This paper deals with the photocatalytic transformation of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), one of the most widespread and efficient mosquito repellents, under simulated solar irradiation using titanium dioxide as the photocatalytic source of oxidizing species. The investigation involved monitoring of the DEET decomposition, the identification of intermediate compounds and the assessment of mineralization. High-resolution mass spectrometry was employed to assess the evolution of the photocatalyzed process over time. Fifty-one main species were identified after DEET transformation. Several isomeric species were formed and were characterized by analyzing MS and MS(n) spectra in full, and by comparison with parent molecule fragmentation pathways. In the DEET molecule, the initial transformation involved mono- and polyhydroxylation followed by oxidation of the alcohol groups, cleavage of the alkyl chains or ring opening. All these intermediates are easily degraded and DEET is completely mineralized after 4 h of irradiation. Microtox bioassay (Vibrio fischeri) was employed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis.

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The paper examines the transformation of phenazone (2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one), a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, under simulated solar irradiation in pure water, using titanium dioxide, and in river water. High-resolution mass spectrometry was employed to monitor the evolution of photoinduced processes. Initially, laboratory experiments were performed to simulate drug-transformation pathways in aqueous solution, using TiO(2) as photocatalyst. Thirteen main phenazone transformation products were detected, and full analysis of their MS and MS(n) spectra identified the diverse isobaric species. All these transformation products were themselves easily degraded, and no compounds were recognized to remain until 1h of irradiation. From these findings, a tentative degradation pathway is proposed to account for the photoinduced transformation of phenazone in natural waters. These simulation experiments were verified in the field, seeking phenazone in River Po water samples.

The window of reactivity is relatively narrow in the first Suzuki cross‐coupling of alkyl chlorides with alkyl 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN) derivatives catalyzed by [Pd2(dba)3] [Eq. (1); dba=(E,E)‐dibenzylideneacetone]: whereas good yields are obtained with the ligand tricyclohexylphosphane for ligands that are appreciably larger or smaller, essentially no coupling is observed. As the conditions are compatible with a variety of functional groups, this method introduces a new class of substrates into the family of potential partners in palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.