Determination of toluene hydrogenation kinetics with neutron diffraction

Total neutron scattering has been used to follow the hydrogenation of toluene-d₈ to methylcyclohexane-d₁₄ over 3 wt% platinum supported on highly ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41) at 298 K and under 150 mbar D₂ pressure. The detailed kinetic information so revealed indicates that liquid reorganisation inside pores is the slowest step of the whole process. Additionally, the results were compared with the reaction performed under 250 mbar D₂ pressure as well as with toluene-h₈ hydrogenation using D₂ at 150 mbar.

Catalytic enantioselective electrocyclic cascades

A catalytic enantioselective electrocyclic cascade leads to the construction of topologically complex systems comprising multiple rings with up to three stereocentres. This phase-transfer catalysed process offers a new strategy for the rapid and enantioselective generation of complex products bearing all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centres. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.