The synthesis of amide C N bonds through nucleophilic acyl substitutions constitutes one of the most fundamental transformations in chemical synthesis. Recently, the Staudingertype ligation of carboxylic acid derivatives (e.g., acid chlorides, anhydrides, acyl selenides, and thioesters) and azides has become a preeminent strategy for amide C N bond construction (Scheme 1a). However, the generat...

The di scovery of iodine by accident and the turning of this event into its industrial manufacturing constitutes a fascinating chapter in the development of chemical technology. We see in it how political and economical events brought drastic changes in the raw materials used and the production technologies. From a strictly European activity it turned into an important economic commodity for Ch...

A symmetry-breaking order-disorder transition of the Ising type is found in a nonequilibrium surface reaction model for CO oxidation incorporating superlattice ordering of adsorbed oxygen. We relate this transition to the percolation of superlattice domains of oxygen, and discuss the consequences for chemical diffusion of coadsorbed CO. The latter constitutes a new type of problem involving tra...

The chemical synthesis of an aliphatic biopolyester identical to the natural cutin which constitutes the major component of the cuticle of fruits and leaves of higher plants is for the first time achieved and reported. Potential applications of this new material is of great interest because its physical properties, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and availability of raw material.