Methyltrioxorhenium-catalyzed highly selective dihydroxylation of 1,2-allenylic diphenyl phosphine oxides.

For the first time, methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) has been applied as a catalyst for the dihydroxylation of allenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The regioselectivities turn out to be well controlled, affording β-carbonyl-γ-hydroxyl diphenyl phosphine oxides as the only product. The axial chirality of optically active allenes can also be nicely transferred to the chirality center of the products.

Cloning, expression and purification of the human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP) from Escherichia coli.

Type II diabetes is characterized by deposition of the hormone human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP). Formation of hIAPP amyloid fibrils and aggregates is considered to be responsible for pancreatic β-cell losses. Therefore, insight into the structure of hIAPP in the solid-state and in solution is of fundamental importance in order to better understand the action of small molecules, which can potentially dissolve protein aggregates and modulate cell toxicity.