KI-catalyzed C-S bond formation via an oxidation relay strategy: efficient access to various α-thio-ß-dicarbonyl compounds.

An efficient and practical methodology to obtain α-thio-ß-dicarbonyl compounds was presented under alkaline conditions via potassium iodide (KI) catalysis; various symmetrical/unsymmetrical 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds were obtained under an aerobic atmosphere in moderate to excellent yields, with good functional group tolerance. Notably, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug butazodine could be modified with our protocol, even on a gram scale.

A concise synthesis and biological study of evodiamine and its analogues.

Efficient access to evodiamine and its analogues is presented via Lewis acid catalysis. In this reaction, three chemical bonds and two heterocyclic-fused rings are constructed in one step. The reaction shows good functional group tolerance and atom economy, and various heteroatom-containing evodiamine analogues are obtained in moderate to excellent yields even on a gram scale. An anti-tumor study in vitro demonstrates compound 2b possesses potent efficacy against hepatoma cell line (IC50 = 5.7 µM).

Direct access to α-sulfenylated amides/esters via sequential oxidative sulfenylation and C-C bond cleavage of 3-oxobutyric amides/esters.

An efficient, environmentally benign and unprecedented synthesis of various α-sulfenylated amides/esters has been developed under oxygen atmosphere. The reaction shows good functional group tolerance and excellent chemo/regioselectivity. All the desired products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, even on the gram scale. Practically, the related α-thiol Weinreb amide can be readily transferred to a series of prospective compounds, and selenium atom can be introduced to the α-sites of the amides in high yields.