bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Flexible Ultraviolet—Visible Photodetector Based on HfS3 Nanobelt Film.
Authors: Tao You‐Rong , Chen Jin‐Qiang , Wu Jia‐Jing , Wu Yi , Wu Xing‐Cai 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe title nanobelts are synthesized by chemical vapor transport reaction of Hf and S powders (quartz tube, 650 °C, temperature gradient about 10 K/cm, 5 h).
ChemInform Abstract: A Pure Inorganic 1D Chain Based on {Mo8O28} Clusters and Mn(II) Ions: [Mn(H2O)2Mo8O28]n6n‐.
Authors: Zhang Xiaofen , Yan Yonghong , Wu Lizhou , Yu Chengxin , Dong Xinbo , Hu Huaiming , Xue Ganglin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe new inorganic polymeric compound (NH4)6 [Mn(H2O)2Mo8O28] (H2O)2 is obtained from an aqueous solution containing Mn(OAc)2, (NH4)6Mo7O24, H2SO4, and NH4OH (pH 5.5 adjusted with NH3, 80 °C, 30 min; 48% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: (1,2‐Diaminoethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(N‐methylpyridinium) Salts as a Prospective Platform for Designing Recyclable Prolinamide‐Based Organocatalysts.
Authors: Lisnyak Vladislav G. , Kucherenko Alexander S. , Valeev Edward F. , Zlotin Sergei G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new, efficient, and recyclable organocatalyst for asymmetric cross‐aldol reactions under neat conditions in ketone—ketone, ketone—aldehyde, and aldehyde—aldehyde systems is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: CoCl(PPh3)3 as Cyclotrimerization Catalyst for Functionalized Triynes under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Jungk Phillip , Fischer Fabian , Thiel Indre , Hapke Marko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA [2+2+2] cycloaddition of newly prepared ether‐ and malonate‐tethered triynes under mild reaction conditions provides the corresponding arene compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Hauser Annulation of Furoindolones in the Synthesis of Carbazole‐1,4‐quinones and Benzo[b]carbazoloquinones.
Authors: Roy Joyeeta , Pal Ritashree , Mal Dipakranjan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA facile protocol for annulation reactions of furoindolones with Michael acceptors or aryne precursors is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Spiro[2.5]octa‐4,7‐dien‐6‐one with Consecutive Quaternary Centers via 1,6‐Conjugate Addition Induced Dearomatization of para‐Quinone Methides.
Authors: Gai Kuo , Fang Xinxin , Li Xuanyi , Xu Jinyi , Wu Xiaoming , Lin Aijun , Yao Hequan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe scalable metal‐free one‐pot approach delivers the products with up to three consecutive quaternary centers in generally high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Protocol for the Eliminative Deoxygenation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Epoxides to Olefins with Polyphosphoric Acid as a Promoter.
Authors: Pathe Gulab Khushalrao , Ahmed Naseem 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis method allows the chemo‐ and stereoselective deoxygenation of a wide variety of epoxides under eco‐friendly conditions in short reaction times.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Carboperfluoroalkylation of Alkynes.
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Garcia‐Dominguez Andres , Nevado Cristina 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTrisubstituted perfluoroalkenes are obtained from terminal alkynes and boronic acids with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Electrophilic Amination of Heteroarenes via C—H Alumination.
Authors: Yoon Hongju , Lee Yunmi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA series of novel heterocyclic amines (III), (V), (VII), (IX), (XI), and (XIII) are obtained through one‐pot C—H lithiation/transalumination and subsequent electrophilic amination.
ChemInform Abstract: Manganese‐Catalyzed Oxidative Azidation of Cyclobutanols: Regiospecific Synthesis of Alkyl Azides by C—C Bond Cleavage.
Authors: Ren Rongguo , Zhao Huijun , Huan Leitao , Zhu Chen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis novel azidation method allows the synthesis of a wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl azides with exclusive regioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Intermolecular [2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Unactivated Alkenes.
Authors: Hoyt Jordan M. , Schmidt Valerie A. , Tondreau Aaron M. , Chirik Paul J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBoth the iron‐catalyzed intermolecular cycloaddition of unactivated alkenes and the cross cycloaddition of alkenes and dienes represent regio‐ and stereoselective routes to cyclobutanes.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Three‐Component Synthesis of α‐Cyano Acrylates Involving Cascade Knoevenagel Reaction and Esterification.
Authors: Jing Yanfeng , Meng Jiaojiao , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie‐Ping 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCyanuric acid‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, α‐cyanoacetamide and alcohols affords α‐cyanoacrylates (IV) in good yield.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphine‐Mediated Iterative Arene Homologation Using Allenes.
Authors: Zhang Kui , Cai Lingchao , Jiang Xing , Garcia‐Garibay Miguel A. , Kwon Ohyun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA phosphine‐mediated coupling between allenes (II) and phthalaldehydes is developed to give 2,3‐disubstituted naphthalenes in up to quantitative yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Methyleneindolinones with N,N′‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines Catalyzed by a N,N′‐Dioxide—Mg(OTf)2 Complex.
Authors: Yin Chengkai , Lin Lili , Zhang Dong , Feng Juhua , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of methyleneoxindoles and cyclic azomethine imines affords spirocyclic pyrazolidines in excellent yields and enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Alkoxylation of Purine Nucleosides: One‐Step Synthesis of 5′‐O,8‐Cyclopurine Nucleosides.
Authors: Yu Mingwu , Wang Zhiqian , Hu Junbin , Li Shunlai , Du Hongguang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe method utilizes an inexpensive catalyst‐oxidant system, tolerates a broad range of substrates and proceeds well even on gram scale.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization for the Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Spiro‐2H‐azirines from 1,6‐Enynes.
Authors: He Yu‐Tao , Wang Qiang , Zhao Jiahui , Wang Xiao‐Zhen , Qiu Yi‐Feng , Yang Yu‐Chen , Hu Jing‐Yuan , Liu Xue‐Yuan , Liang Yong‐Min 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new method for the synthesis of CF3‐substituted spirocyclic compounds containing a unique quaternary carbon center from readily available starting materials is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Exploiting the gem‐Disubstitution Effect in FcPHOX and HetPHOX P,N Ligands: Synthesis and Applications in Pd‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Heck Reactions.
Authors: McCartney Dennis , Nottingham Chris , Mueller‐Bunz Helge , Guiry Patrick J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe asymmetric Pd‐catalyzed arylation of dihydrofurans is achieved under microwave irradiation and in the presence of chiral oxazoline ligands.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Condensation of Imines and α‐Diazo‐β‐dicarbonyl Compounds: Modular and Regiocontrolled Synthesis of Multisubstituted Pyrroles.
Authors: Tan Wei Wen , Yoshikai Naohiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn the presence of a copper(II) catalyst, enolizable imines bearing various N‐substituents and α‐diazo‐β‐ketoesters undergo denitrogenative and dehydrative condensation to afford highly substituted pyrroles with exclusive regioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Tetrahydrothiophene and Thiophene‐Fused Porphyrin.
Authors: Yang Lei‐Lei , Hu Xiao‐Lian , Tang Zhen‐Qiang , Li Xiao‐Fang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe sulfa‐Michael/aldol cascade reaction of 1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐diol to 2‐NO2‐porphyrin is developed providing a new facile approach to tetrahydrothiophene‐fused porphyrin.
ChemInform Abstract: Dearomatization of Indoles via a Phenol‐Directed Vanadium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation and Ring‐Opening Cascade.
Authors: Han Long , Zhang Wei , Shi Xiao‐Xin , You Shu‐Li 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn enantioselective dearomatization of indole derivatives is achieved by using in situ generated complexes derived from VO(acac)2 and the bis‐hydroxamic acid ligand.
ChemInform Abstract: Imidoyl Dichlorides as New Reagents for the Rapid Formation of 2‐Aminobenzimidazoles and Related Azoles.
Authors: Pollock Julie A. , Kim Sung Hoon , Katzenellenbogen John A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArylenediamines (I) and (IV) as well as vicinally difunctionalized arenes undergo efficient reaction with imidoyl dichlorides (II) and (XI) to yield benzimidazoles and a variety of related heterocycles.
ChemInform Abstract: Negishi Approach to 1,5‐Disubstituted 3‐Amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazoles.
Authors: Shen Jeff , Wong Brian , Gu Chunang , Zhang Haiming 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNegishi conditions are applied in the arylation and alkenylation of 3‐benzoylamino‐1,2,4‐1H‐triazoles to furnish the title compounds in good to high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 6‐(5‐Methylisoxazol‐3yl)‐3‐alkyl Sulfanyl‐[1,2,4]triazolo‐[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles.
Authors: Vaarla Krishnaiah , Vedula Rajeswar Rao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe title compounds are accessible by S‐alkylation of parent compound (III) with various alkyl halides.
ChemInform Abstract: New Approach to Synthesis of 4‐Arylcoumarin Derivatives.
Authors: Bardasov Ivan N. , Alekseeva Anastasiya U. , Ershov Oleg V. , Surazhskaya Marina D. , Churakov Andrei V. , Grishanov Dmitry A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA novel and operationally simple synthesis of 4‐arylchromone‐3‐carbonitriles is rendered possible by oxidation and hydrolysis of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles using I2O5 as the oxidant.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines, β‐Carbolines, and Natural Products, (.+‐.)‐Harmicine, Eudistomin U and Canthine by Reductive Pictet Spengler Cyclization.
Authors: Pakhare Deepali S. , Kusurkar Radhika S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractInter‐ and intramolecular reductive Pictet—Spengler cyclization of tryptamine with nitriles provides access to tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines including naturally occurring β‐carbolines such as harmicine (VIII).
ChemInform Abstract: Four New Compounds from Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. var. microphylla.
Authors: Guo Li‐Bing , Zhong Chu‐Qian , Tao Shu‐Hong , Yi Zhi‐Bo , Xie Yu‐Feng , Chen Yan‐Fen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe absolute configuration of the compounds is not determined.
Thirty‐year trends in heart failure hospitalization and mortality rates and the prognostic impact of co‐morbidity: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Schmidt Morten , Ulrichsen Sinna Pilgaard , Pedersen Lars , Bøtker Hans Erik , Sørensen Henrik Toft 
Published: February 2016

AimsWe examined 30‐year nationwide trends in heart failure hospitalization and mortality rates, and the prognostic impact of co‐morbidity.Methods and resultsWe conducted a population‐based cohort study of 317 161 patients with first‐time inpatient hospitalizations for heart failure during 1983–2012. We computed the standardized hospitalization rate and 5‐year mortality risk. Co‐morbidity levels and calendar periods of diagnosis were compared by means of mortality rate ratios (MRRs) based on Cox regression. The standardized hospitalization rate (per 100 000 persons) decreased between 1983 and 2012 by 25% for women (from 192 to 144) and by 14% for men (from 217 to 186). The decrease reflected an average annual 1% increase until 2000 and a 3.5% decline thereafter. Between 1983–1987 and 2008–2012, 1‐year mortality declined from 45% to 33% and 1‐ to 5‐year mortality from 59% to 43%. The decline occurred independently of patients' co‐morbidity levels. Comparing 2008–2012 with 1983–1987, the 5‐year age‐, sex‐, and co‐morbidity‐adjusted MRR was 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.58]. Using low co‐morbidity as reference, the adjusted 5‐year MRR in 2003–2007 was increased by 43% for moderate, 66% for severe, and 2.2‐fold for very severe co‐morbidity. The magnitude of co‐morbidity‐associated mortality increased over time and was highest in the youngest patients.ConclusionsHospitalization rates for heart failure have declined markedly since 2000 in Denmark. One‐ and five‐year mortality declined >40% over the last three decades. The decline in mortality occurred for patients with all levels of co‐morbidity, but co‐morbidity burden was a strong prognostic factor.
Thinking about “why” eliminates retrieval‐induced forgetting: Levels of construal affect retrieval dynamics
Authors: Ikeda Kenji , Hattori Yosuke , Kobayashi Masanori 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe present study examined how levels of construal affect retrieval‐induced forgetting. Higher‐level construal is associated with the focus on the similarities among stimuli, suggesting that high‐level construal promotes relational processing. Based on this fact, retrieval‐induced forgetting may be reduced or eliminated under high‐level construal condition because of the effect of relational processing. Two experiments were conducted using a retrieval‐practice paradigm with different stimuli while priming the level of construal. A meta‐analysis synthesizing the results showed that retrieval‐induced forgetting occurred under the low‐level construal condition, whereas forgetting did not occur under the high‐level construal condition. These results suggest that abstract thinking can eliminate retrieval‐induced forgetting because of relational processing, demonstrating the role of the levels of construal on memory inhibition.
Synthesis of Pseudo‐Peptides Containing a Quinazolinone Skeleton via Ugi Four‐Component Reaction
Authors: Balalaie Saeed , Saeedi Shaghayegh , Ramezanpour Sorour 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA simple and efficient synthesis of quinazolinone pseudo‐peptide derivatives based on a new 3‐amino‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐4‐oxoquinazoline‐2‐carboxylic acid via Ugi four‐component reaction has been developed. This reaction was conducted under mild conditions with a broad scope of substrates.
Synthesis of New DNA G‐Quadruplex Constructs with Anthraquinone Insertions and Their Anticoagulant Activity
Authors: Gouda Alaa S. , Amine Mahasen S. , Pedersen Erik B. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract1,4‐Dihydroxyanthraquinone and 1,8‐dihydroxyanthraquinone were alkylated with 3‐bromopropan‐1‐ol and subsequently transformed into the corresponding DMT protected phosphoramidite building blocks for insertion into loops of the G‐quadruplex of the thrombin binding aptamer (TBA). The 1,4‐disubstituted anthraquinone linker led to a significant stabilization of the G‐quadruplex structure upon replacing a T in each of two neighboring lateral TT loops and a 26.2° increase in thermal melting temperature was found. CD Spectra of the modified quadruplexes confirmed anti‐parallel conformations in all cases under potassium buffer conditions as previously observed for TBA. Although the majority of the anthraquinone modified TBA analogues showed a decrease in clotting times in a fibrinogen clotting assay when compared to TBA, modified aptamers containing a 1,8‐disubstituted anthraquinone linker replacing G8 or T9 in the TGT loop showed improved anticoagulant activities. Molecular modeling studies explained the increased thermal melting temperatures of anthraquinone‐modified G‐quadruplexes.
Clerodendrumol, A New Triterpenoid from Clerodendrum yaundense Gürke (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Awouafack Maurice D. , Aimaiti Simayijiang , Tane Pierre , Morita Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new lupane‐type triterpene named clerodendrumol (1), i.e., (16α)‐lupa‐12,20(29)‐dien‐16‐ol, together with five known compounds, octacosa‐(5Z,9Z)‐dienoic acid (3), tetracosanoic acid (4), genkwanin (5), (12S)‐hydroxyoctadeca‐(9Z,13E,15E)‐trienoic acid (6), and (9S)‐hydroxyoctadeca‐(10E,12E)‐dienoic acid (7), were isolated from the twigs of Clerodendrum yaundense. O‐Acetylclerodendrumol (2), a derivative of 1, was prepared by a standard acetylation procedure applied to compound 1. The structure of the new compound was elucidated using spectroscopic analysis (NMR and MS) data, and chemical conversions (acetylation and deacetylation). The human breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) was sensitive to all test samples, and clerodendrumol (1) as well as its derivative 2 had good activity (IC50 values 7.5 and 13.2 μM). Genkwanin (5) exhibited strong activity on HeLa cell line with IC50 7.8 μM.
Reactions of Diazomethanes with 5‐Benzylidene‐3‐phenylrhodanine – A Computational Study
Authors: Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Seyfried Martin S. , Heimgartner Heinz 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIt has been shown previously that the reaction of diazomethane with 5‐benzylidene‐3‐phenylrhodanine (1) in THF at −20° occurs at the exocyclic CC bondviacyclopropanation to give3aand methylation to yield4, respectively, whereas the corresponding reaction with phenyldiazomethane in toluene at 0° leads to the cyclopropane derivative3bexclusively. Surprisingly, under similar conditions, no reaction was observed between1and diphenyldiazomethane, but the 2‐diphenylmethylidene derivative5was formed in boiling toluene. In the present study, these results have been rationalized by calculations at the DFT B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level using PCM solvent model. In the case of diazomethane, the formation of3aoccursviainitialMichaeladdition, whereas4is formedvia[3+2] cycloaddition followed by N2elimination and H‐migration. The preferred pathway of the reaction of1with phenyldiazomethane is a [3+2] cycloaddition, subsequent N2elimination and ring closure of an intermediate zwitterion to give3b. Finally, the calculations show that the energetically most favorable reaction of1with diphenyldiazomethane is the initial formation of diphenylcarbene, which adds to the S‐atom to give a thiocarbonyl ylide, followed by 1,3‐dipolar electrocyclization and S‐elimination.
Novel Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 8 Isoform Is Essential for Cell Proliferation
Authors: Hernandez Sarah , Dominko Tanja 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIdentification of molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular replicative lifespan is needed to better understand the transition between a normal and a neoplastic cell phenotype. We have previously reported that low oxygen‐mediated activity of FGF2 leads to an increase in cellular lifespan and acquisition of regeneration competence in human dermal fibroblasts (iRC cells). Though cells display a more plastic developmental phenotype, they remain non‐tumorigenic when injected into SCID mice (Page et al. [2009] Cloning Stem Cells 11:417–426; Page et al. [2011] Eng Part A 17:2629–2640) allowing for investigation of mechanisms that regulate increased cellular lifespan in a non‐tumorigenic system. Analysis of chromatin modification enzymes by qRT‐PCR revealed a 13.3‐fold upregulation of the arginine methyltransferase PRMT8 in iRC cells. Increased protein expression was confirmed in both iRC and human embryonic stem cells—the first demonstration of endogenous human PRMT8 expression outside the brain. Furthermore, iRC cells express a novel PRMT8 mRNA variant. Using siRNA‐mediated knockdown we demonstrated that this novel variant was required for proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) and grade IV glioblastomas. PRMT8 upregulation in a non‐tumorigenic system may offer a potential diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for cells in pre‐cancerous and cancerous states. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2056–2066, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the Histamine 1 Receptor Antagonist Cetirizine on the Osteoporotic Phenotype in H+/K+ATPase Beta Subunit KO Mice
Authors: Aasarød Kristin M. , Stunes Astrid K. , Mosti Mats P. , Ramezanzadehkoldeh Masoud , Viggaklev Bjørn I. , Reseland Janne E. , Skallerud Bjørn H. , Fossmark Reidar , Syversen Unni 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTEpidemiological studies suggest increased fracture risk in patients using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We have previously shown that the H+/K+ATPase beta subunit knockout (KO) mouse, which is a model of PPI‐use, have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone quality compared to wild type (WT) mice. Like PPI users, these KO mice display elevated gastric pH and hypergastrinemia, which in turn stimulates gastric histamine release. Previous studies have suggested a negative effect of histamine on bone, thus, we wanted to study whether a histamine 1 receptor (H1R) antagonist could improve bone quality in KO mice. Female KO and WT mice aged 8 weeks received either an H1R antagonist (cetirizine) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for 6 months. At the end of the study, KO mice displayed elevated plasma histamine levels compared to WT. As demonstrated previously, the KO mice also exhibited lower whole body BMD, reduced mechanical bone strength, and impaired bone quality assessed by μCT. No significant differences, however, were found between the KO groups receiving cetirizine or PEG for any of the measured bone parameters. In vitro gene expression analyses of histamine receptors revealed the presence of H1R and H2R both in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and H3R in late stage osteoblasts. In conclusion, administration of the H1R antagonist cetirizine in a concentration of 3 mg/kg did not rescue the osteoporotic phenotype in H+/K+ATPase beta subunit KO mice. It can, however, not be ruled out that histamine may influence bone via other receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2089–2096, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bounds on the Dimensions of 2‐Spontaneous Emission Error Designs
Authors: Zhou Junling , Chang Yanxun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuantum jump codes are quantum error‐correcting codes which correct errors caused by quantum jumps. A t‐spontaneous emission error design (t‐SEED) was introduced by Beth et al. in 2003 [T. Beth, C. Charnes, M. Grassl, G. Alber, A. Delgado, and M. Mussinger, A new class of designs which protect against quantum jumps, Des Codes Cryptogr 29 (2003), 51–70.] to construct quantum jump codes. The number of designs (dimension) in a t‐SEED corresponds to the number of orthogonal basis states in a quantum jump code. A nondegenerate t‐SEED is optimal if it has the largest possible dimension. In this paper, we investigate the bounds on the dimensions of 2‐SEEDs systematically. The exact dimensions of optimal 2‐ SEEDs are almost determined, with five possible exceptions in doubt. General upper bounds on dimensions of 2‐ SEEDs are demonstrated, the corresponding leave graphs are described, and several exceptional cases are studied in details. Meanwhile, we employ 2‐homogenous groups to obtain new lower bounds on the dimensions of 2‐ SEEDs for prime power orders v and general block sizes k.
A review of biomass energy – shortcomings and concerns
Authors: Rosillo‐Calle Frank 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBiomass has been, historically, the main source of global energy, primarily for cooking, heating, and small cottage industries. It is witnessing a strong revival and is currently used in a multitude of applications. It provides between 10 and 14% of world energy, with the potential to provide 30–40 + % and is an integral component of all energy scenarios. Biomass energy is providing multiple energy, environmental, and socio‐economic benefits, both modern and traditional, ranging from electricity, heat, to transportation fuels.This review provides a critical assessment of biomass energy literature. It is not an analysis of biomass energy production and conversion methods. The main themes covered are: (i) biomass energy potential and its uses; (ii) liquid biofuels for transportation; (iii) land use changes implications; (iv) the food versus fuel debate; (v) environmental and sustainability, subsidies and energy balance issues; and (vi) international biomass energy trade. An additional key concern of this review has been to identify the main shortcomings and concerns affecting biomass energy of themes stated above, e.g. problems posed by poor scientific data, land use change, food versus biofuel debate; environmental and sustainability implications, or potential impacts of international biomass energy trade. Given the broad nature of biomass energy, and the need to embraces all major issues, this review paper is in many ways an overview. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry