A set of complex tricyclic compounds containing several functional groups and multiple stereogenic centers has been prepared in only two steps with excellent diastereo- enantioselectivities. The synthesis takes advantage the highly versatile enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution simple cyclic acetates or carbonates to form chiral 1,6-, 1,7- 1,8-enynes, which are then diastereoselec...

The ability of Pd(II) complexes derived from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acids to catalyze homogeneous regioselective aerobic oxidation of 5- and 6-substituted 8-methylquinolines in AcOH-Ac(2)O solution to produce corresponding 8-quinolylmethyl acetates in high yield was demonstrated; corresponding 8-quinoline carboxylic acids are minor reaction products.

A new asymmetric total synthesis of a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid (S)-tylophorine is reported, which features a catalytic asymmetric allylation of aldehydes and an unexpected one-pot DMAP promoted isocyanate formation and Lewis acid catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction. In addition, White's direct C-H oxidation catalyst system converting monosubstituted olefins to linear allylic ac...