bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The synthesis of 5‐substituted 3‐benzoylamino‐6‐(2‐substituted amino‐1‐ethenyl)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones and their transformations into 2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridine derivatives
Authors: Strah Sonja , Svete Jurij , Stanovnik Branko 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new approach to the 2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridine system is described. 5,6‐Disubstituted 3‐benzoylamino‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones 3a,b, prepared from the corresponding 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds 1a,b and methyl (Z)‐2‐benzoylamino‐3‐dimethylaminopropenoate (2), were converted into 3‐benzoylamino‐6‐(2‐dimethylamino‐1‐ethenyl)‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (4a) and 5‐acetyl derivative 4b. The exchange of the dimethylamino group in 4a,b with aromatic amines 5a‐f,m, héteroaromatic amines 5g‐i, and benzylamines 5j‐l produced 5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐3‐benzoylamino‐6‐(2‐arylamino‐ or heteroarylamino‐or benzylamino‐1‐ethenyl)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones 6a‐l, and its 5‐acetyl analog 6m. The compounds 6 were cyclized in basic media into 2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridine derivatives 7a‐h. Analogously react also α‐amino acid derivatives 8a‐c and 11 as nitrogen nucleophiles producing 9a‐c, 10 and 12.
The synthesis of novel polycyclic heterocyclic ring systems. 2. Naphmo[2,1‐b:4,3‐g]bisbenzo[b]thiophene
Authors: Sasaki Kenji , Tokuda Osamu , Hirota Takashi , Luo Jiann‐Kuan , Castle Raymond N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe novel polycyclic heterocyclic ring system, naphtho[2,1‐b:4,3‐g]bisbenzo[b]thiophene was synthesized from 5‐[2‐(2‐bromo‐3‐thienyl)ethenyl]naphtho[2,1‐b][1]benzothiophene. The assignment of its 1H and 13C nmr spectra was also accomplished by utilizing two‐dimensional nmr methods.
Studies on pyrazines. 31 Alkylation of chloropyrazine N‐oxides by nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction with dialkylzincs
Authors: Sato Nobuhiro , Matsuura Tomoyuki 
Published: March 2009

Abstract3‐Chloro‐2,5‐dimethylpyrazine 1‐oxide underwent cross‐coupling with dialkylzinc reagents forming 3‐alkyl‐2,5‐dimethylpyrazine 1‐oxides. The reaction was realized by catalytic 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐propane nickel(II) chloride and the optimum results were examined.
Novel heterocyclic ligands with tuned hydrophobicity
Authors: Viscardi Guido , Savarino Piero , Quagliotto Pierluigi , Barni Ermanno , Botta Mauro 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHeterocyclic azodyes of the pyridylazonaphthol and pyridylazoresorcinol series containing tuned hydrophobic chains have been prepared. Due to their chelating properties, the dyes are suitable candidates for preconcentration and selective separation of transition metal ions. After a discussion on the choice of the best synthetic pathway, physical and spectral uv/visible properties are presented and correlated with the structural features. A detailed analysis of nmr spectra allowed the clarification of currently unresolved signal assignments.
N,N′‐Cyclization of carbodiimides with 2‐(bromomethyl)acrylic acid. A direct entry to the system 5‐methylene‐6H‐pyrimidine‐2,4‐dione, a new class of thymine analogues
Authors: Anglada J. M. , Campos T. , Camps F. , Moretó J. M. , Pagès L.L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCarbodiimides react under very mild conditions with 2‐(bromomethyl)acrylic acid at both N atoms to give 1,3‐disubstituted‐5‐methylene‐6H‐pyrimidine 2,4‐dione derivatives in moderate to good yields. These products behaved as good Michael acceptors towards a variety of nucleophiles such as bromine, hydrochloric acid, hydrides, etc. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on theoretical approaches and experimental results.
A new synthesis of pyrrole derivatives from tris(isopropylthio)cyclopropenylium perchlorate and thioureas
Authors: Kojima Hideo , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Nakamura Keiichi , Inoue Hiroo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe reaction of tris(isopropylthio)cyclopropenylium perchlorate (1) with sodium thioureides 3a‐c, prepared from thioureas 2a‐c and sodium hydride, in dry acetonitrile gave the pyrrole derivatives 4a‐c, respectively, in high yields.
Syntheses of arylsulfonyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles
Authors: Shafiee A. , Foroumadi A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractReaction of sodium arylsulfinate with 2‐aryl‐5‐chloro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole gave 2‐aryl‐5‐arylsulfonyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (3) in good yield. Starting from readily available 2‐amino‐5‐benzylmercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole compound 7 was obtained in three steps in moderate yield. Reaction of compound 7 with sodium arylsulfinate afforded 2,5‐diarylsulfonyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (11). Oxidation of compound 10 with hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid gave 2‐arylsulfonyl‐5‐benzylsulfonyI‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (12), in high yield.
The beckmann rearrangement of cyclohex‐2‐enone oximes. Synthesis of 4,5‐diphenyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐azepin‐2‐one
Authors: Lyga John W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe Beckmann rearrangement of either syn or anti 3,4‐diphenyl‐cyclohexenone oxime 2a,b in polyphosphoric acid produces only one of the two possible isomeric unsaturated caprolactams 1. Under neutral conditions, only the syn oxime tosylate 9b rearranges to lactam 1, the anti oxime tosylate 9a remains unchanged. These results support earlier reports that alkyl migration is preferred over vinyl migration in the Beckmann rearrangement of unsaturated cyclic ketoximes. Structure proof of the lactam was made using deuterium exchange and HMQC nmr experiments.
Polycyclic N‐heterocyclic compounds. 51. Synthesis of novel 12‐substituted 11,13,15‐triazasteroidal compounds and their inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation
Authors: Sasaki Kenji , Arichi Takeshi , Ohtomo Hiromi , Nakayama Taiji , Hirota Takashi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSynthesis of 11‐substituted 1,2,4,5‐tetrahydrobenzo[h]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines corresponding to 12‐substituted 11,13,15‐triazasteroid is described. Evaluation on inhibitory activity against collagen‐induced platelet aggregation of these compounds and their precursors was also investigated.
A convenient route to new phenyltetrahydroindolizines
Authors: Dallemagne Patrick , Sonnet Pascal , Enguehard Cécile , Rault Sylvain 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSynthesis of new 6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroindolizines was achieved starting from 4‐amino‐3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)butyric acid (Baclofen). The chemical pathway, involving a Clauson‐Kaas reaction and a subsequent cyclization, led to an iminium salt whose reactivity was studied.
Pyridazines LXXVIII On the reactivity of 4‐methoxy‐[(4‐pyridazinyl)methylidene]aniline in ester enolate‐imine condensation reactions
Authors: Heinisch Gottfried , Langer Thierry , Tonnel Jacques 
Published: March 2009

AbstractReactions of the pyridazine derived aldimine 1 with lithium enolates of various α‐substituted acetates were investigated. An unprecedented formation of the pyrido[3,4‐d]pyridazine system due to nucleophilic attack of a carbanion species at the β‐position of the pyridazine ring was observed.
Hei and heii spectra of 3‐halopyridines
Authors: Xue Jing , Hughes Jason M. , Von Nagy‐Felsobuki Ellak I. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS) of 3‐fluoro‐, 3‐ chloro‐, 3‐bromo‐ and 3‐ iodopyridine were recorded and interpreted using a composite‐molecule model. The sequence of the four lowest ionization energies for 3‐fluoro‐ and 3‐chloropyridine is: π3 (1a2) < nN (11a1)ππ2 (2b1)π∼pyr (7b2), whereas for 3‐bromo‐ and 3‐iodopyridine the assignment is: π3 (1a2) ‐ πxπnN (11a1)πσx π2 (2b1) (where X represents a bromine or iodine lone‐pair). Comparison of the HeI and HeII band intensities and correlations with the UPS assignment of the 2‐halopyridines confirm this sequence. However, ab initio calculations using the STO‐3G*//STO‐3G* and 6–31G**//STO‐3G* models do not agree with either the composite‐molecule model, simple UPS correlations and HeI/HeII cross‐section ratios. For 3‐fluoropyridine, the HAM/3 model was in agreement with the proposed assignment.
Interactions of porphyrinyl‐nucleosides with DNA using the example of porphyrinyl‐thymidine
Authors: Trumble William R. , Wandrekar Vinay , Czuchajowski Leszek 
Published: March 2009

Abstractmeso‐Tri(N‐memyl‐4‐pyridinium)porphyrinyl‐p‐phenylene‐5′‐O‐thymidine, interacting with plasmid ds DNA showed an 8 nm red‐shift of the Soret band. The observed Soret band shift was 4 run less than the shift of the respective meso‐tetra(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridinium)porphyrin, which is usually assumed to indicate intercalation. Experimental spectra and the MMX‐ and AM‐1 calculations of a series of model structures further suggest that the investigated porphyrinyl‐thymidine also interacts with adenine due to its nucleobase. The possibility of intercalation was also viewed based on interaction of immobilized porphyrin with ds DNA. Theoretical considerations suggested that there are no steric limitations to the formation of a system in which the porphyrinyl‐thymidine in question interacts with a molecule of porphyrinyl‐adenosine, via A‐T base pairing, to join two ds DNA molecules.
Synthesis of 3,6‐disubstituted pyridazine derivatives
Authors: Mernari Bouchaib , Lagrenée Michel 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of pyridazine functionalized with dioximes side chains are described. Several 3,6‐disubsti‐tuted pyridazine derivatives were prepared and their structures determined by spectroscopic methods (nmr, ir and ms).
Diastereoselective synthesis of cis‐3‐ and 3,5‐alkylpyrrolizidines
Authors: Provot Olivier , Célérier Jean‐Pierre , Lhommet GÉRard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCis‐3 and 3,5‐substituted pyrrolizidines can be prepared from β‐enaminolactones. Substituted pyrrolidinoketones lead to these compounds by an amino reductive annelation with a low diastereomeric excess, but a best access to these azabicycles consists in preparing cis‐2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidines which are then transformed into the expected heterocycles.
Synthesis of 4H‐1,3,4‐oxadiazino[5,6‐b]quinoxalines from 2‐substituted quinoxaline 4‐oxides
Authors: Kim Ho Sik , Kim Eun Ah , Jeong Geuk , Park Yong Tae , Hong Young Seuk , Okamoto Yoshihisa , Kurasawa Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe reaction of 6‐chloro‐2‐(1‐methylhydrazino)quinoxaline 4‐oxide 8 with acetic anhydride resulted in the intramolecular cyclization to give 8‐chloro‐2,4‐dimethyl‐4H‐1,3,4‐oxadiazino[5,6‐b]quinoxaline 7a, while the reaction of compound 8 with acetic anhydride/pyridine or acetic anhydride/acetic acid afforded 3‐(2,2‐diacetyl‐1‐memymydrazmo)‐7‐chloro‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoxaline 9, effecting no intramolecular cyclization. The reaction of 2‐(2‐acetyl‐1‐methylhydrazino)‐6‐chloroquinoxaline 4‐oxide 10a or 6‐chloro‐2‐(1‐methyl‐2‐trifluoroacetylhydrazino)quinoxaline 4‐oxide 10b with phosphoryl chloride provided compound 7a or 8‐chloro‐4‐memyl‐2‐trifluoromethyl‐4H‐1,3,4‐oxadiazino[5,6‐b]quinoxaline 7b, respectively. The reaction of compound 7b with phosphorus pentasulfide gave 7‐chloro‐3‐(1‐methyl‐2‐trifluoroacetylhydrazino)‐2‐thioxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoxaline 11, whose dehydration with sulfuric acid in acetic acid afforded 8‐chloro‐4‐methyl‐2‐trifluoromemyl‐4H‐1,3,4‐thiadiazino[5,6‐b]quinoxaline 12.
A novel synthesis of quinolinium salts via benzotriazole methodology
Authors: Katritzky Alan R. , Semenzin Delphine , Yang Baozhen , Pleynet David P. M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA novel method for the synthesis of 1,4‐ and 1,3,4‐substituted quinolinium salts and 1,2,4‐ and 1,2,3,4‐substituted‐1,2‐dibydroquinolines from N‐substituted‐N(benzotriazol‐1‐ylmethyl)aniline derivatives is reported.
Preparation of (R)‐11‐hydroxyaporphine directly from (R)‐10,11‐dihydroxyaporphine ((R)‐apomorphine)
Authors: Kim Jack C. , Bae Sang‐Duk , Kim Ji‐A , Choi Soon‐Kyu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA Regioselective synthesis of (R)‐11‐hydroxyaporphine 2 directly from (R)‐10,11‐dihydroxyaporphine ((R)‐apomorphine, 1) is described for the first time. The isopropylidene ketal ring of 10,11‐(isopropyl‐idenyldioxy)aporphine 5 obtained by the isopropylidenation of apomorphine was regioselectively opened by ten equivalents of trimethylaluminum to give (R)‐10‐hydroxy‐11‐tert‐butyloxyaporphine 6. The free 10‐hydioxyl position of 6 was triflated with N‐pbenyltrifluoromethanesulfonimide and potassium carbonate under reflux to give (R)‐10‐[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyloxy]‐11‐tert‐butyloxyaporphine 7. The reduced product, 11‐tert‐butyloxyaporphine 8 was prepared from 7 by a palladium‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis. The ether cleavage of (R)‐11‐tert‐butyloxyaporphine with 48% hydrobromic acid afforded the desired (R)‐11‐hydroxyaporphine 2 in good yield.
Studies on the chemical transformations of rotenoids. 5. Synthesis and cytotoxicity of 1,3‐diazepino[5,6‐b]benzofuran and pyridazino[4,5‐b]benzofurans fused with thiazole, imidazole and pyrimidine
Authors: Nagai Shin‐ichi , Ueda Taisei , Sakakibara Hiroyuki , Nagatsu Akito , Murakami Nobutoshi , Sakakibara Jinsaku 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNovel benzofuro[2,3‐d]pyridazinium chlorides fused with thiazole 5a, imidazole 5b‐c and pyrimidine 5d‐f were prepared starting from 4‐chloropyridazino[4,5‐b]benzofuran 3a. Treatment of 5b, 5d and 5e with 10% potassium carbonate solution provided the corresponding free bases 6a‐c. Ring closure of methyl rotenononate 1b with amidines proceeded in the presence of sodium methoxide to give 1,3‐diazepino[5,6‐b]benzofuran‐5‐ones 7a‐c. Compound 5d showed cytotoxicity against P388 and L1210 leukemia cells.
v‐Triazolines. XXXIX. 1,2,4‐Triaryl‐3‐aminopyrroles. Unusual Reaction Products in the Pyrolysis of 5‐Amino‐v‐triazolines and the Crystal Structure of 2‐(3‐Morpholin‐4‐yl‐2,4‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)benzonitrile
Authors: Pocar Donato , Trimarco Pasqualina , Bombieri Gabriella 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPyrolysis of 4‐aryl‐5‐amino‐v‐triazolines affords, generally, amidines and/or benzanilides. Pyrolysis of 4‐aryl‐5‐morpholino‐v‐triazolines 6, together with the expected amidines 7 and/or aryanilides 8, produced the morpholinopyrroles 9. The reaction mechanism of this unusual transformation is discussed. Influence of solvent dipole moment in pyrrole formation is suggested. Pyrrole 9a [i.e. 2‐(3‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐2,4‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)‐benzonitrile] has been fully characterized and its molecular structure has been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
A simple one‐pot synthesis of [1]benzotelluro[3,2‐b][1]‐benzotellurophenes and its selenium and sulfur analogues from 2,2′‐dibromodiphenylacetylene
Authors: Sashida Haruki , Yasuike Syuji 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTreatment of 2, 2′‐dibromodiphenylacetylene 7 with tert‐butyllithium followed by tellurium insertion resulted in intramolecular ring closure to afford [1]benzotelluro[3,2‐b][1]benzotellurophene 8a. Similarly, [1]benzoseleno‐[3,2‐b][1]benzoselenophene 8b and [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene 8c were also obtained.
Synthesis of 4‐oxopyrimidinium and 4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyrimidines
Authors: Vedernikova Irina V. , Haemers Achiel , Ryabukhin Yuryi I. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of N1‐substituted 4‐pyrimidones is described. These compounds were prepared from their corresponding 4‐oxopyrimidinium perchlorates or from a reaction of a primary amine with a N‐acyl‐β‐ketoamide.
Synthesis and anticonvulsant activities of 5‐(2‐Chlorophenyl)‐7H‐pyrido[4,3‐f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,4]diazepines
Authors: Fiakpui Charles Y. , Phillips Oludotun A. , Murthy K. S. Keshava , Knaus Edward E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA group of 5‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐10‐(substituted)‐7H‐pyrido[4,3‐f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,4]diazepines 7a‐c were synthesized by the acid catalyzed reaction of 5‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐hydrazino‐3H‐pyrido[3,4‐e]‐[1,4]diazepine (6) with either trimethyl orthoformate, triethyl orthoacetate or triethyl orthobenzoate, respectively. 5‐(2‐Chlorophenyl)‐7H‐pyrido[4,3‐f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,4]diazepine (7a) and 5‐(2‐chlo‐rophenyl)‐10‐methyl‐7H‐pyrido[4,3‐f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,4]diazepine (7b) exhibited good anticonvulsant activity in the subcutaneous metrazol anticonvulsant screen which serves as a model for absence (petit mal) epilepsy.
New 2‐substituted 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,2‐benzothiazine‐3‐carboxamide 1,1‐dioxides: Spectral and pharmacological properties
Authors: Maso Monica Dal , Perillo Isabel A. , Schapira Celia B. , Gorzalczany Susana , Acevedo María C. , Sicardi Susana M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA series of 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,2‐benzothiazme‐3‐carboxamide 1,1‐dioxides substituted on the sulfonamide nitrogen with ethoxycarbonylalkyl, cyanoalkyl and dialkylaminoalkyl groups was synthesized. Spectroscopic properties of the obtained products were analyzed. Findings from the pharmacological study of some of the compounds as antiinflammatory and analgesic agents are reported.
Bringing the outside in: Can “external” workers experience insider status?
Authors: Lapalme Marie‐Ève , Stamper Christina L. , Simard Gilles , Tremblay Michel 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe current study examines the possibility that agency workers can experience perceived insider status despite their assumed “outsider” category. One hundred ninety‐one agency workers from Canadian financial firms completed surveys assessing agency worker perceptions regarding the level of support from both their supervisors and the client firms' permanent workers, as well as the agency workers' level of perceived insider status and affective commitment toward the client firm. Agency worker supervisors (within the client firm) assessed the agency workers' level of interpersonal facilitation. Results indicate that: (1) Agency workers can experience perceived insider status, regardless of their objective classification as outsiders; (2) perceived support from supervisors and the client firms' permanent workers contribute to agency worker perceptions of insider status; and (3) perceptions of insider status are associated with higher levels of both affective commitment and interpersonal facilitation, even in workers that are considered marginally tied to the organization. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on quality markers of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Aromas)
Authors: Ojeda‐Real Laura A , Lobit Philippe , Cárdenas‐Navarro Raúl , Grageda‐Cabrera Oscar , Farías‐Rodríguez Rodolfo , Valencia‐Cantero Eduardo , Macías‐Rodríguez Lourdes 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Nitrogen is an indispensable element for fruit metabolism and low or excessive N levels can affect the accumulation of the most important components that contribute to the flavour and aroma of the fruit. Among them, sugars, acids and volatile compounds can be considered quality markers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of N fertilization on these quality markers of the fruit at two harvest dates.RESULTS: Strawberry plants were grown in a hydroponic system and N was applied as Ca(NO3)2 at concentrations of 0.3, 3 and 6 mmol L−1 in the nutrient solution. Total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrates, amino acids and organic acids and volatile compounds of the fruit were analyzed. The fruits produced at 3 and 6 mmol L−1 N had higher contents of esters, soluble carbohydrates and amino acids. The hexanal content increased with the 6 mmol L−1 dose. The effect of fertilization was more marked at the second harvest date.CONCLUSION: The availability of N in strawberry plants affected the accumulation of quality markers. The fruits expected to have the best flavour and aroma, with both high levels of soluble carbohydrate and esters and low levels of hexanal, were obtained with 3 mmol L−1 nitrate in the solution. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioeffects of chromium(III) on the growth of Spirulina platensis and its biotransformation
Authors: Wang Ying , Xu Wentao , Luo Yunbo , Ma Liyan , Li Yuansa , Yang Shuran , Huang Kunlun 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: In this study the bioeffects of chromium(III) (Cr(III)) on the growth of Spirulina platensis and its biotransformation were investigated. Spirulina platensis was batch cultured in Zarrouk medium containing different concentrations of CrCl3 · 6H2O. Total and organic Cr contents in S. platensis were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and Cr speciation was assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography/ICP‐MS.RESULTS: Results based on the dry weight, growth curve, chlorophyll yield and morphology change of S. platensis indicated that the growth of S. platensis was facilitated by Cr(III) below 4.51 mol L−1 and inhibited by a higher concentration of Cr(III). It was found that Cr(III) could be accumulated efficiently in S. platensis, with a highest Cr yield of 173.17 g kg−1 and a highest organic Cr proportion of 50.19 g kg−1 (96.04% of the total concentration of Cr). No evidence of oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) in S. platensis cells was found.CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that S. platensis could potentially be used as a safe food carrier to accumulate Cr(III) through some metabolic process. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Rationale and methods for compiling an atlas of desertification in Italy
Authors: Costantini E. A. C. , Urbano F. , Aramini G. , Barbetti R. , Bellino F. , Bocci M. , Bonati G. , Fais A. , L'Abate G. , Loj G. , Magini S. , Napoli R. , Nino P. , Paolanti M. , Perciabosco M. , Tascone F. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis study presents the main results and the methodology used in the creation of the atlas of the risk of desertification in Italy. A desertified area was defined as an unproductive area for agricultural or forestry use, due to soil degradation processes. An area at risk of desertification was a tract of the earth's surface which is vulnerable or sensitive to the processes of desertification. In a vulnerable land, environmental characteristics are close to that of a desertified area, but some factors (e.g. vegetation cover or irrigation), successfully mitigate the desertification process. On the other hand, sensitive land is a surface where the process leading to desertification is active, although the land is not yet unproductive.The DPSIR (Driving force‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Response) framework has been adopted as a reference. Using the national soil information system and socio‐economic layers, an atlas of indicators of desertification risks was created, which was organized into different soil degradation systems. 51.8 per cent of Italy was considered to be at potential risk of desertification. Some 21.3 per cent of Italy (41.1 per cent of the area at potential risk) featured land degradation phenomena. Specifically, 4.3 per cent of Italy is already unproductive; 4.7 per cent is sensitive and 12.3 per cent is vulnerable. In the territory at potential risk of desertification, unproductive lands, plus areas vulnerable or sensitive to soil erosion, are at least the 19 per cent. Areas affected by aridity also sum up to 19 per cent. Salt‐affected soils in Italy are estimated to cover >1 million ha. Irrigation can mitigate soil aridity and salinization, nevertheless, only about 15 per cent of the sensitive and vulnerable lands of southern Italy are actually equipped with irrigation networks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.