An Efficient and Practical Procedure for Preparation of Gem-Diacetates from Aldehydes Catalysed by Magnesium Perchlorate

A mild and efficient method for the preparation of gem-diacetates from aldehydes with acetic anhydride is described using a catalytic amount of magnesium perchlorate giving excellent yields under solvent-free conditions.

Rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular C-H silylation of arenes with high steric regiocontrol

Regioselective C-H functionalization of arenes has widespread applications in synthetic chemistry. The regioselectivity of these reactions is often controlled by directing groups or steric hindrance ortho to a potential reaction site. Here, we report a catalytic intermolecular C-H silylation of unactivated arenes that manifests very high regioselectivity through steric effects of substituents meta to a potential site of reactivity. The silyl moiety can be further functionalized under mild conditions but is also inert toward many common organic transformations, rendering the silylarene products useful building blocks. The remote steric effect that we observe results from the steric properties of both the rhodium catalyst and the silane.

Diversity-oriented synthesis leads to an effective class of bifunctional linchpins uniting anion relay chemistry (ARC) with benzyne reactivity

In conjunction with the construction of a diversity-oriented synthesis library of 10-membered ring "natural product-like" macrolides, the design, synthesis, and validation of a unique class of bifunctional linchpins, uniting benzyne reactivity initiated by type II anion relay chemistry (ARC) has been achieved, permitting access to diverse [2+2], [3+2], and [4+2] cycloadducts.

Samarium diiodide mediated reactions in total synthesis

Introduced by Henri Kagan more than three decades ago, samarium diiodide (SmI(2)) has found increasing application in chemical synthesis. This single-electron reducing agent has been particularly useful in C-C bond formations, including those found in total synthesis endeavors. This Review highlights selected applications of SmI(2) in total synthesis, with special emphasis on novel transformations and mechanistic considerations. The examples discussed are both illustrative of the power of this reagent in the construction of complex molecules and inspirational for the design of synthetic strategies toward such targets, both natural and designed.

A Facile and Efficient Conversion of Aldehydes into 1,1-Diacetates (Acylals) using Iron(III) Fluoride as a Novel Catalyst

Aldehydes are smoothly converted into the corresponding 1,1-diacetates (acylals) in high yields in the presence of a catalytic amount (0.1 mol-%) of iron(III) fluoride at room temperature. The noteworthy features of the present system are shorter reaction times, chemoselective protection of aldehydes, and solvent-free conditions. The procedure is especially useful for large-scale syntheses as the catalyst is highly effective from the view of activity, selectivity, reusability, and economy in the preparation of 1,1-diacetates (acylals).

Tetrabromo Hydrogenated Cardanol: Efficient and Renewable Brominating Agent

2,4,4,6-Tetrabromo-3-n-pentadecyl-2,5-cyclohexadienone (TBPCO) has been synthesized and used as a new efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly brominating agent.

Novel synthesis and anti-inflammatory activities of 2,5-disubstituted-dioxacycloalkanes

A novel stereospecific synthetic route to obtain a series of 2,5-disubstituted-dioxacycloalkanes is reported. Using an in vivo inhibition assay by monitoring xylene-induced ear edema in mice, the structure-activity relationship of the dioxacycloalkane compounds was studied, and compounds possessing high anti-inflammatory activity were identified.