Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Vinyl Bromides by Addition of Alkynes to Oxocarbenium Ions.

We have developed an efficient method for the synthesis of (E)-trisubstituted vinyl bromides via a Friedel-Crafts-type addition of alkynes to oxocarbenium ions formed in situ from acetals. The success of this reaction relies on identification of MgBr·OEt as both a Lewis acid promoter and bromide source. This reaction employs simple, inexpensive starting materials and proceeds under mild conditions to allow the preparation of a range of vinyl bromide products in high yields and E:Z selectivities.

In vitro sun protection factor: still a challenge with no final answer.

In the past, several attempts have been made to develop in vitro methods for determining protection against UV radiation. To date however, there is no broadly accepted method. Various known and unknown parameters influence the transmission measurements of scattering films, such as the multifaceted compositions of sunscreens, the technical limitations of measurement devices as well as the difficulty to apply very thin films of sunscreen in a reproducible manner throughout different laboratories.

Influence of applied quantity of sunscreen products on the sun protection factor--a multicenter study organized by the DGK Task Force Sun Protection.

It is often debated that the protection against solar-induced erythema under real conditions is dependent upon the amount of sunscreen applied. It is believed that when too little is applied a lower sun protection than indicated on the label will result. The aim of this study was to quantify this effect.