An efficient combination of Zr-MOF and microwave irradiation in catalytic Lewis acid Friedel-Crafts benzoylation.

A zirconium-based metal-organic framework, an effective heterogeneous catalyst, has been developed for the Friedel-Crafts benzoylation of aromatic compounds under microwave irradiation. Constructed by a Zr(iv) cluster and a linker 1,4-bis(2-[4-carboxyphenyl]ethynyl)benzene (H2CPEB), the MOF, possessing large pores and high chemical stability, was appropriate for the enhancement of Lewis acid activity under microwave irradiation. The reaction studies demonstrated that the material could give high yields for a few minutes and maintain its reactivity and structure over several cycles.

A Simple, Effective, Green Method for the Regioselective 3-Acylation of Unprotected Indoles.

A fast and green method is developed for regioselective acylation of indoles in the 3-position without the need for protection of the NH position. The method is based on Friedel-Crafts acylation using acid anhydrides. The method has been optimized, and Y(OTf)₃ in catalytic amounts is found to be the best catalyst together with the commercially available ionic liquid [BMI]BF₄ (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate) as solvent.

Tailoring the Optical Absorption of Water-Stable Zr(IV)- and Hf(IV)-Based Metal-Organic Framework Photocatalysts.

New Zr(IV)- and Hf(IV)-based metal-organic framework photocatalysts, termed VNU-1 and VNU-2 (where VNU = Vietnam National University), were synthesized and their resulting structures fully characterized. By employing a highly π-conjugated linker, namely 1,4-bis(2-[4-carboxyphenyl]ethynyl)benzene, the optical absorption properties were effectively red-shifted into the visible light region. This strategy, coupled with the high water stability of the materials, led to enhanced MOF-driven photocatalytic degradation, under ultraviolet-visible light, of organic dye pollutants commonly found in wastewater.

Dimensions of gender relations and reproductive health inequity perceived by female undergraduate students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam: a qualitative exploration.

Introduction: Increasing evidence indicates that gender equity has a significant influence on women's health; yet few culturally specific indicators of gender relations exist which are applicable to health. This study explores dimensions of gender relations perceived by female undergraduate students in southern Vietnamese culture, and qualitatively examines how this perceived gender inequity may influence females' sexual or reproductive health.

Methods: Sixty-two female undergraduate students from two universities participated in eight focus group discussions to talk about their perspectives regarding national and local gender equity issues.

Perceived gender inequality, sexual communication self-efficacy, and sexual behaviour among female undergraduate students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Background: Worldwide, the literature on sexual behaviour has documented associations between gender-based relationship inequality and sexual communication ability and the actual use of condoms or other contraceptives among young women. This study aimed to examine these associations among undergraduate female students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1181 female third-year students from two universities in the Mekong Delta was conducted.

Fast and green microwave-assisted conversion of essential oil allylbenzenes into the corresponding aldehydes via alkene isomerization and subsequent potassium permanganate promoted oxidative alkene group cleavage.

Essential oil allylbenzenes from have been converted quickly and efficiently into the corresponding benzaldehydes in good yields by a two-step "green" reaction pathway based on a solventless alkene group isomerization by KF/Al(2)O(3) to form the corresponding 1-arylpropene and a subsequent solventless oxidation of the latter to the corresponding benzaldehyde by KMnO(4)/CuSO(4).5H(2)O. The assistance by microwave irradiation results in very short reaction times (<15 minutes).

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of 5,9-dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-dimethylhexadecane--the sex pheromones of Leucoptera coffeella.

Racemic 5,9-dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-dimethylhexadecane, the major and minor constituents, respectively, of the sex pheromone of Leucoptera coffeella, have been synthesized from citronellol in 56-58% overall yield through six steps. Ultrasound irradiation efficiently supported tosylation of alcohols (two steps) as well as the subsequent cross coupling reactions with the pertinent Grignard reagents (also two steps).

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding of novel o-hydroxythioacetophenones and related compounds evaluated by deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts.

A new class of compounds, the 2-hydroxythioacetophenones, and related compounds have recently been synthesized. The hydrogen-bond system has been characterized by NMR chemical shifts and deuterium isotope effects on these as well as by DFT calculations. Use of solid-state (13)C NMR has enabled measurements of the intrinsic deuterium isotope effects of the most abundant tautomer of beta-thioxoketones.