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The total synthesis of the indole alkaloid (-)-andranginine has been achieved in 10 steps. Key reactions of the synthesis include a nucleophilic addition of acetylenyl anion to chiral

The skeleton of lucidumone was constructed through oxidative dearomatization/intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction, Cu-mediated remote C-H hydroxylation, allyl oxidation, acid-promoted dynamic kinetic resolution cyclization, and benzylic oxidation.

Seven-membered polycyclic architectures, widely present in natural products and molecular drugs, are challenging synthetic targets. However, methods for synthesizing fused medium-sized bicyclo[

A strategy for the syntheses of pyrrolo [2,1-a] isoquinolines and indolizinoindolones via a Brønsted acid and Lewis acid co-promoted cascade reaction has been developed. The strategy was exemplified in the total synthesis of Erysotramidine.

An iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reaction with 2-alkoxy carbonyl-1,3-dithianes has been achieved with high regio- and enantioselectivities. The transformation provides a new method for the enantioselective α-functionalization of dithianes. The corresponding dithiane-containing products are easily converted into many other derivatives with high yields and enantioselectivities.

A strategy for the synthesis of cis-hydrocarbazole with a C3 quaternary carbon center has been developed through nickel/Lewis acid dual-catalyzed arylcyanation. A wide array of cis-hydrocarbazoles was accessed with high diastereoselectivities and atom economies in a good yield. The rich chemistry of the installed nitrile group was demonstrated in the preparation of tryptamine- and tryptophol-derived cis-hydrocarbazoles.

An efficient visible light photoredox catalyzed aerobic deprotection of 1,3-oxathiolanes using organic dye Eosin Y as a photocatalyst is disclosed. The deprotection procedure features the use of a metal-free catalyst, mild conditions, a broad range of substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. 35 examples were tested under the standard conditions and most of them afforded the deprotected products in modest to high yields.

A strategy for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from 2-allyl-2-(2-nitrophenyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione has been developed. A wide array of 2,3-disubstituted indoles were accessed in modest to good yields via a tandem reduction/condensation/fragmentation/cyclization sequence. The utility of this strategy was exemplified in the formal syntheses of leucomidine A and goniomitine. The mechanism was confirmed by experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Differential fragmentation made the reaction more complicated.

A concise total synthesis of antitumor and antimalarial marine sponge metabolite (−)-15-oxopuupehenol has been accomplished in 8 steps (longest linear route) with an overall yield of 18% from R-(−)-carvone. Our synthesis involves a Suzuki carbonylative coupling reaction to assemble the compact tetra-substituted α,β-unsaturated aryl ketone and a KOH promoted intramolecular cyclization reaction to construct the unique chromanone core. The antituberculosis drug (+)-puupehenone is obtained via a three-step transformation from the synthetic (−)-15-oxopuupehenol. The formal syntheses of (−)-puupehenol and (+)-puupehedione can also be achieved from the same advanced intermediate 19.

A double cyclization strategy was developed to construct the common tetracyclic core of calyciphylline B-type alkaloids. Key features of the synthesis included asymmetric Evans alkylation, ring-closing metathesis reaction, intermolecular amidation, intramolecular aza-Michael addition, and aldol condensation reactions. This strategy may be applied to the total syntheses of this type of natural product.

Described herein is a novel and efficient copper-catalyzed oxidative phosphonation of α-tert-hydroxylalkenes. This protocol displays a broad scope with good functional group compatibility and gives efficient access to diverse β-oxophosphine oxides from simple allylic alcohols and H-phosphine oxides. The mechanism is proposed to be an unprecedented three-component radical coupling/fragmentation cascade reaction of α-tert-hydroxylalkenes, HP(O)R1R2 and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), in which the excess TBHP acts as not only a radical initiator but also a coupling partner.

A concise and efficient strategy for the synthesis of the common 6,6-dimethyltricyclic[5.4.0.02,8]undecane framework of longipinane- and ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids has been developed. This approach features an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction to construct the 6/7 cis-fused ring system and a Ti(III)-mediated reductive radical cyclization reaction to access the highly strained bridged cyclobutane moiety.

The first total synthesis of Gardneria oxindole alkaloid (-)-gardmultimine A has been achieved in 19 steps from d-tryptophan in a fully stereocontrolled manner. This synthesis features (1) an Ir-catalyzed regioselective C-H borylation/oxidation sequence to introduce the C12 methoxyl group, (2) a stereocontrolled oxidative rearrangement of indole to construct the spirooxindole motif, and (3) an Au(I)-catalyzed transannular Conia-ene-type 6-exo-dig cyclization to establish the azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeleton and the exocyclic E-alkene with exclusive stereoselectivity.

The first asymmetric total synthesis of aspidosperma alkaloid (+)-winchinine B was achieved in 12 steps from commercially available materials. A new synthetic strategy which features an efficient aza-Michael addition, a ruthenium-catalyzed transfer dehydrogenation, and an intramolecular palladium-catalyzed oxidative coupling was adopted to install the ABC tricycle system. A one-pot process involving carbonyl reduction/iminium formation/intramolecular conjugate addition developed by our group was utilized to construct the D ring moiety.

An enantioselective total synthesis of the natural chroman-sesquiterpenoid (−)-8-epi-chromazonarol has been accomplished by a unique N2H4·H2O promoted highly diastereo-selective oxa-Michael cyclization to construct the central chroman framework and assemble the unusual C8 stereocenter. The other salient feature of the reported synthesis involves a Stille carbonylative cross-coupling reaction to link the aryl stannane 9 and bicyclic triflate 10.

The construction of the ABC tricyclic skeleton of malabanone A with the required 4 stereocenters was accomplished in a concise route starting from R-carvone. The synthesis featured an intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction to assemble its A ring and an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction to construct its C ring.

The first asymmetric total synthesis of gymnothelignan L has been accomplished in 14 steps with 11.2% overall yield. The synthetic approach features an anti Evans aldol reaction, a diastereoselective methylation, a Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and a bioinspired desymmetric transannular Friedel–Crafts reaction. Notably, the synthesis further demonstrated the biogenetic pathway that dibenzocyclooctene-type lignans are generated from eupomatilone-type lignans.

A strategy for the synthesis of multisubstituted hydrocarbazoles has been developed through (3 + 2)-annulation of p-quinamines and arynes. In this way, new analogs of hydrocarbazoles with quaternary carbon center can be synthesized in satisfactory yield under mild conditions. Furthermore, this (3 + 2)-annulation can be easily scaled-up, and the products can be modified through simple transformation.

A tandem radical cyclization reaction towards the 6/6/5 fused tricyclic skeleton, which exists in numerous natural products, was developed in modest to good yields. In this transformation, two C–C bonds and two rings were formed successively via a tandem 5-exo-trig/6-endo-trig cyclization reaction. 5-epi-7-deoxy-Isoabietenin A was also synthesized efficiently via this strategy.

An efficient synthesis of complex tetracyclic compounds is developed which relies on a gold(I)-catalyzed tandem 1,2-acyloxy migration/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/Friedel–Crafts type cyclization reaction of linear enynyl esters. The reaction proceeds under extremely mild conditions in good to excellent yields (54%–88%) with a dr value of up to 20 : 1.

A rapid construction of the tricyclic scaffold of annotinine hydrate has been accomplished in only four steps from conveniently available starting materials. This short synthesis featured an efficient Lewis acid-catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction to construct the 4a, 8a-cis-hydroquinoline skeleton and a 5-exo-trig radical cyclization reaction to assemble the γ-butylrolactone motif.

The first asymmetric total synthesis of the structurally unique Lycopodium alkaloid (-)-lycospidine A, containing an unprecedented five-membered ring, has been accomplished in only 10 steps with 21.6% overall yield from the known conveniently available sulfoxide. This protecting-group-free short synthesis relied on the use of a key amidation/aza-Prins domino cyclization reaction to rapidly construct the tricyclic skeleton and two continuous stereocenters (one of which is a bridged quaternary stereocenter). An intramolecular aldol condensation was successfully utilized to establish the unique five-membered ring, and a late-stage oxidation inspired by biosynthesis pathway was adopted to synthesize the diosphenol ring of (-)-lycospidine A.

A protecting-group-free route for the total synthesis of (-)-lycopodine was demonstrated in only 8 steps from Wade's fawcettimine enone (12 steps from commercial availiable (R)-(+)-pulegone). The key core of this alkaloid was constructed through a phosphoric acid promoted and highly stereocontrolled alkyne aza-Prins cyclization reaction, synchronously establishing the bridged B-ring and the C13 quaternary stereocenter. Importantly, the synthesis further features a new efficient approach for the preparation of other lycopodine-type alkaloids.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of the bisnorditerpene (+)-(5,8,10)-8-hydroxy-13-methylpodocarpa-9(11),13-diene-3,12-dione (1) was accomplished in 7 steps with 18.5% overall yield from known aldehyde and chiral epoxide. Key steps of the synthesis include a cationic domino cyclization used to construct the [6,6,6] fused framework, and an oxidative dearomatization reaction used to form the 1,4-quinoid moiety.

The first bioinspired total syntheses of (-) kravanhins A and C were accomplished from a labdane diterpenoid derivative. The key reactions involve a photooxidation and a one-pot sequential aldol cyclization and lactonization, which provide a new plausible biosynthetic pathway for the kravanhins and other symbiotic members.

An efficient approach for the synthesis of the 9/6/6 tricyclic structure of Lycopodium alkaloid palhinine A has been accomplished. The developed synthetic route features oxidative dearomatization and tandem hydroxyl oxidation/intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) reactions to assemble the A/C/D tricyclic ring system. Most importantly, the protocol can undergo ring constriction to rapidly construct the highly strained nine-membered azonane ring of palhinine A.

An efficient method for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine imines with active esters under thermal conditions has been described in good to high yields. This method offers a straightforward pathway to synthesize bioactive pyrazolidinones.

A sequential reaction combining N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) catalysis allowed for the upstream by-product NHPI, which was generated in the NHC-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction, to act as the catalyst for a downstream nitrogen-to-carbon sulfonyl migration reaction. Enantiomeric excess of the major product in the cycloaddition reaction remained intact in the follow-up sulfonyl migration reaction.

A visible-light-mediated radical addition of alkynoates to generate 3-bromocoumarins by using N-bromosuccinimide as the bromo source has been accomplished. This procedure provides a bromo radical addition/spirocyclization/ester migration cascade reaction under very mild reaction conditions without using any catalyst or strong oxidant and does not need high reaction temperature. Furthermore, the reaction can also be enlarged to the gram scale, and the product 3-bromocoumarins can be further applied in the synthesis of complex compounds.

The first asymmetric total synthesis of kravanhin B has been accomplished with a linear reaction sequence of 13 steps starting from (R)-(-)-carvone. The synthesis features an intramolecular aldol cyclization to construct the desired cis-fused decalin skeleton and an acid-catalyzed dehydration and olefin isomerization to install the γ-butenolide ring.

Dithianes are versatile umpolung intermediates in organic synthesis but have rarely been employed in radical cross-coupling reactions. Here we describe the oxidative coupling method for alkyne difunctionalization under metal-catalyst-free conditions. The efficient protocol directly affords a variety of β-ketodithianes in good to excellent yields with high regioselectivities. It provides a general pathway for accessing valuable dithianes with controlled formation of a new C-C bond and a C-O bond via a radical coupling pathway.

(±)-Aspidospermidine (1) has been synthesized from the commercially available 2,3-dihydro-1H-carbazol-4(9H)-one 6 in 10 steps with 20% overall yield. The key step of the strategy is a one-pot carbonyl reduction/iminium formation/intramolecular conjugate addition reaction that may be applied for the synthesis of other kinds of Aspidosperma alkaloids.

A cascade reaction to build vinyl cyclobutanol rings through activation of vinyl epoxides by palladium, followed by 1,4-Brook rearrangement and intramolecular cyclization with a palladium complex of the resulting carbon anion, is described. Through this cascade reaction, several highly substituted cyclobutanol substrates were achieved in good yields with high stereoselectivities.

A visible-light promoted single electron oxidation of ether enabled by photoredox catalysis has been accomplished. This procedure initiates a novel radical insertion/cyclization cascade reaction to generate phenanthridines and isoquinolines from easily available isocyanides under mild reaction conditions.

An efficient metal-free Mizoroki-Heck type reaction of di- and tri-substituted alkenes with 2-chloro-dithiane has been developed under ambient pressure of air or using a relatively low loading of BF3·Et2O. This study represents a new environmentally friendly method for the syntheses of dithianyl-substituted alkene derivatives via a radical oxidative coupling process.

Bioinspired total synthesis of gymnothelignan N was accomplished in 13 steps and 6.7% overall yield. The synthesis features a syn Evans aldol reaction, an intramolecular hydrogenative dehydration reaction, and a phenol oxidative dearomatization/Friedel-Crafts reaction, which provides a new plausible biosynthetic pathway for the gymnothelignans and other symbiotic members. Meanwhile, another tetrahydrofuran-type lignan beilschmin A was also synthesized.

An alternative method to an iron-catalyzed radical oxidative cross-coupling reaction followed by 2-chloro-1,3-dithiane and aryl olefins for the synthesis of β-chloro substituent 1,3-dithiane products is presented. The described method has the advantage of mildness of the reaction conditions and tolerates a variety of functional groups. Preliminary mechanistic studies have confirmed the first example of a coupling of 1,3-dithiane with unactivated alkenes that proceeds via an iron-catalyzed oxidative radical intermediate along the reaction pathway.

A scalable, efficient total synthesis of mupirocin H was accomplished in 7 longest linear steps with 39% overall yield. The developed strategy is great progress for the construction of pseudomonic acid analogues and all steps in our strategy could be conducted on a gram scale. The strategy is also suitable for other related molecules.

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of (12S)-12-hydroxymonocerin (1) and (12R)-12-hydroxymonocerin (2) were efficiently achieved from the known 4-bromo-2,6-dimethoxyphenol. The synthetic approach was inspired by our biomimetic synthesis of (+)-monocerin (3) and 7-O-demethylmonocerin (4). The cis-fused furobenzopyranones of 1 and 2 was efficiently constructed via an intramolecular nucleophilic trapping of a quinonemethide intermediate, which was obtained by benzylic oxidation of compound 10 using 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ).

A regioselective lateral or vinyl C–H lithiation/1,5-retro-Brook rearrangement via quinolyl or pyridyl ring directed deprotonation has been developed. 16 examples were tested and the corresponding alkyl silanes and E-vinyl silanes were obtained in moderate to good yields.

A novel tandem Mannich/intramolecular aminal formation between tryptamines and salicylaldehydes was reported. This strategy provides a promising approach for the stereoselective synthesis of a range of complex fused spiroindolines, which bear a highly congested contiguous spiro quaternary center and two tertiary stereocenters, in a highly economical and effective fashion.

A regioselective lithiation/retro-Brook rearrangement via direct deprotonation was developed. Varieties of benzyl silanes and vinyl silanes are obtained effectively up to 93% yields.

A visible-light-promoted, mild, and direct difunctionalization of alkynoates has been accomplished. This procedure provides a new strategy toward synthesis of the coumarin core structure by photoredox-mediated oxidation to generate the α-oxo radical, which supervenes a domino radical addition/cyclization reaction in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity at ambient temperature.

We present the application of a bioinspired collective synthesis strategy in the total syntheses of seven iboga-type indole alkaloids: (±)-tabertinggine, (±)-ibogamine, (±)-ibogaine, (±)-ibogaine hydroxyindolenine, (±)-3-oxoibogaine hydroxyindolenine, (±)-iboluteine, and (±)-ervaoffines D. In particular, tabertinggine and its congeners serve as iboga precursors for the subsequent biomimetic transformations into other iboga-type alkaloids.

An effective synthesis of structurally diverse benzazocines was accomplished in good to excellent chemical yields (55-82 %) through a gold(I)-catalyzed cascade reaction involving tandem 1,2-acyloxy shift/[3+2] cycloaddition of terminal 1,9-enynyl esters. The reaction proceeds under extremely mild conditions and represents one of the relatively few transition-metal-catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition reactions for the synthesis of benzazocines.