Wood-Derived Ultrathin Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels.

Carbon aerogels with 3D networks of interconnected nanometer-sized particles exhibit fascinating physical properties and show great application potential. Efficient and sustainable methods are required to produce high-performance carbon aerogels on a large scale to boost their practical applications. An economical and sustainable method is now developed for the synthesis of ultrathin carbon nanofiber (CNF) aerogels from the wood-based nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) aerogels via a catalytic pyrolysis process, which guarantees high carbon residual and well maintenance of the nanofibrous morphology during thermal decomposition of the NFC aerogels. The wood-derived CNF aerogels exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, a large surface area, and potential as a binder-free electrode material for supercapacitors. The results suggest great promise in developing new families of carbon aerogels based on the controlled pyrolysis of economical and sustainable nanostructured precursors.

Chemoselective Transformations of Amides: An Approach to Quinolones from ß-Amido Ynones.

An efficient and chemoselective transformation of ß-amido ynones to 3-acyl-substituted quinolones 2 and 3-H-quinolones 4 has been developed. In this reaction, ß-cyclic amido ynones can be selectively transformed into quinolones 2 in anhydrous EG via a selective C═O bond cleavage, 1,5-O migration, and C═C bond recombination process. The practical approach of this reaction renders it a viable alternative for the construction of various quinolones.

Phalaenopsismedogensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae, Vandeae), a new species from Xizang, China.

A new species of Orchidaceae, Phalaenopsismedogensis, from Motuo, Xizang, is described and illustrated based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetics analysis. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters indicate that P.medogensis is close to P.deliciosa, P.gibbosa and P.lobbii, but differs from them by having triangular wings on the column foot, rhombic lip mid-lobe with a fleshy-horned appendage at the base, and concave lip lateral lobes, the lower part white with a deep purplish-red spot and hairy, the upper part pale yellow with dense rust spots.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Oxidative Amination of ß-Amino-ynones to Quaternary Ammonium-olate Salts: The Benefit of a P,N-Bidentate Ligand.

A novel P,N-bidentate ligand-assisted gold-catalyzed oxidative amination of ß-amino-ynones has been developed, allowing the simple and efficient construction of various quaternary ammonium-olate salts in good to excellent yields. These unprecedented quaternary ammonium-olate salts can be isolated and purified via simple suction filtration. The broad substrate scope, easy purification, easy further transformation, and mild conditions make it a viable alternative for the synthesis of various quaternary ammonium-olate salts.