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Stereoselectivity, achieved in the title Michael reaction, is found to be highly dependent on the substitution pattern of the pyrrolidine derived organocatalyst employed.

A novel thiourea organocatalyst was rationally designed by altering a typical H-bonding pattern of thiourea derivatives and utilising the potential of the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl motif to participate in the H-bond formation. This unique catalyst afforded the products of the α-amination and Michael reaction in excellent yields and with a high level of stereoselectivity. Although additional studies are necessary to establish the full potential of the catalyst and to broaden its application further, the presented results may indicate alternative routes for further exploration of the thiourea class of organocatalysts.

Allenamides derived from amino acids participate in the cascade transformations catalyzed by Pd0 allowing consecutive formation of two five-membered rings. The developed methodology provides an access to annulated indoles which can be transformed to functionalized indoxyl derivatives, retaining a structural motif embedded in several natural products.

The cyclization to the biologically important heterocyclic skeleton is best accomplished using pyridines which bear Boc-protected N-propargyl side chains.

A short, efficient, and high-yielding synthesis of 4-aryl-2-aminopyridine derivatives has been developed. The route employs two palladium-catalyzed processes, the Suzuki reaction and the Buchwald–Hartwig amination, as the key steps. The same approach has been used for preparation of the corresponding quinoline derivatives. In addition, a brief study of biological properties showed the anticancer potential of these compounds.