A novel Pd(II)-catalyzed cascade reaction has been developed that consists of a highly regio- and stereoselective oxa [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of o-alkynylbenzaldehydes and an intramolecular carboxylic group quenching of the in situ generated oxonium ion. This new reaction provides a one-step construction of the tetracyclic core structure of chaetophenol C from two simple starting materials. The developed chemistry was successfully applied to the first total synthesis of chaetophenol C and dozens of its analogues.

Cobaloxime (Co(dmgBF2)2·2H2O), an inexpensive first-row transition-metal complex, catalyzed hydration of terminal alkynes gave the corresponding methyl ketones in good to excellent yields under neutral conditions (additional protic acids and silver salts are not required). A wide range of functional groups, such as allyl ether, benzyl ethers, carboxylic esters, imides, amides, nitro, and halogens, were tolerated. The mild reaction conditions together with the inexpensive feature and easy availability of the catalyst well address the current challenges in the field of alkyne hydration.

•First asymmetric total synthesis of salprzelactone and its C14 epimer have been achieved.•An intermolecular aldol condensation was used for the conjunction of the two fragments.•Step-economical and devoid of protecting group manipulations.The first enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-salprzelactone, a seco-norabietane diterpenoid has been accomplished in only three steps. Key transformations of the synthesis include an intermolecular aldol reaction and lactonization.Download high-res image (52KB)Download full-size image

A Rh(II)-catalyzed dearomative intramolecular [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition involving the indolic C2–C3 carbon–carbon double bond has been developed. The reaction was launched from the triazole moiety within the substrate and proceeded efficiently under mild conditions. A wide range of functional groups could be tolerated. These features render the current reaction a highly useful tool for the synthesis of polycyclic indole alkaloids, as showcased by a rapid assembly of the core structure of Aspidosperma and the related alkaloids.

•A mechanism for the transformation has been proposed.•One pot synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives.•Catalyst and additive free protocol.We have developed an environmentally benign and practical protocol for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines, which represent ubiquitous structural units common to a number of biologically active compounds. This synthetic system features simple operation and using clean oxidant, as well as mild reaction conditions. Both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes can be used for the reaction and the products were obtained in good to excellent yields.

An efficient strategy for the one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines via a cascade reaction from aldehydes, phosphorus ylides, and propargyl azide is reported. The reaction sequence involves a Wittig reaction, a Staudinger reaction, an aza-Wittig reaction, a 6π-3-azatriene electrocyclization, and a 1,3-H shift. This protocol provides quick access to the polysubstituted pyridines from readily available substrates in good to excellent yields.

An NBS-promoted allyloxyl addition–Claisen rearrangement–dehydrobromination cascade reaction has been developed. More than 20 substituted alkynylsulfonamides were reacted with allyl alcohols to generate (2Z)-2,4-dienamides in moderate to high yields. A mechanistic model has been proposed to account for the overall reaction sequence including the stereochemical outcome. Theoretical calculations suggested that a [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement be the rate-limiting step.

Cobaloxime (Co(dmgBF2)2·2H2O), an inexpensive first-row transition-metal complex, catalyzed hydration of terminal alkynes gave the corresponding methyl ketones in good to excellent yields under neutral conditions (additional protic acids and silver salts are not required). A wide range of functional groups, such as allyl ether, benzyl ethers, carboxylic esters, imides, amides, nitro, and halogens, were tolerated. The mild reaction conditions together with the inexpensive feature and easy availability of the catalyst well address the current challenges in the field of alkyne hydration.