Lophine (2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole)

The title compound, C21H16N2, has been known since 1877. Although the crystal structure of 36 derivatives of lophine are known, the structure of parent compound has remained unknown until now. The three phenyl rings bonded to the imidazole core are not coplanar with the latter, with dihedral angles of 21.4 (3), 24.7 (3), and 39.0 (3)°, respectively, between the phenyl ring planes in the 2-, 4- and 5-positions of the imidazole ring. The mol­ecules are packed in layers running perpendicular to the b axis. Although there are acceptor and donor atoms for hydrogen bonds, no such inter­actions are detected in the crystal in contrast to other lophine derivatives

Separating Reflection and Transmission Images in the Wild

The reflections caused by common semi-reflectors, such as glass windows, can impact the performance of computer vision algorithms. State-of-the-art methods can remove reflections on synthetic data and in controlled scenarios. However, they are based on strong assumptions and do not generalize well to real-world images. Contrary to a common misconception, real-world images are challenging even when polarization information is used. We present a deep learning approach to separate the reflected and the transmitted components of the recorded irradiance, which explicitly uses the polarization properties of light. To train it, we introduce an accurate synthetic data generation pipeline, which simulates realistic reflections, including those generated by curved and non-ideal surfaces, non-static scenes, and high-dynamic-range scenes.Comment: accepted at ECCV 201

2-Phenyl-4,5-di-2-pyridyl-1H-imidazole

In the title compound, C19H14N4, which was crystallized from dimethyl sulfoxide, the arene and heterocyclic rings of the lophine analogue framework differ only slightly from coplanarity (dihedral angles range from 8.8 to 20.2°), and intramolecular N—H⋯N and C—H⋯N interactions help to establish the conformation. The crystal packing features a number of weak C—H⋯N, N—H⋯N hydrogen-bond type contacts, and C—H⋯π interactions, leading to the formation of a herringbone structure

(E)-1,2-Bis(4-methyl­phen­yl)ethane-1,2-dione

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C16H14O2, a substituted benzil, the dicarbonyl unit has an s-trans conformation. This conformation is substanti­ated by the O—C—C—O torsion angle of 108.16 (15)°. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 72.00 (6)°. In the crystal structure, neighbouring mol­ecules are linked together by weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak inter­molecular C—H⋯π inter­actions. In addition, the crystal structure is further stabilized by inter­molecular π–π inter­actions with centroid–centroid distances in the range 3.6000 (8)–3.8341 (8) Å

Would you use it with a seal of approval? Important attributes of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a hypothetical pharmaceutical product

Background2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is an effective but highly dangerous fat burner, not licensed for human consumption. Death cases reported for 2,4-DNP overdose, particularly among young adults, have raised concerns about the ineffective regulatory control, lack of education and risks associated with impurity, and the unknown concentration of 2,4-DNP purchased on the Internet.MethodsUsing a sequential mixed method design and based on a hypothetical scenario as if 2,4-DNP was a licensed pharmaceutical drug, first we conducted a qualitative study to explore what product attributes people consider when buying a weight-loss aid. Focus group interviews with six females and three males (mean age = 21.6 ± 1.8 years) were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis. Sixteen attributes were identified for the Best–Worst Scale (BWS) in the quantitative survey with 106 participants (64% female, mean age = 27.1 ± 11.9 years), focusing on 2,4-DNP. Demographics, weight satisfaction, and risk for eating disorder data were collected.ResultsIn contrast to experienced users such as bodybuilders, our study participants approached 2,4-DNP cautiously. Attributes of 2,4-DNP as a hypothetical weight-loss drug comprised a range of desirable and avoidable features. Of the 16 selected attributes, BWS suggested that long-term side effects were the most and branding was the least important attribute. Effectiveness and short-term side effects were also essential. Those in the >25 year group showed least concerns for legality. Neutral BWS scores for cost, treatment, degree of lifestyle changes required, and specificity required for the hypothetical weight-loss drug to be effective were likely caused by disagreement about their importance among the participants, not indifference.ConclusionWith advances in research, 2,4-DNP as a pharmaceutical drug in the future for treating neurodegenerative diseases and potentially for weight loss is not inconceivable. Caution is warranted for interpreting the BWS scores. Owing to the difference in what data represent at individual vs. population levels, with pooled data, the method correctly identifies attributes by which most people are satisfied but misrepresents attributes that are individually very important but not universally agreed. Whilst this may be an advantage in marketing applications, it limits the utility of BWS as a research tool

An efficient preparation of 1,2-dihydropyridazines through a Diels-Alder/palladium-catalysed elimination sequence

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd A convenient, scalable synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridazines is presented, based on the Diels-Alder cycloaddition of 1-acetoxy-1,3-butadiene with a variety of azo compounds, followed by a palladium-catalysed elimination. The products are produced on multigram scale and the new method is particularly efficient and atom-economical when compared with previous preparations of 1,2-dihydropyridazines