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Enantioconvergent catalysis enables the conversion of racemic molecules into a single enantiomer in perfect yield and is considered an ideal approach for asymmetric synthesis. Despite remarkable advances in this field, enantioconvergent transformations of inert tertiary C−H bonds remain largely unexplored due to the high bond dissociation energy and the surrounding steric repulsion that pose unparalleled constraints on bond cleavage and formation. Here, we report an enantioconvergent Pd‐catalyzed alkylation of racemic tertiary allylic C−H bonds of α‐alkenes, providing a unique approach to access a broad range of enantioenriched γ,δ‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds featuring quaternary carbon stereocenters. Mechanistic studies reveal that a stereoablative event occurs through the rate‐limiting cleavage of tertiary allylic C−H bonds to generate σ‐allyl‐Pd species, and the achieved E/Z‐selectivity of σ‐allyl‐Pd species effectively regulates the diastereoselectivity via a nucleophile coordination‐enabled SN2′‐allylation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular crystals with the ability to transform light energy into macroscopic mechanical motions are a promising class of materials with potential applications in actuating and photonic devices. In regard to such materials, coordination polymers that exhibit dynamic photomechanical motion, associated with a phase transition, are unknown. Herein, we report an intriguing photoactive, one‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer, 1, derived from 1,3,5‐tri‐4‐pyridyl‐1,2‐ethenylbenzene and 3,5‐difluorobenzoate. Single crystals of 1 under UV light irradiation exhibit rapid shrinking and bending, violent bursting‐jumping, splitting, and cracking behavior. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveal an unusual photoinduced phase transition involving a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal [2+2] cycloaddition reaction that results in photomechanical responses. Interestingly, crystals of 1, which are triclinic with space group P1‾ ${P\bar{1}}$ , are transformed into a higher symmetry, monoclinic cell with space group C2/c. This process represents a rare example of symmetry enhancement upon photoirradiation. The photomechanical activity is likely due to the sudden release of stress associated with strained molecular geometries and significant solid‐state molecular movement arising from cleavage and formation of chemical bonds. A composite membrane fabricated from 1 and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) also displays interesting photomechanical behavior under UV light illumination, indicating the material's potential as a photoactuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high reactivity and oxidative strength, singlet oxygen (1O2) is used in a variety of fields including organic synthesis, biomedicine, photodynamic therapy and materials science. Despite its importance, the controlled trapping and release of 1O2 is extremely challenging. Herein, we describe a one‐dimensional coordination polymer, CP1, which upon irradiation with visible light, transforms 3O2 (triplet oxygen) to 1O2. CP1 consists of CdII centers bridged by 9,10‐bis((E)‐2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)anthracene ligands which undergo a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with 1O2, resulting in the generation of CP1−1O2. Using microwave irradiation, CP1−1O2 displays efficient release of 1O2, over a period of 30 s. In addition, CP1 exhibits enhanced fluorescence and has an oxygen detection limit of 97.4 ppm. Theoretical calculations reveal that the fluorescence behaviour is dominated by unique through‐space conjugation. In addition to describing a highly efficient approach for the trapping and controlled release of 1O2, using coordination polymers, this work also provides encouragement for the development of efficient fluorescent oxygen sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile synthesis of heavy alkali metal octahydrotriborates (MB3H8; M=K, Rb, and Cs) has been developed. It is simply based on reactions of the pure alkali metals with THF⋅BH3, does not require the use of electron carriers or the addition of other reaction media such as mercury, silica gel, or inert salts as for previous procedures, and delivers the desired products at room temperature in very high yields. However, no reactions were observed when pure Li or Na was used. The reaction mechanisms for the heavy alkali metals were investigated both experimentally and computationally. The low sublimation energies of K, Rb, and Cs were found to be key for initiation of the reactions. The syntheses can be carried out at room temperature because all of the elementary reaction steps have low energy barriers, whereas reactions of LiBH4/NaBH4 with THF⋅BH3 have to be carried out under reflux. The high stability and solubility of KB3H8 were examined, and a crystal structure thereof was obtained for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]