Binap-gold (I) versus Binap-silver trifluoroacetate complexes as catalysts in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of axomethine ylides

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between azomethine ylides and alkenes is efficiently catalysed by [{(Sa)-Binap-Au(tfa)}2] (Binap=2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl; tfa=trifluoroacetyl). Maleimides, 1,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene, chalcone and nitrostyrene were suitable dipolarophiles even when using sterically hindered 1,3-dipole precursors. The results obtained in these transformations improve the analogous ones obtained in the same reactions catalysed by [Binap–Ag(tfa)]. In addition, computational studies have also been carried out to demonstrate both the high enantioselectivity exhibited by the chiral gold(I) complex, and the non-linear effect observed in this transformation.

Influence of thymol and silver nanoparticles on the degradation of poly(lactic acid) based nanocomposites: thermal and morphological properties

Biopolymers, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), have been proposed as environmentally-friendly alternatives in applications such as food packaging. In this work, silver nanoparticles and thymol were used as active additives in PLA matrices, combining the antibacterial activity of silver with the antioxidant performance of thymol. The combined action of both additives influenced PLA thermal degradation in ternary systems. DSC results showed that the addition of thymol resulted in a clear decrease of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA, suggesting its plasticizing effect in PLA matrices. Slight modifications in mechanical properties of dog-bone bars were also observed after the addition of the active components, especially in the elastic modulus. FESEM analyses showed the good distribution of active additives through the PLA matrix, obtaining homogenous surfaces and highlighting the presence of silver nanoparticles successfully embedded into the bulk matrix. Degradation of these PLA-based nanocomposites with thymol and silver nanoparticles in composting conditions indicated that the inherent biodegradable character of this biopolymer was improved after this modification. The obtained nanocomposites showed suitable properties to be used as biodegradable active-food packaging systems with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Nano-biocomposite films with modified cellulose nanocrystals and synthesized silver nanoparticles

Ternary nano-biocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with modified cellulose nanocrystals (s-CNC) and synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag) have been prepared and characterized. The functionalization of the CNC surface with an acid phosphate ester of ethoxylated nonylphenol favoured its dispersion in the PLA matrix. The positive effects of the addition of cellulose and silver on the PLA barrier properties were confirmed by reductions in the water permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the films tested. The migration level of all nano-biocomposites in contact with food simulants were below the permitted limits in both non-polar and polar simulants. PLA nano-biocomposites showed a significant antibacterial activity influenced by the Ag content, while composting tests showed that the materials were visibly disintegrated after 15 days with the ternary systems showing the highest rate of disintegration under composting conditions.

Binap-silver-catalyzed enantioselective multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethines ylides derived from ethyl glyoxylate

The enantioselective binap–silver catalyzed multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition using ethyl glyoxylate, phenylalanine ethyl ester, and maleimides is described. The employment of basic silver carbonate allows the reaction to take place in the absence of an extra base giving high yields and ee. In addition, low-level calculations regarding the importance of the benzyl substituent at the α-position of the amino ester justify the expected absolute configuration of the final cycloadducts and the observed high enantiodiscrimination.

Silver-catalysed multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-oxoaldehydes-derived azomethine ylides

The silver-catalysed multicomponent reaction between ethyl glyoxylate, 2,2-dimethoxyacetaldehyde, or phenylglyoxal as aldehyde components with a α-amino ester hydrochloride and a dipolarophile in the presence of triethylamine is described. This domino process takes place at room temperature by in situ liberation of the α-amino ester followed by the formation of the imino ester, which is the precursor of a metalloazomethine ylide. The cycloaddition of this species and the corresponding dipolarophile affords polysubstituted proline derivatives. Ethyl glyoxylate reacts with glycinate, alaninate, phenylalaninate and phenylglycinate at room temperature in the presence of representative dipolarophiles affording endo-2,5-cis-cycloadducts in good yields and high diastereoselection. In addition, 2,2-dimethoxyacetaldehyde is evaluated with the same amino esters and dipolarophiles, under the same mild conditions, generating the corresponding endo-2,5-cis-cycloadducts with higher diastereoselections than the obtained in the same reactions using ethyl glyoxylate. In the case of phenylglyoxal the corresponding 5-benzoyl-endo-2,5-cis cycloadducts are obtained in short reaction times and similar diasteroselection.