Chemistry – An Asian Journal

Hi, neighbor! The first organocatalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds was successfully developed with up to 99 % ee. The new methodology provides a direct and facile access to enantiopure cyclic nitro compounds with two contiguous stereocenters.

Playing the host: A novel class of macrocyclic-host-functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) materials with excellent and reversible recognition of Pb^II was developed and upgraded by a site-selective post-modification method (see figure).

Die another DNA: An electrically neutral cobalt complex, [Co(GA)₂(phen)] (GA=glycollic acid, phen=1,10-phenathroline), could intercalate into the DNA duplex through the planar phen ligand with a binding constant of 6.2(±0.2)×10⁵ M⁻¹.

Crystal clear: PdPt single-crystalline hollow cubes with enhanced catalytic activities have been obtained by using a one-pot template-free method with inorganic salts, such as PdCl₂ and H₂PtCl₆⋅6 H₂O, as precursors.

Double trouble: A new approach to an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) is suggested, which is based on proton-conducting ionic clathrate hydrate (ICH) Me₄NOH⋅5 H₂O. The carbon materials in the ICH show high specific capacitance, reversible charge–discharge behavior, and a long cycle life. These ICHs are expected to find practical applications in versatile energy devices that incorporate electrochemical systems.