An ordered macroporous metal-organic framework single crystals and a preparation method therefor. In the method, a three-dimensional structure constructed by polymer microspheres is used as a template; 2-methylimidazole and zinc nitrate, precursors of MOFs, are firstly deposited in the three-dimensional template; the three-dimensional template containing the precursors is soaked in a mixed solution of ammonia water and methanol subsequently, and the three-dimensional template is taken out after crystallization; the three-dimensional template is soaked in an organic solvent to remove the macromolecular three-dimensional template, and the ordered macroporous MOF single crystals is obtained through centrifugal separation. The ordered macroporous MOF single crystals have a basic framework of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8, and structurally include highly-ordered macro-pores whose pore size may be controlled to be between 50 and 2000 nm based on a size of the used template.

This disclosure relates to photocatalytic polyoxometalate compositions of tungstovanadates and uses as water oxidation catalysts. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions comprising water, a complex of a tetra-metal oxide cluster and VW.sub.9O.sub.34 ligands, and a photosensitizer. Typically, the metal oxide cluster is Co. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to electrodes and other devices comprising water oxidation catalysts disclosed herein and uses in generating fuels and electrical power from solar energy.

Disclosed herein is a method for selectively reducing, using electrical energy, CO.sub.2 to formic acid, a catalyst for use in the method, and an electrochemical reduction system. The method for producing formic acid by electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide of the present invention includes (a) reacting carbon dioxide with a metal complex represented by formula (1), and (b) applying a voltage to a reaction product of the carbon dioxide and the metal complex represented by formula (1):

##STR00001##

The present disclosure provides novel methods of making aluminum complexes with utility for promoting epoxide carbonylation reactions. Methods include reacting neutral metal carbonyl compounds with alkylaluminum complexes.

According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.

The present invention relates to air stable, binary Ni(0)-olefin complexes and their use in organic synthesis.

The present invention is directed to reaction mixtures comprising a water-surfactant mixture, wherein the catalyst comprises a compound with solubilizing groups. This technology improves the solubility of the reaction components in the water-surfactant mixture and thereby, greatly increases the productivity and selectivity of the chemical reaction.

Improved catalytic methods are disclosed. The methods include both hydrogenation and disproportionation catalysis. While the reaction conditions for hydrogenation and disproportionation differ, the catalysts disclosed herein can be used for either process. In certain aspects, the methods utilize a catalyst: CpM(N—N)L.sub.n; wherein Cp is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ir and Rh; wherein N—N is a substituted or unsubstituted bidentate ligand selected from the group consisting of a bipyridine ligand and a phenanthroline ligand; wherein n is 0 or 1; and wherein when n is 1 L is selected from the group consisting of an anion and a molecule of a solvent.

A hydrosilylation iron catalyst prepared from a two-electron ligand (L) and a mononuclear, binuclear, or trinuclear complex of iron indicated by formula (1), Fe having bonds with carbon atoms included in X and the total number of Fe-carbon bonds being 2-10. As a result of using iron, the hydrosilylation iron catalyst is advantageous from a cost perspective as well as being easily synthesized. Hydrosilylation reactions can be promoted under mild conditions by using this catalyst.

Fe(X).sub.a  (1)

(in the formula, each X independently indicates a C2-30 ligand that may include an unsaturated group excluding carbonyl groups (CO groups) and cyclopentadienyl groups, however at least one X includes an unsaturated group, a indicates an integer of 2-4 per Fe atom.)

The present invention relates to the technical field of organic chemistry, specifically an asymmetrical hydrogenation of an ∂-ketonic acid compound, the technical proposal being as shown by the following formula:

##STR00001##

Wherein R.sup.1 is a phenyl, a substituted phenyl, a naphthyl a substituted naphthyl, a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or aralkyl, the substitute is a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, a halogen, the number of the substituents is 1-3.

M is a chiral spiro-pyridyl amido phosphine ligand iridium complex having the following structure,

##STR00002##

Wherein, R is hydrogen, 3-methyl, 4-.sup.tBu or 6-methyl