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KOt-Bu/DMF promoted intramolecular addition of diarylmethanols to imines was developed. A series of 2,3-disubstituted indoles was obtained in good yields. A reaction mechanism of radical cyclization and subsequent dehydration is proposed.

A method for the intramolecular addition of triarylmethanes to alkynes has been developed. The reaction was efficiently promoted by KOtBu/DMF without any transition-metal catalyst. A variety of indene derivatives were prepared in moderate to good yields. A cascade cyclization of 2-alkyl-substituted substrates at elevated reaction temperature gave bicyclic indene derivatives. The reaction is proposed to proceed through the generation of a triphenylmethyl radical.

Organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of α-nitroesters to unsaturated ketoesters followed by decarboxylation furnishes the title compounds with good enantioselectivities.

In most cases, the title reaction yields the expected products under the mild conditions A).

The KOt-Bu promoted homocoupling and decomposition of N′-aryl acylhydrazines has been achieved. The method allows for a novel and efficient synthesis of unsymmetric N′,N′-diaryl acylhydrazines under mild reaction conditions. The reaction probably proceeds via the generation of N′-centered acylhydrazine radicals and the subsequent homolytic aromatic substitution.

Iridium-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of tertiary amines and arylamines has been developed. A number of benzimidazoles were prepared in good yields. An iridium-mediated C–H activation mechanism is suggested. This finding represents a novel strategy for the synthesis of benzimidazoles.

A new synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives has been achieved through intramolecular cyclization of 1,1′-biphenyl aldehydes and ketones promoted by KOt-Bu/DMF. A free radical reaction pathway is proposed.

It is suggested, that a DMSO radical generated in tBuOK/DMSO systems works as the crucial initiator for the title cyclization process.

Amides and ketones were intramolecularly coupled in the presence of KOt-Bu/DMF. The reaction provided good yields of a variety of isoquinolinones. A reaction mechanism of radical addition and subsequent E2-elimination is proposed.

Direct addition of tetrahydroisoquinoline derived amides to arylalkenes has been achieved in the presence of KOt-Bu/DMF. Both intermolecular and intramolecular reactions could occur in good yields. α-Amido alkyl radicals are proposed to be generated under the reaction conditions. The reaction is efficient for the synthesis of seven-membered nitrogen heterocycles. A homoprotoberberine was prepared conveniently via this method.

A new synthesis of indole derivatives has been achieved through intramolecular dehydrative coupling of tertiary amines and ketones promoted by KO-t-Bu/DMF. The reaction probably proceeds via an α-amino alkyl radical pathway.

The 6-endo-cyclization of substrates (VI) and (VIII) gives rise to corresponding tetrahydroquinoline derivatives, whilst the reaction of substrate (XI) leads to indoline (XII) as a result of a 5-exo-cyclization.

An organocatalytic cascade Michael/Michael reaction between curcumins and 2-arylidene-1,3-indandiones has been studied. Prolinol, chiral thiourea-tertiary amines, and cinchona alkaloids were evaluated as catalysts. Quinine was identified as the best catalyst for the transformation. Multicyclic spiro-1,3-indandiones were prepared in moderate to excellent yields, diastereoselectivities, and enantioselectivities.

Pyrrolidine-based thiourea-tertiary amine PTU is used as an efficient organocatalyst for the title reaction.

The title compounds can be readily converted to valuable 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-spirooxindoles, viz.

Title reaction is effectively catalyzed by quinine to give a diversity of polysubstituted pyrans in good yields and stereoselectivities (up to 95% e.e.).

Readily available chiral thioureas derived from cyclohexane-1,2-diamine were prepared and found to be highly effective organocatalysts for the conjugate addition of aldehydes and ketones to nitroalkenes. Excellent enantioselectivities and yields were obtained for a variety of aryl and heteroaryl nitroalkenes. The base additives are essential for good yields and excellent enantioselectivities in this transformation. Based on new experimental evidence, a modified catalytic mechanism was proposed to rationalize the important role of the base additives.

Chiral bifunctional sulfamides were found to be highly efficient organocatalysts for the conjugate addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins in the presence of base additives.

The addition of diazoacetoacetates to aromatic imines derived from p-methoxyaniline is achieved using dirhodium tetraacetate as the catalyst. Highly functionalized aziridines are obtained in good yield and with excellent stereoselectivity. 2-Diazo-1,3-diketones also provide good yields of aziridines, but dimethyl diazomalonate is inactive in the transformation. The diazoacetoacetates of chiral alcohols are also examined in the reaction and moderate diastereoselectivity is achieved with (R)-pantolactone-derived diazoacetoacetate. A reaction mechanism through metal-carbene and azomethine ylide is proposed.

The reaction of indole and its derivatives with aryldiazoacetates has been studied in the presence of copper and rhodium catalysts. The electronic property of N-1 substitutent showed significant effect on the reaction pathways. The electron-donating group favored the formation of the β-alkylation products, while the electron-withdrawing group favored the formation of the cyclopropane products. A reaction mechanism was proposed based on the experimental data and previous research results. The structure of aryl group in diazo compounds also affected the yield of the β-alkylation products or the cyclopropane products.