radical-type pathway has been proved in this transformation. This difunctionalization procedure shows a series of advantages, such as the use of commercially and easily available sulfonyl chlorides, mild conditions, and eco-friendly energy.

Silver-mediated oxidative C-C bond sulfonylation/arylation of methylenecyclopropanes with sodium sulfinates: facile access to 3-sulfonyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalenes.

The novel AgNO3-mediated oxidative sulfonylation/arylation of a C-C σ-bond in methylenecyclopropanes with sodium sulfinates to synthesize various 3-sulfonylated 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes is reported. This sulfonylation/arylation transformation proceeds via a sequence of sulfonylation, C-C σ-bond cleavage and intramolecular cyclization, and the experimental results show that the C-C σ-bond difunctionalization reaction includes a radical process. This strategy provides a simple and convenient route for the difunctionalization of C-C bonds with a phenyl ring and a sulfonyl radical via the one-pot construction of a C-S bond and a new C-C bond.

Oxidative radical ring-opening/cyclization of cyclopropane derivatives.

The ring-opening/cyclization of cyclopropane derivatives has drawn great attention in the past several decades. In this review, recent efforts in the development of oxidative radical ring-opening/cyclization of cyclopropane derivatives, including methylenecyclopropanes, cyclopropyl olefins and cyclopropanols, are described. We hope this review will be of sufficient interest for the scientific community to further advance the application of oxidative radical strategies in the ring-opening/cyclization of cyclopropane derivatives.

Bu4NI-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of Diaryl Phosphinic Acids with C(sp3)-H Bonds of Arenes.

An efficient phosphorylation of C(sp3)-H bonds of arenes with diaryl phosphinic acids via Bu4NI-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling has been developed. This transformation proceeds efficiently under transition-metal-free reaction conditions and represents a straightforward method to prepare valuable organophosphorus compounds from readily available arenes and diaryl phosphinic acids.

Visible-Light-Mediated Ipso-Carboacylation of Alkynes: Synthesis of 3-Acylspiro[4,5]trienones from N-(p-Methoxyaryl)propiolamides and Acyl Chlorides.

A novel visible-light-mediated ipso-carboacylation of N-(p-methoxyaryl)propiolamides with acyl chloride has been established for the synthesis of diverse 3-acylspiro[4,5]trienones with high selectivity and efficiency. This method represents a new difunctionalization of alkynes through cross coupling of the acyl chloride C-Cl bonds with an ipso-aromatic carbon by simultaneously forming two new carbon-carbon bonds and one carbon-oxygen double bond.

Oxidative C-C Bond Functionalization of Methylenecyclopropanes with Aldehydes for the Formation of 2-Acyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes.

A new FeCl2- and DTBP (di- tert-butyl peroxide)-promoted oxidative ring-opening and cyclization of methylenecyclopropanes with aldehydes for the synthesis of 2-acyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes is presented. This oxidative cyclization reaction proceeds via a radical addition, ring-opening, and cyclization sequence facilitated by a Lewis acid, and it offers a practical and straightforward route for the oxidative cyclization of methylenecyclopropanes with an aromatic carbon and a C(sp2)-H bond by simultaneously forming two new carbon-carbon bonds.

Metal-Free Oxidative C-C Bond Functionalization of Methylenecyclopropanes with Ethers Leading to 2-Substituted 3,4-Dihydronaphthalenes.

A novel metal-free oxidative ring-opening/cyclization of methylenecyclopropanes with ethers was established for the synthesis of diverse 2-substituted 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes with high selectivity and efficiency. This oxidative cyclization is achieved by C(sp3)-H functionalization, ring-opening, and cyclization, and this method represents a new example of methylenecyclopropane oxidative cyclization with an aromatic carbon and a C(sp3)-H bond by simultaneously forming two new carbon-carbon bonds.

Studies on enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction of amino-(4-nitro-phenyl)-acetic acid enantiomers: modeling and optimization.

BINAP-metal complexes were prepared as extractant for enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction (ELLE) of amino-(4-nitro-phenyl)-acetic acid (NPA) enantiomers. The influence of process variables, including types of organic solvents and metal precursor, concentration of ligand, pH, and temperature on the efficiency of the extraction, were investigated experimentally. An interfacial reaction model was established for insightful understanding of the chiral extraction process. Important parameters required for the model were determined. The experimental data were compared with model predictions to verify the model prediction, It was found that the interfacial reaction model predicted the experimental results accurately. By modeling and experiment, an optimal extraction condition with pH of 7 and host (extractant) concentration of 1 mmol/L was obtained and high enantioselectivity (αop ) of 3.86 and performance factor (pf) of 0.1949 were achieved.

Enantiomeric separation of oxybutynin by recycling high-speed counter-current chromatography with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin as chiral selector.

Recycling high-speed counter-current chromatography was successfully applied to the preparative separation of oxybutynin enantiomers. The two-phase solvent system consisted of n-hexane, methyl tert-butyl ether, and 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer solution (pH = 5.0) with the volume ratio of 6:4:10. Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin was employed as the chiral selector. The influence of factors on the chiral separation process, including the concentration of chiral selector, the equilibrium temperature, the pH value of the aqueous phase were investigated. Under optimum separation conditions, 15 mg of oxybutynin racemate was separated with the purities of both the enantiomers over 96.5% determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Recovery for the target compounds reached 80-82% yielding 6.00 mg of (R)-oxybutynin and 6.15 mg of (S)-oxybutynin. Technical details for recycling elution mode were discussed.

Formal syntheses of (±)-platensimycin and (±)-platencin via a dual-mode Lewis acid induced cascade cyclization approach.

A mild and efficient dual-mode Lewis acid induced Diels-Alder (DA)/carbocyclization cascade cyclization reaction has been developed for construction of the tricyclic core of ent-kaurenoids in one pot with the aid of a theoretical study on the π,σ-Lewis acidities of a variety of Lewis acids. With ZnBr2 as the dual-mode Lewis acid, a series of substituted enones and dienes underwent DA/carbocyclization cascade cyclization reaction smoothly at room temperature and provided the tricyclic cyclized products in one pot with good yields and high diastereoselectivity. The tricyclic cyclized product has been successfully utilized as a common intermediate for formal syntheses of (±)-platensimycin and (±)-platencin.

Unsupported MoS2-Based Catalysts for Bio-Oil Hydrodeoxygenation: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives.

In recent years, unsupported MoS2-based catalysts have been reported as promising candidates in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of bio-oil. However, preparing MoS2-based catalysts with both high activity and good stability for HDO reaction is still challenging and of great importance. Hence, this mini-review is focused on the recent development of unsupported MoS2-based HDO catalysts from the understanding of catalyst design. The three aspects including morphology and defect engineering, metal doping, and deactivation mechanism are highlighted in adjusting the HDO performance of MoS2-based catalysts. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives about how to design efficient catalysts are also summarized in the conclusions.