Andrew W. Gross

Highly selective, kinetically controlled enolate formation using lithium dialkylamides in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane

Abstract The deprotonation of ketones and esters with lithium dialkylamides in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane leads to enhanced selectivity for the kinetically generated enolate. Lithium t -octyl- t -butylamide is shown to be superior to lithium diisopropylamide in the regio-selective generation of enolates and in the stereoselective formation of E enolates.

Carbolactonization of olefins under mild conditions by cyanoacetic and malonic acids promoted by manganese (III) acetate

Abstract A variety of olefins can be converted to γ-lactones with good efficiency by intermolecular carbolactonization using cyanoacetic acid or malonic acid derivatives in the presence of Mn (III) at 23°.

Synthesis of di-t-alkylamines

Abstract Di- t -alkylamines can be synthesized efficiently by a three-step process: (1) oxidation of a t -alkylamine to a t -alkylnitroso compound with peracetic acid in ethyl acetate (2) conversion of the t -alkylnitroso compound to a tri- t -alkylhydroxylamine by successive trapping of two t -butyl radicals and (3) sodium naphthalide reduction to the di- t -alkylamine.

Versatile approaches for the synthesis of fused-ring γ-lactones utilizing cyclopropane intermediates.

A highly effective acid-catalyzed cyclopropyl ester to γ-lactone skeletal rearrangement has been demonstrated and applied to the synthesis of a variety of bi- and tricyclic functionalized lactones, rigid and highly compact structures for use as biological probes.

Bislactonization of unsaturated diacids using lead tetraacetate

The reaction of lead tetraacetate with unsaturated carboxylic acids (or salts) to from bislactones (γ or δ) can be controlled to produce efficiently cis addition of two carboxylic oxygens to the double bond, in consonance with an initial plumbolactonization step followed by SN2 displacement of lead.

Optic Neuropathy Following Retrobulbar Injection: A Review

Abstract A retrobulbar block is a regional anesthetic nerve block in the retrobulbar space. Optic neuropathy following retrobulbar injection is a well-recognized and rare complication of the procedure with an unknown incidence. This article reviews the relevant literature regarding vision loss following this procedure. Mechanisms of injury to the optic nerve as well as methods that can be employed to minimize the risk of optic neuropathy will be explored, including alternatives to retrobulbar anesthesia.

Hemorrhage within the optic nerve from a cavernous hemangioma of the optic disc

A 49-year-old woman with a known right optic disc cavernous hemangioma experienced pain with eye movements and worsening of a superior visual field defect. While she retained 20/20 visual acuity in each eye, findings on magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with a hemorrhage in the anterior portion of the right intraorbital optic nerve. Her visual function stabilized spontaneously. We are unaware of previous reports of hemorrhage into the optic nerve from a cavernous hemangioma of the optic disc.