Copper-Catalyzed C-C(O)C Bond Cleavage of Monoalkylated β-Diketone: Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

A new and simple route for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones via cleavage of the C-C(O)C single bond of monoalkylated β-diketone has been described. The reaction was catalyzed by copper, a cheap transition metal in a weakly basic medium (K3PO4) at room temperature. To carry out this study, we first had to synthesize the monoalkylated β-diketones 1. Afterwards, α,β-unsaturated ketones 2 were obtained with high yields around 80%. Finally, all the products were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS spectra. .

Use of Cucurbita pepo Oil to Fight against the UV Action on the Skin

Skin aging is a process most often attributed to UV [1] and also to the use of creams and other cosmetic products low in antioxidant compounds [2]. Photochemically stable pepo Cucurbita oil can be used as an exogenous cosmetic supplement due to its high antioxidant content. Incorporated in an agar, media containing a synthetic melanin solution with added pumpkin oil are subjected to UV light, the aging thus modeled is followed by the measurement of photoresistance values correlated with chemical and spectrophotometric analyses. This study confirms that pumpkin oil is highly effective in protecting the skin, especially the most sensitive skins such as babies’ skin [3] by reinforcing the action of melanin and also that of albinos without melanin. Indeed its SPF (Significant Sun Protection Factor) index estimated during this work is very consistent, i.e. more than 22% of UVB (280 - 315 nm) radiations are suppressed.

Valorization of Cucurbita pepo Seed Oil in Soap Production

The present study was conducted with the aim of extracting and characterising Cucurbita pepo seed oil and then producing soap with important dermatological properties. The physico-chemical results of the Cucurbita pepo seed oil after extraction were satisfactory and indicate that the oil obtained contains long-carbonaceous fatty acids. The production of the soap was based on the realisation of a saponification reaction by reflux heating between the extracted oil and a solution of soduim hydroxyde 7M for one hour. The soap obtained is characterised by the following physico-chemical parameters: salt content, alkali content, pH, and humidity;which meet ISO 684-1974 standards. The antibacterial parameters of the soaps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 were determined by the Agar Diffusion test using the well method and these soaps showed an interesting antibacterial activity against the germs pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus. Soaps based on Raffia sese oil (kolo oil) and Elaesis guineensis oil (palm oil) have also been synthesized for comparison with soap obtained from Cucurbita pepo seed oil.