O programa NAS/CNPq: avaliação de um participante The NAS/CNPq programme: participant's opinion

<abstract language="eng">The NAS/CNPq programme in Chemistry ran from 1969 to 1974, and brought recent PhD and post-doctoral chemists to the Chemistry Institutes at the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The purpose was to create and direct new research topics in selected areas of chemistry, and participate in the post-graduate programmes. As a participant in this programme, I present my personal views, some background information, and an evaluation of this programme for the advance of synthetic organic chemistry in Brazil

A reação de metátese de olefinas: reorganização e ciclização de compostos orgânicos

The olefin metathesis reaction allows the exchange of complex alkyl units between two olefins, with the formation of a new olefinic link and a sub-product olefin usually ethylene. This reaction has found extensive application in the last ten years with the development of the Grubbs and Schrock catalysts, in total synthesis of complex organic molecules, as opposed to the very important use in the petrochemical industry with relatively simple molecules. This review intends to trace a historical and mechanistic pathway from industry to academy, before illustrating the more recent advances

A síntese dos sesquiterpenos baquenolidas The synthesis of the bakkenolide sesquiterpenes

<abstract language="eng">The bakkenolide group of sesquiterpenes has been a focal point of synthetic efforts amongst several research laboratories all linked to our common origins at the Chemistry Institute at the State University in São Paulo. In this review we would like to present a historical perspective of this research, with unpublished background information, and a definitive retrosynthetic analysis of these molecules. This chemistry spans the time period from 1972 to 2006, and traces the initial steps with Prof. Dr. Helena Ferraz to the present day

A evolução da pós-graduação em química no Brasil The progress of post-graduate chemistry training in Brazil

<abstract language="eng">The post-graduate teaching of chemistry in Brazil over the last years is discussed, including comparisons with some other sciences and also experiences in the United States and the United Kingdom. We have also compared the more recent situation with the previous decade, which leads us to a favourable conclusion as to the results obtained in the teaching of post-graduate students in chemistry. Some conclusions and recommendations are made with respect to the near future

Synthesis and Antidepressant Evaluation of Three para-Benzoquinone Mono-oximes and Their Oxy Derivatives

A series of three para-benzoquinone mono-oximes and four oxy-derivatives were prepared and tested for their antidepressant properties. The (4E) oxime of 2-isopropyl-5- methyl-para-benzoquinone (4) and the corresponding 2-diethylamino-ethyl derivative (10) present antidepressant activities and were slightly more potent than the reference standard

Synthesis and Antidepressant Evaluation of Three para-Benzoquinone Mono-oximes and Their Oxy Derivatives

Abstract: A series of three para-benzoquinone mono-oximes and four oxy-derivatives were prepared and tested for their antidepressant properties. The (4E) oxime of 2-isopropyl-5methyl-para-benzoquinone (4) and the corresponding 2-diethylamino-ethyl derivative (10) present antidepressant activities and were slightly more potent than the reference standard

Synthesis of a Naphthalocyanine-Like Dye: The First Report on Zn(II)-1,6-methano[10]annulenecyanine

The synthesis of the new dye 1,6-methano[10]annulenecyanine is described. For this purpose, the 3,4-dicyano-1,6-methano[10]annulene and 3,4-carboxyimide-1,6-methano[10]annulene buildings blocks were synthesized in six to eight steps. In both cases, these building blocks were then cyclotetramerized to furnish a new Zn(II)-1,6-methano[10]annulenecyanine which presents a strong red-shifted absorption band at 800 nm and high solubility in common organic solvents