Enantioselective aza-Michael addition of imides by using an integrated strategy involving the synthesis of a family of multifunctional catalysts, usage of multiple catalysis, and rational design of experiment.

A challenging asymmetric reaction (aza-Michael addition of imides to enones) has been optimized through an integrated approach involving the synthesis of a family of organocatalysts, multiple catalysis (usage of additives), and finally with rational exploration of the chemical space by the application of the experiment design.

Selective dimerization of arylalkynes to (E)-1,4-diaryl enynes catalyzed by the [Ru(p-cymene)Cl(2)](2)/acetic acid system under phosphine-free conditions.

The commercially available di-mu-chlorobis[(p-cymene)chlororuthenium(II)] complex catalyzes the dimerization of aromatic alkynes in acetic acid at room temperature to form the corresponding (E)-1,4-diarylbut-1-ene-3-yne derivatives, with high stereoselectivity. The procedure does not require the use of additives and can be carried out in the presence of water or aprotic cosolvents, under homogeneous conditions.