Smooth and quantitative deprotection of a wide range of acetals and ketals [Eq. (a); R, R(1)=alkyl, aryl, H] under neutral to mildly basic conditions was achieved with catalytic quantities of cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN). The reaction conditions are compatible with a variety of sensitive functional groups, and aldehydes can be liberated from acetals without being oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acids.

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In this communication, we wish to report some preliminary results demonstrating, for the first time, that intramolecular hydroamination of unactivated alkenes can be performed efficiently using small quantities of nBuLi as the pre-catalyst.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used materials present in many consumables for which most people are exposed to. The biological hazards of the NPs on human health have been demonstrated previously. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxicity potency of TiO2 NPs on the primary human amniotic fluid cells. The cells derived from amniotic fluid were treated with different dosages of TiO2 NPs for some periods. Cell adhesion status was assessed using a light microscopic observation. Cell proliferation and cell death rates were determined using trypan blue staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Also, mitotic index was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome 8 centromer-specific DNA probe. Disrupted cell adhesion, decreased proliferation, and increased mortality rates were detected in the cells that were treated with TiO2 NPs depending on the dosage ( p < 0.001). Also, reduced mitotic index was determined in the cells depending on the time and TiO2 dosage when compared with the controls ( p < 0.0001). These results showed that TiO2 NPs have high cytotoxicity for amniotic fluid-derived cells. Therefore, different products containing TiO2 NPs should be used with care, especially for pregnant women.

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