Herein is reported a convergent synthesis of isocombretastatins A, a novel class of potent antitubulin agents. These compounds having a 1,1-diarylethylene scaffold constitute the simplest isomers of natural Z-combretastatins A that are easy to synthesize without need to control the Z-olefin geometry. The discovery of isoCA-4 with biological activities comparable to that of CA-4 represents a major progress in this field.

Sulfinic acids and their salts have recently emerged as versatile coupling partners to efficiently access a wide variety of hetero- and carbocyclic compounds, under relatively mild conditions. Their growing importance is attributable to their dual capacity for acting as nucleophilic or electrophilic reagents. This report summarizes recent advances in the preparation and use of sulfinates in organic synthesis.