Transpositive Tandem Annulation of Phthalides with Allene Carboxylates: Regioselective Synthesis of Arylnaphthalene Lignans

Pd(II)-Catalyzed [5 + 2] Cyclization of N-Triflyl Aryl Indoles and α,γ-Substituted Allenoates: A Route to Indole-Fused Benzodiazepines

A Pd(II)-catalyzed [5 + 2] annulation between N-triflyl aryl indoles and α,γ-substituted allenoates for the synthesis of indole-fused benzodiazepines is reported. This protocol is highly efficient when N-acetylated valine amino acid and DMSO have been used as ligand and cosolvent, respectively. The substrate scope can be further extended to disubstituted allenoates. A reaction mechanism has been proposed based on the mechanistic studies. Mechanistically, the N-acetylated valine amino acid ligand accelerates C-H activation of the C(sp2)-H bond. Consequent cyclopalladation leads to the formation of a six-membered palladacycle. Subsequent coordination and migratory insertion of an allenoate forms the possible eight-membered intermediate. Reductive elimination followed by a [1,3]-H shift results in the indole-fused benzodiazepines.

The efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of justicidin B

A facile new synthetic method for the preparation of a Type-A 1-arylnaphthalene lactone skeleton was developed and used to synthesise justicidin B and several derivatives. Key synthesis steps included Hauser-Kraus annulation of a phthalide intermediate and Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling between a triflated naphthalene lactone intermediate and various potassium organotrifluoroborates. With two exceptions, the derivatives showed significant inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophages. Moreover, several compounds, including justicidin B, had marked cytotoxicity towards six human tumour cell lines.

Copper-Catalyzed 1,1-Alkylmonofluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Diazo Compounds and 2-Fluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl Compounds: Access toward (E)-β-Monofluoroalkyl-β,γ-unsaturated Esters or Ketones

An efficient copper-catalyzed three-component 1,1-alkylmonofluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes, diazo compounds, and 2-fluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of (E)-β-monofluoroalkyl-β,γ-unsaturated esters or ketones has been developed. The methodology features a broad substrate scope, an inexpensive and easily available catalytic system, and excellent selectivity with good yields. The mechanism of the tandem Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling and nucleophilic addition of allenes has been investigated.

Development of a Cross-Conjugated Vinylogous [4+2] Anionic Annulation and Application to the Total Synthesis of Natural Antibiotic (±)-ABX

The cross‐conjugated vinylogous [4+2] anionic annulation has been newly developed, the cascade process of which has a high preference for regiochemical control and chemoselectivity, giving rise to exclusively Michael‐type adducts in moderate to high yields (up to 94 %, 35 examples). By making use of this approach as a key operation, the first total synthesis of natural antibiotic ABX, in racemic form, has been successfully achieved in a concise 7‐step sequence with an overall yield of about 20 %.

Anionic Annulation of 3-Cyanophthalides with Allene Carboxylates: A Carbon-Conserved Synthesis of Naphtho[ b]furanones

The reaction of 3-cyanophthalides with allene carboxylates in the presence of ^tBuOLi results in a tandem annulation furnishing naphtho[ b]furanones in good yields with no loss of carbon. The carbon economy is explained by a tandem process, in which the initially expelled cyanide induces the second annulation.

Arylnaphthalene lactone analogues: synthesis and development as excellent biological candidates for future drug discovery

Arylnaphthalene lactones are natural products extracted from a wide range of different parts of plants. The progressing interest in the synthesis of these compounds is due to their significant biological activities, which have made them potential candidates in drug discovery and development. This review mainly covers recent developments in the synthesis and biological applications of arylnaphthalene lactone analogs.

A review of recent developments in the synthesis and biological applications of arylnaphthalene lactones analogs.

Au(i)-Catalyzed expeditious access to naphtho[2,3-c]furan-1(3-H)-ones from readily available propargylic ynoates

Gold(i)-catalyzed facile construction of naphtho[2,3-c]furan-1(3-H)-ones from readily available propargylic ynoates has been developed.