Unidirectional complexation of pillar[4]arene[1]benzoquinoneoxime with alkyl alcohols.

Despite progress in the unidirectional complexation of cyclodextrins and calixarenes with nonsymmetric guests, unidirectional complexation using pillararenes as hosts remains scarcely explored. In this report, we describe the formation of unidirectional [2]pseudorotaxane-like complexes which were realized using n-alkyl alcohol guests and pillar[4]arene[1]benzoquinoneoxime made from pillar[4]arene[1]quinone in a selective monofunctionalizing manner.

Bis- and mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arenes.

Installation of m-benzoic acid functionalities on pillar[5]arene rims resulted in bis- and mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arenes 1 and 2. Bis(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arene 1 was able to self-assemble to form one-dimensional channels with DMF molecules residing in pillar[5]arene cavities. Esterification of two carboxylic acids in 1 with decane-1,10-diol did not afford a [1]catenane, but a bicyclic compound. Although 1-decanol esterification of mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arene 2 did not form a self-included [1]pseudorotaxane-like structure, a mono(decyl m-benzoate)-functionalized pillar[5]arene bearing an ethyl acetate chain was found to form a self-included complex with the ethyl acetate moiety residing inside the pillar[5]arene cavity.

Preparation of a hydrophobic polythiophene film to improve protein adsorption and proliferation of PC 12 cells.

High quality films of polythiophene with different alkyl side chains were successfully synthesized by a novel method in the presence of sodium dodecylbenzenesulonate (SDBS) under N2 atmosphere on the PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) substrate. The as-prepared films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conductivity measurement, and water contact angle measurement. The morphologies of the films were homogeneous with micro-/nanostructures, and their conductivities were high enough for biomedical applications. Hydrophobicity of the films could be adjusted easily by inducing alkyl side chains with different length, which could control protein adsorption in succession. Hydrophobic polythiophene film with a long alkyl side chain had a higher ability of protein adsorption and PC 12 cell proliferation. The biocompatibility study of the synthesized films in vitro proved that the synthesized films were not cytotoxic to two cell lines used and could support cell attachment and proliferation well. Polythiophenes films prepared by in-situ deposition will be good candidates for biomedical applications.

Asymmetric Construction of Fluoroalkyl Tertiary Alcohols through a Three-Component Reaction of (Bpin)2, 1,3-Enynes, and Fluoroalkyl Ketones Catalyzed by a Copper(I) Complex.

An asymmetric three-component reaction of Bis(pinacolato)diboron ((BPin)2), 1,3-enynes, and fluoroalkyl ketones was carried out by using a copper(I)-Ph-BPE complex as the catalyst, which afforded a series of chiral fluoroalkyl diols in good to high yield, good to high diastereoselectivity, and high enantioselectivity after an oxidative workup. The reaction exhibits advantages that include a broad substrate scope, high functional group compatibility, high stereoselectivity, and an easy reaction protocol. The synthetic utility of the reaction was showcased by several transformations.

Highly effective electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen on a redox-active cationic covalent triazine network.

Direct electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by oxygen reduction is a green and safe strategy to replace the traditional anthraquinone process. Herein, we have designed a two-dimensional redox-active cationic covalent triazine network to be used directly as a cost-effective metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to form H2O2. Such a dicationic 2D polymer possesses a porous structure with pore diameters of 2-10 nm and a total N content of 13.3 wt%. The electron paramagnetic resonance experiment confirms the reduction of a viologen-based polymer to radical cations and the subsequent generation of superoxygen radicals. The radical characteristics and high N content within this polymer are the essential for the efficient ORR via a two-electron pathway. As a result, the present electrocatalyst exhibits a high ORR activity and excellent H2O2 selectivity (∼85%), thus providing a feasible possibility of designing highly selective metal-free electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic production of H2O2 from O2.