Formal Total Synthesis of Hybocarpone Enabled by Visible-Light-Promoted Benzannulation

Dimeric (Poly)Hydroxynaphthazarins, Metabolites of Echinoderms and Lichens: The History of the Synthesis and Structure Elucidation

This review provides information on the synthesis and revision of the structures of natural dimeric (poly)hydroxynaphthazarins, metabolites of echinoderms and lichens, and on the refinement of the direction and mechanism of reactions in the synthesis of some of these compounds.

Modern Photocatalytic Strategies in Natural Product Synthesis

Modern photocatalysis has proven its generality for the development and functionalization of native functionalities. To date, the field has found broad applications in diverse research areas, including the total synthesis of natural products. This contribution covers recent reports of total syntheses involving as a key step a photocatalytic reaction. Among the selected examples, the photocatalytic processes proceed in a highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective manner, thereby allowing the rapid access to structurally complex architectures under light-driven conditions.

Strategic Use of Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis in Natural Product Synthesis

Recent progress in the development of photocatalytic reactions promoted by visible light is leading to a renaissance in the use of photochemistry in the construction of structurally elaborate organic molecules. Because of the rich functionality found in natural products, studies in natural product total synthesis provide useful insights into functional group compatibility of these new photocatalytic methods as well as their impact on synthetic strategy. In this review, we examine total syntheses published through the end of 2020 that employ a visible-light photoredox catalytic step. To assist someone interested in employing the photocatalytic steps discussed, the review is organized largely by the nature of the bond formed in the photocatalytic step.

Synthesis of polycyclic naphthols and naphthalenes via tandem Ti(Oi-Pr)4-promoted photoenolization Diels–Alder reaction and aromatization

An efficient approach to naphthol and naphthalene scaffolds has been developed using a sequence involving tandem Ti(Oi-Pr)₄-promoted photoenolization Diels–Alder (PEDA) and aromatization reactions.

Direct access to multi-functionalized benzenes via [4 + 2] annulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

An efficient [4 + 2] benzannulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was achieved under metal-free reaction conditions selectively delivering a wide range of polyfunctional benzenes in high yields respectively (up to 94% yield).

An efficient [4 + 2] benzannulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was achieved under metal-free reaction conditions selectively delivering a wide range of polyfunctional benzenes in high yields respectively (up to 94% yield).

Facile synthesis of biarylmethanes and tetrasubstituted arenes via a base-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts and unsaturated sulfones

A regioselective DBU-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of 1,3-bis-sulfonyl propenes and Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) bromides to afford bis-sulfonyl biarylmethanes/arenes is described.