The CuX (X = I, Br, Cl, CN)-mediated cyclization-halogenation and cyclization-cyanation reactions of beta-hydroxyalkynes and o-alkynylphenol and -aniline derivatives give rise to 3-halo- and 3-cyanofuro[3,2-b]pyrroles, 3-iodo-, 3-bromo-, and 3-cyanobenzofurans, and 3-cyanoindoles, respectively.

An efficient copper-catalyzed three-component cyclization for the construction of highly functionalized pyrimidine derivatives from readily available amidines, styrenes and fluoroalkyl halides is developed. This protocol distinguishes itself by the formation of three new C-C/C-N bonds and a new six-membered ring through a radical addition/oxidation/cyclization sequence in a one-pot manner.

Hydroindation of allenes and radical cyclization of 1,2,7-trienes (allenenes) were accomplished by HInCl2 with high regioselectivity to afford a variety of cyclic compounds. The resulting vinylic indiums could be used for successive coupling reactions in a one-pot procedure. The use of HInCl2 generated slowly in situ is extremely effective for the radical cyclization.

An inter- as well as intra-molecular thia-Pictet-Spengler cyclization of N-tethered thiols and vinylogous thiocarbonates is described for the stereoselective synthesis of N-fused thiazinoindole derivatives. The strategy is extended to one-pot, sequential Friedel-Crafts alkylation - Pictet-Spengler cyclization and the synthesis of thiazino-oxepino-indole.

A novel visible light mediated radical cyclization of enol lactones with difluoroacyl arenes is presented. The reaction experienced a tandem radical cyclization and tolerated a wide range of substrates, resulting in fluorinated γ-butyrolactones in good chemical yield and with excellent diastereoselectivity.

A copper(II)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of enamides to oxazoles via vinylic C-H bond functionalization at room temperature is described. Various 2,5-disubstituted oxazoles bearing aryl, vinyl, alkyl, and heteroaryl substituents could be synthesized in moderate to high yields. This reaction protocol is complementary to our previously reported iodine-mediated cyclization of enamides to affor...

The allene ether version of the Nazarov cyclization was used to construct the cyclopentane dione portion of madindolines A and B. The racemic cyclopentane dione from the Nazarov cyclization was converted to an enol ether that was combined with the chiral, nonracemic hydroxyfuroindoline in a Mannich reaction. Deprotection and oxidation led to (+)-madindoline A and (+)-madindoline B. [reaction: s...

The Cu(I) halide (X = I, Br, Cl) mediated reactions of Cbz-protected cis-2-phenylethenyl-3-hydroxypyrrolidine gave novel 3-halo-2,5-trisubstituted furans in good yields, via a cyclization-halogenation, ring-opening reaction sequence. In contrast, the reactions with CuCN gave mainly the corresponding 3-cyanofuro[3,2-b]pyrrole formed from a cyclization-cyanation reaction.

The seed oil of Euphorbia lathyris L. contains a series of macrocyclic diterpenoids known as Euphorbia factors. They are the current industrial source of ingenol mebutate, which is approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. Here, we report an alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated cyclization step in the biosynthetic pathway of Euphorbia factors, illustrating the or...

The year 2017 marks the twentieth anniversary of terpenoid cyclase structural biology: a trio of terpenoid cyclase structures reported together in 1997 were the first to set the foundation for understanding the enzymes largely responsible for the exquisite chemodiversity of more than 80000 terpenoid natural products. Terpenoid cyclases catalyze the most complex chemical reactions in biology, in...