Thermal cross Fries acyl and benzoyl migrations from aromatic diesters to phenols

706-708A study of boron trifluoride etherate catalyzed thermal cross Fries reaction is reported in this paper. Acyl and benzoyl migrations from various aromatic diesters to phenols in dry benzene as solvent takes place selectively and in this way offers an alternative route to the preparation of different hydroxy acetophenones and benzophenones

Nanoinsulation Materials for Energy Efficient Buildings

The chapter focuses on the application of nanotechnology to building insulation material industry in order to achieve advanced insulation products able to provide a very high thermal resistance in a reduced thickness. The chapter presents a thorough review of nanoinsulation materials for buildings, describing their preparation method and manufacturing process and providing a comprehensive analysis on different products available in the market and examining and comparing their characteristics and performances, including costs and environmental features. Nanoinsulation materials (NIMs), such as aerogels (FRABs, TIMs) and vacuum insulating panels (VIPs), are fully described and compared with conventional insulation materials in terms of technical performances, workability, costs, and environmental sustainability, and their possible application for new zero energy buildings and energy retrofit interventions are illustrated

Dry zone forests of Fiji: species composition, life history traits, and conservation

Species composition and life history traits of trees in native forests in the dry zone of Fiji were investigated. Areas receiving less than 2500 mm yr-1 of rain and covered with native forest were identified using maps, aerial photographs, estimated climate (WorldClim), and field reconnaissance. Ten forest remnants were identified and species lists and data on natural history and disturbance were compiled. Cluster analysis and DECORANA identified two principal forest types, moist forest (MF) and tropical dry forest (TDF), each defined by unique climate, species composition, and tree life history characteristics. TDF (reported for the first time from Fiji) has a pronounced dry season (5 consecutive months with < 100 mm rainfall each) and several deciduous canopy species. MF lacks a pronounced dry season and has few deciduous species. The amount and variability of rainfall seem to influence the type of forest in a particular location and disturbance is negatively correlated with precipitation. TDF are probably Fiji's most endangered ecosystems