Current Organic Chemistry - Volume 14, Issue 10, 2010

Dehydrogenases are amongst the most promising enzymes in biocatalysis, due to their ability to perform asymmetric and regioselective reductions of both ketones and double bonds. These enzymes need a soluble cofactor to perform their function, being NADH the most commonly used. On the other hand, the yields are determined by the equilibrium constant of the Redox reaction, making the use of a large excess of cofactor n Read More

The present work examines the relationship between the structure and chiroptical properties of penicillins and cephalosporins and their oxa- and carbaanalogues utilizing the electronic circular dichroism (CD). For some of the model compounds the study is additionally supported by the X-ray diffraction analysis. The applicability of the helicity rule that correlates the molecular structure of compounds and their CD spectra in res Read More

The original Grunwald-Winstein equation (1948) involved the development of a scale of solvent ionizing power (Y). Subsequent work has refined this scale and involved the development of scales of solvent nucleophilicity (N) and a term to correct for deviations when aromatic rings are present, governed by the aromatic ring parameter (I). These three scales, and the sensitivities towards each, can be related to specific rates of s Read More

In this review paper we present the most important features of microwave irradiation, their physical characteristics and the properties upon an interaction with matter. The heating mechanisms are described, followed by a description of the available microwave equipment, including the differences between single- and multi-mode microwave reactors, considerations on open vs. closed reaction vessels, the selection of the Read More

This paper highlights several methods of C-C and C-H transfer reactions in aqueous media. In all cases, thiols play the role of the reducing agents. A variety of useful synthetic methodologies were also described, which occurred mainly via a free radical non-chain transfer processes. The potential usefulness of free radical reactions in water is demonstrated by ever-increasing studies over the last 5 years. In addition, a cis-trans lipid Read More