One-step labelling of sphingolipids via a scrambling cross-metathesis reaction.

The alkyl chain in the backbone of sphingosine derivatives can be exchanged with functionalised (labelled) side chains in a single step under cross-metathesis reaction conditions.

Crotylation versus propargylation: two routes for the synthesis of the C13-C18 fragment of the antibiotic branimycin.

The C13-C18 fragment 3 of the novel antibiotic branimycin was prepared along two highly stereocontrolled routes. The first one uses a standard Roush crotylation protocol, whereas the second one proceeds via an allenyl silane propargylation with unexpected stereochemical consequences, which are discussed in detail.