The reactivity of epoxides with lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide in combination with organolithiums or grignard reagents

Total Synthesis of Resveratrone and iso-Resveratrone

The first total synthesis of resveratrone and iso‐resveratrone based on an epoxide olefination approach is described. The pivotal reaction proceeds by insertion of the lithiated epoxide into a boronic ester and subsequent syn‐elimination. Resveratrone has been described to have remarkable photophysical properties, including two‐photon absorption. Therefore, an azide derivative has been prepared to allow for use as a biological label.

Catalytic amide base system generated in situ for 1,3-diene formation from allylbenzenes and carbonyls

The amide base generated in situ from tetramethylammonium fluoride and N(TMS)₃ catalyzes the synthesis of 1,3-diene from an allylbenzene and carbonyl compound. The system is applicable to the transformations of a variety of allylbenzenes with functional groups (halogen, methyl, phenyl, methoxy, dimethylamino, ester, and amide moieties). Acyclic and cyclic diaryl ketones, pivalophenone, pivalaldehyde, and isobutyrophenone are used as coupling partners. The role of transβ-methyl stilbenes in product formation is also elucidated.

Palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of epoxynitriles with arylboronic acids in aqueous medium: divergent synthesis of furans and pyrroles

A palladium-catalyzed controllable divergent synthesis of furans and pyrroles through a cascade reaction of epoxynitriles with arylboronic acids has been developed in the aqueous phase.

Iterative Synthesis of Alkenes by Insertion of Lithiated Epoxides into Boronic Esters

The insertion of lithiated epoxides into boronic esters followed by thermal syn-elimination provides a stereospecific entry to alkenes. This process avoids transition metals and is amenable to iteration to provide higher substitution patterns.

Quaternary ammonium hydroxide as a metal-free and halogen-free catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide

Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) acted as a good catalyst for the formation of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂ under solvent-free conditions.

Recent advances in stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-dienes

The aim of this review is to present the latest developments in the stereoselective synthesis of conjugated dienes, covering the period 2005-2010. Since the use of this class of compounds is linked to the nature of their appendages (aryls, alkyls, electron-withdrawing, and heterosubstituted groups), the review has been categorized accordingly and illustrates the most representative strategies and mechanisms to access these targets.

Small molecule probes of the receptor binding site in the Vibrio cholerae CAI-1 quorum sensing circuit

Based on modification of separate structural features of the Vibrio cholerae quorum sensing signal, (S)-3-hydroxytridecan-4-one (CAI-1), three focused compound libraries have been synthesized and evaluated for biological activity. Modifications to the acyl tail and α-hydroxy ketone typically provided agonists with activities correlated to tail length and conservative changes to the hydroxy ketone. Among the molecules identified within this collection of agonists is Am-CAI-1 (B11), which is among the most potent agonists reported to date with an EC(50) of 0.21 μM. Modifications to the ethyl side chain delivered molecules with both agonist and antagonist activity, including m-OH-Ph-CAI-1 (C13) which is the most potent antagonist reported to date with an IC(50) of 36 μM. The molecules described in this manuscript are anticipated to serve as valuable tools in the study of quorum sensing in Vibrio cholerae and provide new leads in the development of an antivirulence therapy against this human pathogen.