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In this study, we synthesized novel Pd(II)-indenyl complexes using various N -heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, including chelating NHC-picolyl, NHC-thioether, and diNHC ligands, and two monodentate NHCs. Transmetalation reactions between a Pd(II)-indenyl precursor and silver-NHC complexes were generally employed, except for chelating diNHC derivatives, which required direct reaction with bisimidazolium salts and potassium carbonate. Characterization included NMR, HRMS analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In vitro on five ovarian cancer cell lines showed notable cytotoxicity, with IC 50 values in the micro- and submicromolar range. Some compounds exhibited intriguing selectivity for cancer cells due to higher tumor cell uptake. Mechanistic studies revealed that monodentate NHCs induced mitochondrial damage while chelating ligands caused DNA damage. One chelating NHC-picolyl ligand showed promising cytotoxicity and selectivity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer models, supporting its consideration for preclinical study.

An efficacious method for building fluorovinyl spiro-[imidazole-indene] and α-amino-β-naphthalenone skeletons synchronously has been shown to consist of Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H functionalization between 2 H -imidazoles and difluoromethylene alkynes. This protocol demonstrates a practical and straightforward route for installing fluorine elements in the envisioned position of heterocyclic compounds.

Taking the previously discovered 1-methyl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2 c ]pyrazol derivative LL01 as a lead, systematic structural modifications were made at the phenolic 6- and 7-positions and the aniline at the 3-position of the indenopyrazole core to investigate the SARs and to improve water solubility. Among the designed indenopyrazoles ID01 - ID33 , a series of potent MTAs were identified. As the hydrochloride salt(s), ID09 and ID33 showed excellent aqueous solubility and favorable Log  P value and displayed noteworthily low nanomolar potency against a variety of tumor cells, including those taxol-resistant ones. They inhibited tubulin polymerization, disrupted cellular microtubule networks by targeting the colchicine site, and promoted HepG2 cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. In the HepG2 xenograft mouse model, ID09 and ID33 effectively inhibited tumor growth at an oral dose of 25 mg/kg. At an intravenous (iv) injection dose of 10 mg/kg every other day, ID09 suppressed tumor growth by 68% without obvious toxicity.

SB-203207 is an altemicidin-type alkaloid that potently inhibits isoleucyl tRNA synthetase activity. Its main structural feature is a hexahydro-6-azaindene framework containing a unique β-hydroxy α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid moiety on the cyclopentane portion. Herein we have established a method for constructing the four contiguous nitrogen-containing stereogenic centers of SB-203207 by using as key steps the stereoselective alkylation of bowl-shaped tricyclic lactone to construct a quaternary carbon at C1, the stereoselective hydroboration-oxidation reaction to install the C2 hydroxy group, and the Curtius rearrangement to introduce a nitrogen atom onto the C1 quaternary carbon.

Owing to the changing needs of agriculture, the exploration of new pest control agents remains as critical as ever. The analogues 3a - 3v of the natural product cerbinal were synthesized from genipin by an efficient and practical method under additive-free conditions. The antiviral and insecticidal effects of cerbinal and these cyclopenta[ c ]pyridines ( 3a - 3v) were evaluated systematically. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited higher anti-TMV activities than the lead compound cerbinal. Compound 3s (2-(4-methoxyphenyl)) had the most promising inhibitory activities against TMV (inactivation effect 49.0 ± 0.8%, curative effect 41.2 ± 4.3%, and protection effect 51.5 ± 2.7% at 500 μg/mL). Among the synthesized compounds, only 3v (2-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)) reached the activity level of cerbinal against Plutella xylostella . This suggested that the cyclopenta[ c ]pyridines obtained by modifications of cerbinal at position 2 are very significant for the anti-TMV activity, and yet were exceptionally less active for the insecticidal activities.

The first total synthesis of anmindenol A is described in four steps. A notable feature of the synthetic route includes the efficient construction of the 3,10-dialkylsubstituted benzofulvene core via a stereoselective vinylogous Stork enamine aldol condensation. The strategy provided a blueprint for the practical preparation of derivatives with modifications in the C-10 alkyl substituents. The novel derivatives inhibited nitric oxide production in stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

A new series of simplified azasordarin analogs was synthesized using as key steps a Diels-Alder reaction to generate a highly substituted bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane core, followed by a subsequent nitrile alkylation. Several additional strategies were investigated for the generation of the key tertiary nitrile or aldehyde thought to be required for inhibition at the fungal protein eukaryotic elongation factor 2. This new series also features a morpholino glycone previously reported in semisynthetic sordarin derivatives with broad spectrum antifungal activity. Despite a lack of activity against Candida albicans for these early de novo analogs, the synthetic route reported here permits more comprehensive modifications of the bicyclic core and structure-activity relationship studies that were not heretofore possible.

A concise route for the synthesis of indenoisoquinoline derivatives from 2-iodobenzamide and 1,3-indanedione derivatives in the presence of copper(II) chloride and cesium carbonate in acetonitrile solvent is reported. A wide variety of 2-iodobenzamide derivatives and indandiones could be used to synthesize indenoisoquinoline derivatives and other fused indenoisoquinoline in moderate to good yields. This methodology was adapted for the one-step synthesis of a series of clinically active topoisomerase I inhibitors such as NSC 314622, LMP-400, LMP-776.

The synthesis and characterization of two benzo-indaceno-thiophene compounds (anti-BIT and syn-BIT) are described. Two sequential Suzuki cross-couplings utilizing the halogen selectivity of this reaction permit modular assembly of unsymmetrical indeno[1,2-b]fluorene analogues. Analysis of their cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis spectra reveal that the optical and electrochemical properties of the BITs lie between those of indeno[1,2-b]fluorenes and indacenodithiophene.

Chemoenzymatic and stereoselective total syntheses of the non-natural enantiomeric forms of the recently isolated protoilludane natural products 8-deoxydihydrotsugicoline (1) and radudiol (2) (viz. ent-1 and ent-2, respectively) are reported. The key steps involve the Diels-Alder cycloaddition of cyclopent-2-en-1-one to the acetonide derived from enantiomerically pure and enzymatically derived cis-1,2-dihydrocatechol 3, elaboration of the resulting adduct to the tricyclic ketone 12, and a photochemically promoted rearrangement of this last compound to the octahydro-1H-cyclobuta[e]indenone 13.

Ru(II)-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted spirofluorene-indenes via [3 + 2] annulation and then intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation has been achieved. The simple method provides a broad scope of aryl ketones and internal alkynes, achieving PAHs skeletons in moderate to good yields.

Verruculogen and fumitremorgin A are bioactive alkaloids that contain a unique eight-membered endoperoxide. Although related natural products such as fumitremorgins B and C have been previously synthesized, we report the first synthesis of the more complex, endoperoxide-containing members of this family. A concise route to verruculogen and fumitremorgin A relied not only on a hydroperoxide/indole hemiaminal cyclization, but also on the ability to access the seemingly simple starting material, 6-methoxytryptophan. An iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation/Chan-Lam procedure guided by an N-TIPS group enabled the conversion of a tryptophan derivative into a 6-methoxytryptophan derivative, proving to be a general way to functionalize the C6 position of an N,C3-disubstituted indole for the synthesis of indole-containing natural products and pharmaceuticals.

The compatibility of the Negishi cross-coupling reaction with the versatile B-Cl functionality has been demonstrated in the context of late-stage functionalization of 1,2-azaborines. Alkyl-, aryl-, and alkenylzinc reagents have been utilized for the functionalization of the triply orthogonal precursor 3-bromo-1-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine (2) to furnish new 2,3-substituted monocyclic 1,2-azaborines. This methodology has enabled the synthesis of previously elusive BN-naphthalene and BN-indenyl structures from a common intermediate.

A new protocol has been developed for the synthesis of indene derivatives in a diastereoselective manner from o-alkenylbenzaldehydes and enolizable ketones in the presence of trimethyl orthoformate and catalytic triflic acid. This method involves tandem in situ formed acetal-assisted Claisen-Schmidt condensation followed by 5-exo-trig cyclization/Michael addition in one-pot. It has also been shown that the chalcones derived from o-alkenylbenzaldehydes and ketones can effectively be transformed into indene derivatives in the presence of TfOH catalyst alone.

3-Nitroindenoisoquinoline human topoisomerase IB (Top1) poisons have potent antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. The undesirable nitro toxicophore could hypothetically be replaced by other functional groups that would retain the desired biological activities and minimize potential safety risks. Eleven series of indenoisoquinolines bearing 3-nitro bioisosteres were synthesized. The molecules were evaluated in the Top1-mediated DNA cleavage assay and in the National Cancer Institute's 60 cell line cytotoxicity assay. The data reveal that fluorine and chlorine may substitute for the 3-nitro group with minimal loss of Top1 poisoning activity. The new information gained from these efforts can be used to design novel indenoisoquinolines with improved safety.

A highly efficient and convenient construction of the spiro[indene-benzosultam] skeleton from propargylic alcohols has been developed. The reaction proceeded in a Lewis acid catalyzed cascade process, including the trapping of allene carbocation with sulfonamide, electrophilic cyclization, and intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation. In the presence of NIS or NBS, iodo/bromo-substituted spiro[indene-benzosultam]s could be prepared in excellent yields.

The reaction of o-(trimethylsilylethynyl)styrenes with diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) provides 2-trimethylsilyl-1H-indenes efficiently. The cyclization mechanism involves regioselective hydroalumination of the alkynyl moiety, geometrical isomerization of the alkenylaluminums formed, and intramolecular carboalumination. With substrates bearing a 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethenyl group (R(1) = Me3Si, R(2) = R(3) = H), bis-silylated benzofulvenes are obtained upon treatment of the reaction mixture with an excess amount of benzaldehyde.

An efficient silver triflate-catalyzed tandem hydroamination/hydroarylation cascade generating 1'-allylspiro[indene-1,2'-indolin]-3'-ones from 1-(2-allylamino)phenyl-4-hydroxy-but-2-yn-1-ones is described. The reaction conditions are mild and general in scope and proceed to highly functionalized spiro-targets in high yield. This novel class of molecule possesses both the privileged indene and indolin-3-one scaffold, which may lead to possible pharmacological applications.

Allylic trichloroacetimidates bearing a 2-vinyl or 2-allylaryl group have been designed as substrates for a one-pot, two-step multi-bond-forming process leading to the general preparation of aminoindenes and amino-substituted 1,4-dihydronaphthalenes. The synthetic utility of the privileged structures formed from this one-pot process was demonstrated with the total synthesis of four oxybenzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, oxychelerythrine, oxysanguinarine, oxynitidine, and oxyavicine. An intramolecular biaryl Heck coupling reaction, catalyzed using the Hermann-Beller palladacycle was used to effect the key step during the synthesis of the natural products.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of penostatin E has been accomplished. Two highly efficient and diastereoselective reactions, a Hosomi-Sakurai allylation and an intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction, were utilized for the construction of the basic carbon framework of the target molecule as the key steps. A late-stage introduction of the side chain and a successful base-promoted elimination reaction afforded an efficient synthetic route to (+)-penostatin E.

A facile synthesis of highly substituted as well as conjugated indene/furanone systems via a BF3·OEt2 catalyzed tandem reaction of α-diazo-esters/-amides and propargyl alcohols has been demonstrated under mild conditions. This method offers great potential for the synthesis of biologically active indene and furanone derivatives and their related polycyclic compounds.

In this Note, we describe superacid-promoted cyclodehydrations leading to functionalized indenes. The product indenes are synthesized having N-heterocyclic substituents, including pyridyl, imidazolyl, pyrimdyl, and other groups. A mechanism is proposed involving dicationic, superelectrophilic intermediates. The protonated N-heterocyclic rings are shown to dramatically lower the LUMO energy level of the carboxonium electrophile (compared to that of a similar uncharged system).

The reaction of tetraarylbut-2-yne-1,4-diols with electron-rich aromatic compounds at room temperature, under p-TsOH catalysis, affords substituted polycyclic aromatic indene derivatives through a domino reaction involving the formation of a cationic allenylium intermediate. This species can undergo a series of competitive intramolecular cascade reactions, leading to a conjugated inden-2-one. This simple method allows the efficient synthesis of substituted indenes and inden-2-ones, in two steps, from aromatic ketones.

Total synthesis of SB-203207 (1) was achieved, beginning with a desymmetrical C-H insertion reaction of a diazoester bearing our recently developed chiral auxiliary. Utilizing the optically active bicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring, four stereogenic centers were efficiently constructed in sequence. Finally, mild oxidation of 27 to carboxylic acid via a cyanohydrin intermediate and hydrolysis of cyanide to carboxyamide in the presence of the labile enamide group completed an efficient total synthesis of 1.

A new route is presented for the selective assembly of isoquinolines and indenes by rhodium-catalyzed tandem cyclization of benzylidenehydrazones with internal alkynes. This method involves the selective cleavage of the N-N bond and the C═N bonds and is dependent on the substituents of the benzylidenehydrazone.

A new synthetic route to indeno[1,2-b]quinolines via reactions of o-propargylbenzaldehydes with N-aryl amines based on an intramolecular aza-Diels-Alder (Povarov) reaction has been developed. This method offers several advantages such as no requirement for an oxidant, high efficiency, and a wide reaction scope.

Under redox-neutral conditions, rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H annulation of N-tert-butyl-α-arylnitrones with internal alkynes has been realized for the synthesis of indenones under mild conditions. This reaction proceeded in moderate to high yields and with good functional group tolerance.

Preclinical models of inflammatory diseases (e.g., neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis) have pointed to a critical role of the chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). However, one of the biggest problems of high-affinity inhibitors of CCR2 is their lack of efficacy in clinical trials. We report a new approach for the design of high-affinity and long-residence-time CCR2 antagonists. We developed a new competition association assay for CCR2, which allows us to investigate the relation of the structure of the ligand and its receptor residence time [i.e., structure-kinetic relationship (SKR)] next to a traditional structure-affinity relationship (SAR). By applying combined knowledge of SAR and SKR, we were able to re-evaluate the hit-to-lead process of cyclopentylamines as CCR2 antagonists. Affinity-based optimization yielded compound 1 with good binding (Ki = 6.8 nM) but very short residence time (2.4 min). However, when the optimization was also based on residence time, the hit-to-lead process yielded compound 22a, a new high-affinity CCR2 antagonist (3.6 nM), with a residence time of 135 min.

A sequential Wolff rearrangement of 1-diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-ones followed by trapping of the ketene intermediate with primary and aromatic amines or alcohols and phenols in the presence of various aldehydes generates 1H-indene-3-carboxamides or 1H-indene-3-carboxylates. This constitutes an unprecedented three-component coupling reaction that allows for the synthesis of functionalized indene derivatives under catalyst-free thermal conditions.

A dearomatization strategy of β-enamino esters was developed to construct indenoazepine derivatives. The oxidative dearomatization was combined with a base-promoted tandem Michael addition/polycyclization and an acid-catalyzed aromatization. The nonaromatic structure of the Michael adducts might be essential to the realization of the 7-endo-dig cyclization.

A novel rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct functionalization of the ortho-C-H bond of aromatic ketone derivatives and an intramolecular cyclization sequence produced indene derivatives in moderate to good yields. This cascade cyclization involves a conjugate addition of α,β-unsaturated ketone and subsequent aldol condensation. The reaction occurred efficiently in the presence of water and under an atmosphere of air.

A facile and efficient synthesis of substituted indeno[2,1-c]quinolin-6(7H)-ones from a variety of α-acyl N-arylcinnamamides mediated by polyphosphoric acid (PPA) is described, and a mechanism involving the formation of a dicationic superelectrophile and subsequent double intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization reactions is proposed.

A novel approach was developed for the synthesis of highly substituted indene derivatives, using an FeCl(3) catalyzed Prins-type cyclization reaction which was further applied in the total synthesis of jungianol and epi-jungianol.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) plays a key role in the repair of damaged DNA resulting from the topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitor camptothecin and a variety of other DNA-damaging anticancer agents. This report documents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of new indenoisoquinolines that are dual inhibitors of both Tdp1 and Top1. Enzyme inhibitory data and cytotoxicity data from human cancer cell cultures were used to establish structure-activity relationships. The potencies of the indenoisoquinolines against Tdp1 ranged from 5 μM to 111 μM, which places the more active compounds among the most potent known inhibitors of this target. The cytotoxicity mean graph midpoints ranged from 0.02 to 2.34 μM. Dual Tdp1-Top1 inhibitors are of interest because the Top1 and Tdp1 inhibitory activities could theoretically work synergistically to create more effective anticancer agents.

Substituted indenes can be synthesized via the Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of diaryl- and alkyl aryl-1,3-dienes. In this approach, treatment of symmetric or unsymmetric diaryl- and alkyl aryl-1,3-dienes with a catalytic amount of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid gives a variety of indene derivatives in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.

The mechanism and intermediates of hydroalkylation of aryl alkynes via C(sp(3))-H activation through a platinum(II)-centered catalyst are investigated with density functional theory at the B3LYP/[6-31G(d) for H, O, C; 6-31+G(d,p) for F, Cl; SDD for Pt] level of theory. Solvent effects on reactions were explored using calculations that included a polarizable continuum model for the solvent (THF). Free energy diagrams for three suggested mechanisms were computed: (a) one that leads to formation of a Pt(II) vinyl carbenoid (Mechanism A), (b) another where the transition state implies a directed 1,4-hydrogen shift (Mechanism B), and (c) one with a Pt-aided 1,4-hydrogen migration (Mechanism C). Results suggest that the insertion reaction pathway of Mechanism A is reasonable. Through 4,5-hydrogen transfer, the Pt(II) vinyl carbenoid is formed. Thus, the stepwise insertion mechanism is favored while the electrocyclization mechanism is implausible. Electron-withdrawing/electron-donating groups substituted at the phenyl and benzyl sp(3) C atoms slightly change the thermodynamic properties of the first half of Mechanism A, but electronic effects cause a substantial shift in relative energies for the second half of Mechanism A. The rate-limiting step can be varied between the 4,5-hydrogen shift process and the 1,5-hydrogen shift step by altering electron-withdrawing/electron-donating groups on the benzyl C atom. Additionally, NBO and AIM analyses are applied to further investigate electronic structure changes during the mechanism.

Activation of the retinoid X receptor (RXR), which is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, is a strategy for cancer chemotherapy and chemoprevention, and 3-amino-6-(3'-aminopropyl)-5H-indeno[1,2-c]isoquinoline-5,11-(6H)dione (AM6-36) (3) is among the few RXR ligands known. The presently reported studies of 3 include its binding to human plasma proteins, metabolic stability using human liver microsomes, metabolism by human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, and in vivo disposition in rat serum, liver, and mammary tissue. Compound 3 was 75% bound to human plasma proteins, and its metabolic stability was much greater than propranolol. One phase I metabolite was formed by human liver microsomes, seven phase I and II metabolites were formed by human hepatocytes, and five metabolites were detected in rat serum and liver after oral administration. The putative metabolites predicted using LC-MS-MS were synthesized to confirm their structures and to provide sufficient material for investigation of induction of RXRE transcriptional activity and inhibition of NFκB.

Utilizing internally available functional groups, a simple protocol for the efficient synthesis of phosphorus-based indenes, indenones, benzofurans, and isochromenes via intramolecular cyclization of allene intermediates/precursors is generated; the latter intermediates/precursors are conveniently obtained through aldehyde-, alkylidene-, and hydroxyl-functionalized propargyl alcohols and P(III)-Cl precursors. The structures of key products have been unequivocally confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

An approach for the synthesis of fluorinated indene derivatives has been developed via a gold-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction between allene esters, Selectfluor, and water.

Substances with dual tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I-topoisomerase I inhibitory activity in one low molecular weight compound would constitute a unique class of anticancer agents that could potentially have significant advantages over drugs that work against the individual enzymes. The present study demonstrates the successful synthesis and evaluation of the first dual Top1-Tdp1 inhibitors, which are based on the indenoisoquinoline chemotype. One bis(indenoisoquinoline) had significant activity against human Tdp1 (IC(50) = 1.52 ± 0.05 μM), and it was also equipotent to camptothecin as a Top1 inhibitor. Significant insights into enzyme-drug interactions were gained via structure-activity relationship studies of the series. The present results also document the failure of the previously reported sulfonyl ester pharmacophore to confer Tdp1 inhibition in this indenoisoquinoline class of inhibitors even though it was demonstrated to work well for the steroid NSC 88915 (7). The current study will facilitate future efforts to optimize dual Top1-Tdp1 inhibitors.

A series of functionalized indenes bearing 1,3-dicyano groups were synthesized from electron-rich α-aryl ketonitriles in the presence of K(3)Fe(CN)(6) and NaOAc, possibly through tandem process involving dimerization, heterolytic cleavage of carbon-carbon bond, intermolecular coupling, and the subsequent intramolecular cyclization. The 2-arylindene compounds obtained possess good fluorescent properties., (© 2012 American Chemical Society)

A regiodivergent synthesis of functionalized indene derivatives from a Pt-catalyzed Rautenstrauch reaction of propargyl carbonate is described. A one-pot Rautenstrauch/Tsuji-Trost reaction delivering 2-indanones was realized efficiently using this methodology.

A novel route for the efficient assembly of indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole derivatives via a palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbromobenzene with propargylic sulfonamide is reported. The starting materials are easily available, and the reaction proceeds smoothly with good functional group tolerance.

A comprehensive study of a series of azaindenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors is reported. The synthetic pathways have been developed to prepare 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-azaindenoisoquinolines. The present study shows that 7-azaindenoisoquinolines possess the greatest Top1 inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. Additionally, the introduction of a methoxy group into the D-ring of 7-azaindenoisoquinolines improved their biological activities, leading to new lead molecules for further development. A series of QM calculations were performed on the model "sandwich" complexes of azaindenoisoquinolines with flanking DNA base pairs from the Drug-Top1-DNA ternary complex. The results of these calculations demonstrate how changes in two forces contributing to the π-π stacking (dispersion and charge-transfer interactions) affect the binding of the drug to the Top1-DNA cleavage complex and thus modulate the drug's Top1 inhibitory activity.

The design and characterization of two, dual adenosine A(2A)/A(1) receptor antagonists in several animal models of Parkinson's disease is described. Compound 1 was previously reported as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Further characterization of 1 revealed that it was metabolized to reactive intermediates that caused the genotoxicity of 1 in the Ames and mouse lymphoma L51784 assays. The identification of the metabolites enabled the preparation of two optimized compounds 13 and 14 that were devoid of the metabolic liabilities associated with 1. Compounds 13 and 14 are potent dual A(2A)/A(1) receptor antagonists that have excellent activity, after oral administration, across a number of animal models of Parkinson's disease including mouse and rat models of haloperidol-induced catalepsy, mouse and rat models of reserpine-induced akinesia, and the rat 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion model of drug-induced rotation.

A base-promoted cascade reaction of (E)-2-alkynylphenylchalcone with 2-isocyanoacetate provides a novel and efficient route for the synthesis of tetrahydroindeno[2,1-b]pyrroles. The reaction proceeds smoothly in air under mild conditions with high efficiency.

A high-sensitivity and high-resolution single-particle fluorescence microscopy technique differentiated between homogeneous and heterogeneous metathesis polymerization catalysis by imaging the location of the early stages of polymerization. By imaging single polymers and single crystals of Grubbs II, polymerization catalysis was revealed to be solely homogeneous rather than heterogeneous or both.

A variety of polysubstituted 1H-indenes can be prepared through the copper-catalyzed arylative cyclization of simple arylalkynes with commercially available aromatic sulfonyl chlorides that function as an aryl group donor. The reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups, including bromide and iodide, nitrile, ketone, and nitro groups. The reaction allowed the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as a bis(indene), indacene, and fused polyarene derivatives, some of them showing strong fluorescence in solution and the solid state.

A regio- and stereoselective rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of trisubstituted allylic alcohols is described. The utility of these synthons is demonstrated in a convenient synthesis of indenes and quinolines., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

A mild and selective one-pot procedure to provide 2,4-dienols from simple cycloalkenones in high yields is described. This transformation is based on the in situ formation of acid-labile allylic alcohols, which on treatment with trifluoroacetic acid undergo a formal [1,3]-hydroxy migration to form diastereo- and enantiomerically enriched 2,4-dienols. The usefulness of this protocol is demonstrated in a short synthesis of valerenic acid., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)