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An efficient construction of an aza-[5.7.6.5] tetracyclic core structure of calyciphylline D-type Daphniphyllum alkaloids has been achieved. The synthetic route features a diastereoselective cyclopropanation, efficient construction of the core bridged 8-aza-[3.2.1]octane skeleton through a [3 + 2] IMCC strategy, oxidative dearomatization of phenol, and gram-scale preparation in each step.

Bacterial soft rot caused by Dickeya zeae MS1 (Erwinia chrysanthemi) is one of the most devastating banana diseases worldwide. However, knowledge of the development and ecological interactions of D. zeae MS1 biofilm is limited. Here, we visualized the development and architecture of D. zeae MS1 biofilm using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and we evaluated the ability of D. zeae MS1 to form biofilms under different environmental conditions (carbon sources, temperatures, pH levels and mineral elements) using a microtiter plate assay. We found that the development of D. zeae MS1 biofilm could be categorized into four phases and that mature biofilm consisted of a highly organized architecture of both bacterial cells and a self-produced matrix of extracellular polysaccharides. Furthermore, sucrose was the most suitable carbon source for supporting the growth of biofilm cells and that 32 °C and pH 7.0 were the most favorable of the temperatures and pH levels examined. Meanwhile, the addition of Ca2+, Fe2+, K+ and Na+ enhanced the formation of biofilm in minimal medium cultures, whereas 2.5 mM Cu2+ and Mn2+ was inhibitory. A better understanding of biofilm formation under different environmental parameters will improve our knowledge of the growth kinetics of D. zeae MS1 biofilm.

Dickeya zeae is a globally important bacterial pathogen that has been reported to cause severe soft rot diseases in several essential food crops, including bananas, rice, maize, and potatoes. Carvacrol, a hydrophobic terpene component, is found in aromatic plants of the Labiatae family and various essential oils. However, little work has been done on its antimicrobial potential against D. zeae. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the functional mechanism of carvacrol against D. zeae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of carvacrol against D. zeae were 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. Carvacrol affected the cell membrane of D. zeae, as revealed by decreased intracellular ATP concentration, nucleic acid leakage, and decreased membrane potential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed that D. zeae cell membranes were damaged by carvacrol. Furthermore, a significant inhibition of D. zeae swimming motility and biofilm formation was observed following treatments with carvacrol at sub-inhibitory concentrations, indicating a significantly negative effect on these virulence factors. Accordingly, the tissue infection test revealed that carvacrol significantly reduced the pathogenicity of D. zeae. In a pot experiment, inoculated banana seedlings displayed remarkably lesser disease symptoms following treatment with carvacrol, and the control efficiency for banana soft rot was 32.0% at 14 days post-inoculation. To summarize, carvacrol exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against D. zeae and great potential applications in the control of D. zeae-associated crop diseases.

A novel Lewis acid-catalyzed [3+2] intramolecular cross-cycloaddition (IMCC) between aziridine 2,2-diesters and conjugated dienes has been developed. This is the first regiospecific IMCC of intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of azomethine ylides with carbon=carbon double bonds, and supplies a general and efficient strategy for construction of structurally complex and diverse aza-[n.2.1] skeletons. The [3+2]IMCC could be carried out under mild conditions and in gram scale. More importantly, 3-alkyl-substituted aziridines were also successful. The excellent structural diversity, the facile operation and the versatile post-modifications will support the applications of the [3+2]IMCC in natural products synthesis and drugs discovery.

Perchlorate is a low molecular weight highly soluble anion. It occurs naturally in the environment, primarily near potash deposits and in arid regions. The determination of perchlorate in human milk is of interest in vulnerable populations such as infants and pregnant women. In this study, a sensitive and selective isotope dilution ion chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (ID IC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of perchlorate in human milk samples collected from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.27 µg·kg-1 for human milk. A total of 439 human milk samples were analysed with measurable levels of perchlorate in most of the milk samples, and the mean value was 7.62 ± 32.7 µg·kg-1. This project provided important information related to perchlorate levels in human milk collected across Canada and the extent to which pregnant women and their infants may be exposed to perchlorate. A dietary exposure assessment was also conducted in infants based on the measured values in human milk. The mean perchlorate probable daily intakes (PDIs) for infants consuming human milk were 0.31 ± 0.07 μg/kg bw/day for infants under 1 year and 0.17 ± 0.10 μg/kg bw/day for infants between 1 and 3 years old. None of the estimates exceeded the FAO/WHO provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 10 μg/kg bw/day.

In contast to the general [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of alkynylcyclopropane ketones reported in the literature, we report herein a Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed formal intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of alkynylcyclopropane ketones with electron-rich aromatic aldehydes. 2,3,3,5-Tetrasubstituted tetrahydrofurans were obtained by this method, and the tetrahydrofuran skeleton was diastereoselectively constructed with a 2,5-trans configuration. This is also quite different to the 2,5-cis configuration usually obtained from typical [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of most donor–acceptor cyclopropanes. Additionally, the cycloadducts were subjected to a domino carbopalladation/C–H activation/C–C bond-formation process for the highly efficient construction of polycyclic skeletons.

In order to determine the baseline levels of perchlorate in major brands of baby food, 200 baby food products were collected from retail stores in Ottawa, Canada and analysed for perchlorate in 2010. The seven food groups tested were fruit, juices, vegetables, meat, yogurt, mixed (vegetable mixed with meat) and other (e.g. vegetable mixed with meat and cereal, cheese, egg,). Samples were extracted with a mixture of methanol and 1% acetic acid (4:1, v/v). Determination was conducted by stable isotope dilution ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-IC-MS/MS). The complexity of different food matrices required additional method validation. The perchlorate levels in 46 samples were found to be lower than the quantification limit (0.2 ng g

A novel tandem reaction by combination of Diels–Alder [4+2] cycloaddition and [3+2] IMCC (intramolecular cross-cyclo­addition) of dienylcyclopropane 1,1-diesters has been successfully developed. In this reaction, three new rings and four new stereocenters were generated in one-pot. This supplies a strategy for rapid construction of 6,6- and 6,7-fused carbocyclic skeletons which are common cores in many biologically important natural products.

Ion-pair chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was evaluated and validated for the determination of arsenic species in fruit juice and fruit drink products. A Phenomenex analytical column (Prodigy 3 μ ODS (3) 4 μm × 2.0 mm × 150 mm) and a mobile phase consisting of 5 mmol l−1 malonic acid, 3 mmol l−1 of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution and 5 % methanol were used to achieve arsenic speciation separation. The arsenic species were detected at m/z 75 with an Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS. After demonstrating the method was sensitive, accurate and fit for purpose, and it was applied to analyze 96 fruit juice and fruit drink samples. Speciation analysis of the 96 fruit juice and fruit drink products revealed that inorganic arsenic was the major species found in the majority of juice products tested in the study. The concentration of inorganic arsenic (sum of As3+ and As5+) ranged from

An acid-catalyzed domino Meinwald rearrangement of epoxides/intramolecular [3+2] cross-cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters was developed. This supplied a method for the construction of bridged oxa-[n.2.1] (n = 3, 4) skeletons.

Aiming to develop efficient and general strategies for construction of complex and diverse polycyclic skeletons, we have successfully developed [4+3]IMPC (intramolecular parallel cycloaddition) of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with [3]dendralenes. With a combination of the [4+3]IMPC and subsequent [4+n] cycloadditions, trans-[5.3.0]decane skeleton and its corresponding structurally complex and diverse polycyclic variants could be constructed efficiently. This novel [4+3] cycloaddition reaction mode of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes proceeds as a result of the ring-strain relief of a trans-[3.3.0]octane. We strongly believe that the developed methods will demonstrate potential applications in natural products synthesis and drug discovery.

A triflic acid-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with nitriles was developed. This reaction was expeditious, and the scope of the substituents in both cyclopropanes and nitriles was broad. This supplies an efficient and practical method for the synthesis of 1-pyrrolines.

A novel Lewis acid promoted formal intramolecular [3 + 2] parallel/cross-cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with allenes has been successfully developed, in which the two C═C of allenes were involved respectively. This provides a general and efficient strategy for the construction of structurally diverse [4.3.0]nonane and [3.2.1]octane skeletons.

The title reaction is successfully developed, and applied to the total synthesis of the tetracyclic diterpenoids phyllocladanol (XX) and phyllocladene (XXI).

In contast to the general [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of alkynylcyclopropane ketones reported in the literature, we report herein a Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed formal intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of alkynylcyclopropane ketones with electron-rich aromatic aldehydes. 2,3,3,5-Tetrasubstituted tetrahydrofurans were obtained by this method, and the tetrahydrofuran skeleton was diastereoselectively constructed with a 2,5-trans configuration. This is also quite different to the 2,5-cis configuration usually obtained from typical [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of most donor–acceptor cyclopropanes. Additionally, the cycloadducts were subjected to a domino carbopalladation/C–H activation/C–C bond-formation process for the highly efficient construction of polycyclic skeletons.

A novel Lewis acid catalyzed formal intramolecular [3 + 3] cross-cycloaddition (IMCC) of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters has been successfully developed. This supplies an efficient and conceptually new strategy for construction of bridged bicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeletons. This [3 + 3]IMCC could be run up to gram scale and from easily prepared starting materials. This [3 + 3]IMCC, together with our previously reported [3 + 2]IMCC strategy, can afford either the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane or bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons from the similar starting materials by regulating the substituents on vinyl group.

In this account we have systematically described the acid-promoted intramolecular cycloadditions of activated cyclo­propanes, which were conceptually classified into intramolecular cross-cycloadditions (IMCC) and intramolecular parallel-cyclo­additions. The IMCC provided a general and efficient strategy for construction of structurally complex and diverse bridged bicyclic skeletons. The potential of this strategy has been demonstrated by the synthesis of natural products. 1 Introduction 2 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=O 3 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=N 4 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=C 5 [3+3]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with Nitrones 6 [3+2]IMCC of Mono-donor/Mono-acceptor Cyclopropane with C=O 7 Lewis Acid Regulated Domino Cycloisomerization/[4+2]IMCC or [3+2]IMCC of Alkynylcyclopropane Ketone with C=O and C=N 8 Conclusions and Outlook

In this study, we compared a high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) method and an isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-GC-MS) method for the analysis of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish samples. Using HPLC-ICP-MS, the limit of detection (LOD) was 2.0 ngHg · g−1 for inorganic Hg and was 5.0 ngHg · g−1 for MeHg. In comparison, the LOD for MeHg was 3.4 ngHg · g−1 for using ID-GC-MS. Certified reference material (CRM) results agreed well with certified values for both methods. The mean recovery for analysis of CRM BCR 463 by HPLC-ICP-MS was 99 ± 2.1 % for MeHg and was 103 ± 2.1 % for total Hg. Two CRMs, BCR 463 and CRM DORM2, were analyzed by ID-GC-MS, the mean recovery of MeHg was 87 ± 1.9 % for BCR 463, and the mean recovery of MeHg was 102 ± 2.9 % for CRM DORM2. Matrix samples spiked with Hg or MeHg at various concentrations were analyzed by two methods. For HPLC-ICP-MS method, the mean recovery for MeHg spiked samples was 93 ± 4.2 %. For ID-GC-MS method, the mean recovery for MeHg spiked samples was 91 ± 5.2 %. A total of 19 predatory fish and 54 tuna fish samples were analyzed using both methods. No significant difference was observed between the MeHg data generated from both methods. The average relative standard deviation (RSD) between the two datasets for 19 predatory fish samples was 8.8 %. The average RSD between two datasets for 54 tuna fish samples was 4.4 %.The HPLC-ICP-MS method offers substantial advantages over the method of ID-GC-MS because the former method can determine the total mercury (Hg) and MeHg in a single chromatographic run and the analysis time is much shorter. The latter method is time consuming due to overnight digestion and having to conduct presample analysis for signal-matched isotope dilution spiking and requires more expensive isotope labeled reagents.

Two new cytochalasins, 18-deoxycytochalasin Q (1) and 21-O-deacetylcytochalasin Q (2), together with four known analogues, cytochalasin Q (3), 19,20-epoxycytochalasin Q (4), 21-O-deacetyl-19,20-epoxycytochalasin Q (5), and cytochalasin D (6), were isolated from the fungus Xylaria sp. SCSIO156 originated from the South China Sea marine sediment. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR data analyses, and comparison with known compounds. The known compounds 3–6 were identified by comparison of their MS and NMR data with those reported in the literature. In the in vitro antitumor assay, compounds 2–6 showed mild cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines (MCF-7, SF-268, and NCI-H460).

This article covers challenges and trends in the determination of some major food chemical contaminants and allergens, which-among others-are being monitored by Health Canada's Food Directorate and for which background levels in food and human exposure are being analyzed and calculated. Eleven different contaminants/contaminant groups and allergens have been selected for detailed discussion in this paper. They occur in foods as a result of: use as a food additive or ingredient; processing-induced reactions; food packaging migration; deliberate adulteration; and/or presence as a chemical contaminant or natural toxin in the environment. Examples include acrylamide as a food-processing-induced contaminant, bisphenol A as a food packaging-derived chemical, melamine and related compounds as food adulterants and persistent organic pollutants, and perchlorate as an environmental contaminant. Ochratoxin A, fumonisins, and paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins are examples of naturally occurring toxins whereas sulfites, peanuts, and milk exemplify common allergenic food additives/ingredients. To deal with the increasing number of sample matrices and analytes of interest, two analytical approaches have become increasingly prevalent. The first has been the development of rapid screening methods for a variety of analytes based on immunochemical techniques, utilizing ELISA or surface plasmon resonance technology. The second is the development of highly sophisticated multi-analyte methods based on liquid chromatography coupled with multiple-stage mass spectrometry for identification and simultaneous quantification of a wide range of contaminants, often with much less requirement for tedious cleanup procedures. Whereas rapid screening methods enable testing of large numbers of samples, the multi analyte mass spectrometric methods enable full quantification with confirmation of the analytes of interest. Both approaches are useful when gathering surveillance data to determine occurrence and background levels of both recognized and newly identified contaminants in foods in order to estimate human daily intake for health risk assessment.

A sensitive and selective isotope dilution ion chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (ID IC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of perchlorate in infant formula. The perchlorate was extracted from infant formula by using 20 ml of methanol and 5 ml of 1% acetic acid. All samples were spiked with (18)O(4) isotope-labelled perchlorate internal standard prior to extraction. After purification on a graphitised carbon solid-phase extraction column, the extracts were injected into an ion chromatography system equipped with an Ionpac AS20 column for separation of perchlorate from other anions. The presence of perchlorate in samples was quantified by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Analysis of both perchlorate and its isotope-labelled internal standard was carried out on a Waters Quattro Ultima triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) negative ionisation mode. The method was validated for linearity and range, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and matrix effects. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.4 µg l(-1) for liquid infant formula and 0.95 µg kg(-1) for powdered infant formula. The recovery ranged from 94% to 110% with an average of 98%. This method was used to analyse 39 infant formula, and perchlorate concentrations ranging fromLOQ to 13.5 µg l(-1).

We presented a Lewis acid-catalyzed nucleophilic ring opening of methylenecyclopropane (MCP) 1,1-diesters with propargyl alcohols. Unlike the proximal-bond cleavage mode observed in cases of unactivated MCPs, the intrinsic characteristic of MCP 1,1-diesters gave a regiospecific distal-bond cleavage under attack of propargyl alcohols as nucleophiles. By combining a subsequent intramolecular Conia-ene reaction, 3,5-dimethylenetetrahydropyrans could be obtained in either a stepwise or a one-pot strategy.

A novel tandem reaction of vinylcyclopropane ketone with benzaldehyde has been successfully developed. This provides a new method for the preparation of γ-oxo-hexenone derivatives from easily accessible starting materials.

Catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), a domino ring-opening/redox amidation/Knoevenagel condensation of readily available formylcyclopropane 1,1-diesters with 1H-indole-2-carbaldehydes is reported. This methodology provides a new and direct method for the construction of a 6-55 tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a] indole skeleton.

Total synthesis of natural product (±)-bruguierol A was accomplished in 10-steps and with an overall 16.8% yield. The embedded unique 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core skeleton in this natural product was constructed via a novel Sc(OTf) 3 -catalyzed intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane, which was developed recently in this laboratory. This general synthetic strategy can be potentially applied to the synthesis of a broad range of structurally related natural products.

A Lewis acid promoted intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with aldehydes, ketones, and imines is developed to provide a general and efficient strategy for construction of bridged oxa- and aza-[n.2.1] skeletons.

We report herein an nBuLi-mediated, expeditious, ring-opening rearrangement of (arylmethylene)cyclopropane 1,1-diesters to prepare 1,3-diene derivatives with good stereoselectivity. The reaction mechanism has also been discussed.

Catalyzed by Lewis acids, donor–acceptor cyclopropane 1,1-diesters reacted with enol silyl ethers to afford 1,6-dicarbonyl compounds in moderate to excellent yields. This supplied a mild carbon–carbon bond-forming method from the ring opening of cyclopropanes. A smooth tandem [3+2] cycloaddition/ring opening process has been clearly proved by an independent experiment.

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) catalyze the reaction of formylcyclopropane 1,1-diesters with salicylaldehydes in a domino redox esterification/cyclization reaction to give coumarins in moderate to excellent yields. In addition, we also report the intramolecular conversion of compound 2f to dihydropyranone 4 catalyzed by NHC D. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

An activated vinyl cyclopropane reacted with substituted benzaldehydes to afford α-methylene γ-butyrolactones in the presence of DABCO·6H2O. This tandem domino process took place in aqueous media, and was presumably initiated with the ring opening of cyclopropane by the nucleophilic addition of DABCO·6H2O.

A novel Lewis acid catalyzed formal intramolecular [3 + 3] cross-cycloaddition (IMCC) of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters has been successfully developed. This supplies an efficient and conceptually new strategy for construction of bridged bicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeletons. This [3 + 3]IMCC could be run up to gram scale and from easily prepared starting materials. This [3 + 3]IMCC, together with our previously reported [3 + 2]IMCC strategy, can afford either the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane or bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons from the similar starting materials by regulating the substituents on vinyl group.

A tandem isomerization/intramolecular [3 + 2] cross-cycloaddition (IMCC) of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with α,β-unsaturated ketones/aldehydes under a cooperative catalysis of photo and Lewis acids has been successfully developed. This supplied a general and efficient strategy for construction of medium-sized carbocyclic (8-, 9-, and 10-membered) skeletons as well as such carbocycle-based bridged oxa-bicyclo[n.2.1] (n = 4-6) skeletons.

An acid-catalyzed domino Meinwald rearrangement of epoxides/intramolecular [3+2] cross-cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters was developed. This supplied a method for the construction of bridged oxa-[n.2.1] (n = 3, 4) skeletons.

Children's exposure to arsenic and chromium from playground equipment constructed with chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood is a potential concern because of children's hand-to-mouth activity. However, there exists no direct measure of Cr levels on the hands of children after playing in such playgrounds. In this study we measured both soluble and total Cr on the hands of 139 children playing in playgrounds, eight of which were constructed with CCA-treated wood and eight of which were not. Children's age and duration of play were recorded. The hands of each child were washed after play with 150 mL deionized water, which was collected in a bag and subsequently underwent analysis of Cr and 20 other elements, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total average Cr on the hands of 63 children who played in CCA playgrounds was 1,112 +/- 1,089 ng (median, 688; range 78-5,875). Total average Cr on the hands of 64 children who played in non-CCA playgrounds was 652 +/- 586 ng (median, 492; range 61-3,377). The difference between the two groups is statistically significant (p < 0.01). Cr levels were highly correlated to both Cu (r = 0.672) and As (r = 0.736) levels in CCA playgrounds (p < or = 0.01), but not non-CCA playgrounds (r = 0.252 and 0.486 for Cu and As, respectively). Principal-component analysis indicates that Cr, Cu, and As are more closely grouped together in CCA than in non-CCA playgrounds. These results suggest that the elevated levels of Cr and As on children's hands are due to direct contact with CCA wood.

[reaction: see text]. A directed library of anilinogeranyl diphosphate analogues of the isoprenoid farnesyl diphosphate has been prepared by solid-phase organic synthesis using a traceless linker strategy in moderate yield in three steps: reductive amination, bromination, and treatment with ((n-Bu)4N)3HP2O7.

Arsenic has been used successfully in clinical trials for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Although sublethal doses of inorganic arsenic are used, little is known about the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the high levels of arsenic in APL patients. To fill this important gap, this study describes the speciation of arsenic in urine from four APL patients treated with arsenic. Each patient was injected daily with an arsenite (As(III)) solution that contained 10 mg of As(2)O(3) precursor. Speciation analysis of the patient urine samples collected consecutively for 48 h, encompassing two intravenous injections of arsenic, revealed the presence of monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)), dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)). The intermediate methyl arsenic metabolites, MMA(III) and DMA(III), were detected in most urine samples from all of the patients when a preservative, diethyldithiocarbomate, was added to the urine samples to stabilize these trivalent arsenic species. The major arsenic species detected in the urine samples from the patients were As(III), MMA(V), and DMA(V), accounting for >95% of the total arsenic excreted. The relative proportions of As(III), As(V), MMA(V), and DMA(V) in urine samples collected 24 h after the injections of As(III) were 27.6 +/- 6.1, 2.8 +/- 2.0, 22.8 +/- 8.1, and 43.7 +/- 13.3%, respectively. The relatively lower fraction of the methylated arsenic species in these APL patients under arsenic treatment as compared with that from the general population exposed to much lower levels of arsenic suggests that the high levels of As(III) inhibit the methylation of arsenic (inhibits the formation of methyl arsenic metabolites). The arsenic species excreted into the urine accounted for 32-65% of the total arsenic injected. These results suggest that other pathways of excretion, such as through the bile, may play an important role in eliminating (removing) arsenic from the human body when challenged by high levels of As(III).

We report a convenient and simple solution-phase electron-transfer reaction of C(60) with zinc and alpha-bromoacetonitrile, alpha-bromo acetate esters, allyl bromide, benzyl bromide and alpha-bromo ketones in DMF, with which different types of monoalkylated C(60) derivatives can be prepared. When this method is employed with C(70), 2-carbomethoxymethyl-1,2-dihydro[70]fullerene (isomer 5a) is produced as one of the two 1,2-monoalkylated C(70) isomers, together with the first 5,6-monoalkylated C(70) derivative.

Nitrobenzaldehyde, 2-furaldehyde, and aliphatic aldehydes do not give the corresponding products.

A triflic acid-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with nitriles was developed. This reaction was expeditious, and the scope of the substituents in both cyclopropanes and nitriles was broad. This supplies an efficient and practical method for the synthesis of 1-pyrrolines.

A novel Lewis acid promoted formal intramolecular [3 + 2] parallel/cross-cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with allenes has been successfully developed, in which the two C═C of allenes were involved respectively. This provides a general and efficient strategy for the construction of structurally diverse [4.3.0]nonane and [3.2.1]octane skeletons.

A comparison was made between the speciation and bioavailability of rare earth elements in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils and between wet and air-dried soils under greenhouse conditions by using a homemade rhizobox. The speciation of rare earth elements in soils is experimentally defined as water soluble, exchangeable and carbonate bound (B1), Fe–Mn oxide bound (B2) and organic matter and sulfide bound (B3). The air-drying process of the wet soils resulted in an increase in rare earth elements in fractions B1 and B2, and a decrease in B3. Generally, a better correlation was obtained between the speciation and bioavailability by using wet soils than that by using air-dried soils, and as the conditions in the former are close to the realistic conditions of plant growth in the environment better plant availability is also achieved between the speciation of rare earth elements in the rhizosphere soils than that in the nonrhizosphere soils. Application of the rhizosphere wet soils is be strongly recommended in the future study on the speciation analysis and bioavailability of trace elements in soils.

By a new tandem reaction, in which ethyl 1-pyrazolacetate reacted with carbon disulfide and iodomethane, pyrazolo[5,1-b]thiazole was synthesized. This was an easy method for the synthesis of this type of heterocyles.

A new method was found for the synthesis of pyrazoleacetate esters from pyrazolaldehyde. By a new tandem reaction, in which 4-pyrazoleacetate esters reacted with carbon disulfide and iodomethane, thieno[2,3-c]pyrazole was synthesized. This was an easy method for the synthesis of this type of heterocycles.

The title reaction is successfully developed, and applied to the total synthesis of the tetracyclic diterpenoids phyllocladanol (XX) and phyllocladene (XXI).

In this account we have systematically described the acid-promoted intramolecular cycloadditions of activated cyclo­propanes, which were conceptually classified into intramolecular cross-cycloadditions (IMCC) and intramolecular parallel-cyclo­additions. The IMCC provided a general and efficient strategy for construction of structurally complex and diverse bridged bicyclic skeletons. The potential of this strategy has been demonstrated by the synthesis of natural products. 1 Introduction 2 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=O 3 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=N 4 [3+2]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with C=C 5 [3+3]IMCC of Cyclopropane 1,1-Diester with Nitrones 6 [3+2]IMCC of Mono-donor/Mono-acceptor Cyclopropane with C=O 7 Lewis Acid Regulated Domino Cycloisomerization/[4+2]IMCC or [3+2]IMCC of Alkynylcyclopropane Ketone with C=O and C=N 8 Conclusions and Outlook

Build a bridge: The first catalytic intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of monodonor-monoacceptor cyclopropanes (see scheme) provides a general and efficient strategy for construction of structurally diverse acetal[n.2.1] and 1,4-dioxygen-substituted cyclic skeletons, which are widely distributed in biologically important natural products.

We presented a Lewis acid-catalyzed nucleophilic ring opening of methylenecyclopropane (MCP) 1,1-diesters with propargyl alcohols. Unlike the proximal-bond cleavage mode observed in cases of unactivated MCPs, the intrinsic characteristic of MCP 1,1-diesters gave a regiospecific distal-bond cleavage under attack of propargyl alcohols as nucleophiles. By combining a subsequent intramolecular Conia-ene reaction, 3,5-dimethylenetetrahydropyrans could be obtained in either a stepwise or a one-pot strategy.

An N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed domino ring-opening/redox amidation/Knoevenagel condensation of indolecarbaldehydes and formylcyclopropanes is reported.

A Lewis acid promoted intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diesters with aldehydes, ketones, and imines is developed to provide a general and efficient strategy for construction of bridged oxa- and aza-[n.2.1] skeletons.