Latest ArticlesWe report the photo-mediated 1,2-aryl migration of 2–chloro-1-arylpropanones to 2-arylpropionic acids using HCOONa as an acid scavenger. This pragmatically focused study obviates the multiple-step sequence in the industrially employed, ZnO-promoted rearrangement strategy, and offers rapid access to various 2-arylpropionic acids under environmentally friendly conditions. Furthermore, the successful transfer of this batch photochemistry to a continuous flow platform led to improved scalability and enabled the gram-scale synthesis of loxoprofen.
Microfluidic combined with magnetic field have been demonstrated to be the promising solutions for fast and low-damage particles separation. However, the difficulties in the precise layout of magnets and accurate prediction of particle trajectories lead to under and over separation of target particles. A novel particle separation lab-on-chip (LOC) prototype integrated with microstructures and micropolar arrays is designed and characterized. Meanwhile, a numerical model for the separation of magnetic particles by the synergistic effect of geometry-induced hydrodynamics and magnetic field is constructed. The effect of geometry and magnetic field layout on particle deflection is systematically analyzed to implement accurate prediction of particle trajectories. It is found that the separation efficiency of magnetic particles increased from 50.2% to 91.7% and decreased from 88.6% to 85.7% in the range of depth factors from 15 µm to 27 µm and width factors from 30 µm to 60 µm, respectively. In particular, the combined effect of the offset distance of permanent magnets and the distance from the main flow channel exhibits a significant difference from the conventional perception. Finally, the developed LOC prototype was generalized for extension to arbitrary systems. This work provides a new insight and robust method for the microfluidic separation of magnetic particles.
Rare earth luminescence has attracted widespread attention for several decades, among which near-infrared (NIR) light-related up-conversion luminescence and NIR-Ⅱ luminescence are widely used in the biomedical field. The NIR-related luminescence is widely studied due to the excellent performance, such as good biocompatibility, deep tissue penetration depth, low self-fluorescence and minimal light damage to organisms. In this review, we mainly introduce the mechanism for rare earth up-conversion luminescence, NIR-Ⅱ luminescence and conclude their advantages compared with traditional luminescence. These excellent priorities provide the basis for NIR-related luminescence bioimaging in vivo. Additionally, we hilglight the scheme for the sensitive detection of substances in organisms and various methods for biological therapy. In spite of the existing research, it is outlined that NIR-related luminescence has great potential to be applied in different aspects, expanding perspectives and future challenges of research in related fields. Based on the current scientific achievements, this review can provide reference for research in the areas mentioned above, expand the research direction and arouse a broad interest in different disciplines to pay attention to rare earth luminescence.
An atom economic β-C(sp3)−H chlorination of amide derivatives has been developed. This mild protocol employs CuCl2 instead of palladium catalysts with atom-economic HCl as chlorine sources and enables the late-stage functionalization of medicine derivatives. Mechanism studies suggest a plausible visible light triggered ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT)/1,4-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) cascade.
Native amino-directed palladium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H activation/functionalization has been developed for modification of α-amino acids and peptides. Herein a palladium(Ⅱ)-catalyzed C(sp2)–H arylation of α-amino-β-aryl esters has been disclosed, using the native amino as the directing group. A variety of chiral α-amino-β-aryl esters can be functionalized to give the corresponding ortho-substituted mono- and di-arylated products.
One of the urgent and challenging topics in diversified sustainable energy conversion is the development of high-performance, low-cost, and well durable catalysts. Cu single-atom catalysts (SACs) have become promising catalysts for diversified sustainable energy conversion due to their capability to maximize the utilization efficiency, acquire modulated electronic structure and optimized binding strength with intermediates. In this review, we have provided an interview of the recent progress achieved in the field of electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous reaction based on Cu SACs. Started by this review, we have summarized some advanced synthetic strategies for the construction of Cu SACs. Subsequently, the performance-improving strategies are discussed in terms of the coordination environments of the reaction center, reaction mechanism and selectivity, based on free energy diagram and electron structure analysis. Finally, the remaining issues, challenges, and opportunities of Cu SACs are also provided, affording a perspective for future studies. This review not only offers us a deep understanding on the catalytic mechanism of Cu SACs for energy conversion, but also encourages more endeavors in prompting their practical application.
Stepwise energy transfer is ubiquitous in natural photosynthesis, which greatly promotes the widespread use of solar energy. Herein, we constructed a supramolecular light harvesting system based on sequential energy transfer through the hierarchical self-assembly of M, which contains a cyanostilbene core flanked by two ureidopyrimidinone motifs, endowing itself with both aggregation-induced emission behavior and quadruple hydrogen bonding ability. The monomer M can self-assemble into hydrogen bonded polymers and then form supramolecular polymeric nanoparticles in water through a mini-emulsion process. The nanoparticles were further utilized to encapsulate the relay acceptor ESY and the final acceptor NDI to form a two-step FRET system. Tunable fluorescence including a white-light emission was successfully achieved. Our work not only shows a desirable way for the fabrication of efficient two-step light harvesting systems, but also shows great potential in tunable photoluminescent nanomaterials.
Ischemic stroke (IS) represents a significant threat to brain health due to its elevated mortality and disability rates. The efficacy of small-molecule neuroprotective agents has been impeded by challenges associated with traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limited bioavailability. Conversely, advanced nano drug delivery systems hold promise for overcoming these obstacles by facilitating efficient transportation across the BBB and maintaining optimal drug concentrations. This review aims to explore advanced neuroprotective nano drug delivery systems as a means of effectively administering neuroprotective agents to the brain using pharmaceutical approaches in the treatment of IS. By examining these systems, researchers and clinicians can gain valuable insights and innovative concepts, illuminating the potential of advanced neuroprotective nano drug delivery systems. Leveraging these advancements can drive the progress of pioneering and efficacious therapeutic interventions for IS.
Boosting the interfacial stability between electrolyte and Li-rich cathode material at high operating voltage is vital important to enhance the cycling stability of Li-rich cathode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries. In this work, vinyltrimethylsilane as a new type of organic silicon electrolyte additive is studied to address the interfacial instability of Li-rich cathode material at high operating voltage. The cells using vinyltrimethylsilane additive shows the high capacity retention of 73.9% after 300 cycles at 1 C, whereas the cells without this kind of additive only have the capacity retention of 58.9%. The improvement of stability is mainly attributed to the additive helping to form a more stable surface film for Li-rich cathode material, thus avoiding direct contact between the electrolyte and the cathode material, slowing down the dissolution of metal ions and the decomposition of the electrolyte under high operating voltage. Our findings in this work shed some light on the design of stable cycling performance of Li-rich cathode toward advanced Li-ion batteries.