Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of eight-membered rings.

Experiments to develop a rhodium catalyst for the [4 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of dienynes with a second alkyne are described. The generality of the reaction is probed in terms of dienyne structure and alkyne structure. A catalyst system that provides cyclooctatrienes in greater than 70% yield is reported. Several experiments to determine the nature of the catalyst are described.

Exposure of humans to a volatile organic mixture. I. Behavioral assessment.

Exposure to a low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds, typical of those found in new buildings, has been reported to impair neurobehavioral function in persons who have experienced sick building syndrome (SBS). Sixty-six healthy young males who had no history of chemical sensitivity were exposed for 2.75 h to a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds at 0 and 25 mg/m3. Even though subjects reported more fatigue and more mental confusion following exposure to volatile organic compounds than to clean air, performance on 13 neurobehavioral tests was not affected. Practice or learning effects were observed if administration of many behavioral tests were repeated. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship of exposure to volatile organic chemicals, neurobehavioral performance, and subject characteristics, e.g., age, gender, and chemical sensitivity.