Pseudopericyclic dearomative 1,6-cyclization of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-azabuta-1,3 dienes: synthesis and ring-chain valence equilibria of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazines

In this work, we studied 1,6-electrocyclizations of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-azabuta-1,3-dienes 3 as representatives of 1,4-diazahexatrienes with the C=N bond incorporated in aromatic pyridine system. 2-Azadienes 3 for the study were synthesized by the Rh(II)-catalyzed reaction of triazolopyridines 1 with 2H-azirines 2.This work was done under support of the RSF (grant 19-73-10090) using resources of the Magnetic Resonance Research Centre, Chemical Analysis and Materials Research Centre, Centre for X-ray Diffraction Studies, Computing Centre of the Research Park of St. Petersburg State University

Vinyl azide strategy for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrimidines

In our research group, a new preparative procedure for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrimidine derivatives from α-azidocinnamates was developed. The synthesis consists of the following stages: (i) LED light induced dimerization of α-azidocinnamates to 1,3-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-enes via formation of 2H-azirines, (ii) DBU-catalyzed isomerization of 1,3-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-enes to 1,6-dihydropyrimidines, (iii) aromatization of 1,6-dihydropyrimidines using DDQ.This work was done under support of the RSF (grant 19-73-10090) using resources of the Magnetic Resonance Research Centre, Chemical Analysis and Materials Research Centre, Centre for X-ray Diffraction Studies of the Research Park of St. Petersburg State University

Electoral manipulation and the development of Russia's political system

The allegations of electoral manipulation surrounding Russia's parliamentary election of December 2011 were nothing new. Regional elections in October 2009 resulted in victory for Putin's United Russia, followed by a walkout from the State Duma by the other parliamentary parties, to protest the elections’ conduct. Multi-layered questions surround the role of electoral manipulation for different actors in Russia's political system. Analysis focused on the elections of October 2009 shows that regime, opposition, and regional authorities all have conflicting motivations. For the regime, electoral manipulation helps to secure power and legitimacy, but its uncovering undermines that legitimacy. For the opposition, participation in elections provides an opportunity to both gain electoral representation and to de-legitimise the regime by declaring the ballot flawed. Regional leaders owe their positions to the regime and must balance any obligation to deliver ‘correct’ election results against mixed signals on the nature of that regime and of democracy in Russia

Selective and Reversible 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of 2-(2-Oxoindoline-3-ylidene)acetates with Nitrones in the Synthesis of Functionalized Spiroisoxazolidines

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-(2-oxoindoline-3-ylidene)acetates with functionalized aldo- and ketonitrones proceeds with good selectivity to provide new highly functionalized 5-spiroisoxazolidines. A characteristic feature of these reactions is reversibility that allows for the control of the diastereoselectivity of cycloaddition. The reduction of obtained adducts using zinc powder in acetic acid leads to 1,3-aminoalcohols or spirolactones. For a number of the spiro compounds obtained, anticancer activity was found