A class of C 2 -symmetric chiral spirocyclic phasetransfer catalysts based on tetramethyl-1,1′-spirobiindane scaffold was synthesized from commercially available bisphenol A in 12 steps with 22−25% total yields, which features a more rigid and stable backbone and smaller dihedral angles and can be easily modified. These catalysts show high catalytic performance in the asymmetric alkylation of tert-butyl glycinate Schiff base at only 2 mol % catalyst loading, giving the target products with up to 92% yield and 98% ee.

Aerobic α-hydroxylation of α-methylene esters has proven challenging due to overoxidation and hydrolysis of the materials. In this article, KO t Bu-promoted TBAB-catalyzed α-hydroxylation of α-methylene aryl esters using O2 as the oxygen source has been developed. Both low reaction temperature and catalyst TBAB are keys to success. This reaction provides an environmentally friendly and low-cost approach to mandelates, which are valuable building blocks and widely present in pharmaceuticals.

CF4 is a strong greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of up to 6500, and its treatment by decomposition at the flue gas temperature range is hindered by the strong C–F bond. This work achieved, for the first time, the decomposition of CF4 at the flue gas temperature range via nonthermal plasma coupled with an aluminum/carbon catalyst with a typical decomposition efficiency of 78% for CF4 with a concentration of 10%. CF4 excited by the plasma will form many excited particles, which react with Al2O3/carbon. The CF4-derived fluorine can react with Al to form AlF3, and meanwhile, the carbon element bonds with oxygen in Al2O3 generating CO and/or CO2. The strong acid sites on the catalyst surface are the main factor in promoting CF4 decomposition. The decomposition method developed in this work provides a new approach for decomposing perfluorocarbons at low temperatures.