Asymmetric total synthesis of optically active α-curcumene

Forever young: the first seventy years of ferrocene

The discovery of ferrocene, [Fe(η5-C5H5)2], seventy years ago has significantly influenced chemical research and provided a key impetus for establishing and rapidly expanding organometallic chemistry, which has continued at a...

Application of Meldrum's Acid in Natural Product Synthesis. Synthesis of Ar-Turmerone and α-Curcumene

Meldrum's acid (1) is employed in the synthesis of ar-turmerone (6) and α-curcumene (12). 1-( p-Tolyl)ethyl Meldrum's acid (3), synthesised by three different routes, was the key intermediate in these syntheses.

Selectivity: a key to synthetic efficiency

The efficient synthesis of organic compounds requires the development of processes with enhanced selectivity. Selectivity is categorized according to chemical reactivity (chemoselectivity), orientation (regioselectivity), and spatial arrangement (diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity). Recent developments in reduction-oxidation methods and C-C bond forming reactions illustrate some solutions to problems of selectivity. The design of selectivity-inducing groups and the increased role of main group and transition metals in enhancing selectivity are especially noted.

Chiral Benzyl Centers through Asymmetric Catalysis. A Three-Step Synthesis of (R)-(−)-α-Curcumene via Asymmetric Hydrovinylation

[reaction: see text] A three-step, two-pot procedure involving asymmetric hydrovinylation followed by Suzuki-Miyaura reaction represents by far the shortest synthesis of this popular bisabolane. Other applications for the synthesis of similar compounds with chiral benzyl centers can be easily envisioned.