Using a sultone as the key intermediate, the first enantioselective total synthesis of the antileukemic 1,10‐seco‐eudesmanolides (–)‐eriolanin (1) and (–)‐eriolangin (2) was achieved, which also established the hitherto unknown absolute configuration of these sesquiterpene lactones. Starting from 2‐bromo‐1‐(2‐furyl)ethanone, 24 steps were required to generate the common basic structure and two additional steps in each case for completion of the natural products. The effect of 1 and 2 on the cell cycle of human leukemia (HL‐60) cells was investigated by flow cytometry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

Using an intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition and a Heck cyclization as the crucial transformations, a total synthesis of the racemic morphine alkaloid thebainone A was accomplished in 22 steps commencing with isovanillin.

3‐Imino‐2‐amino‐isatines were obtained by a one‐pot reaction of an excess of aniline (or its derivatives) with 1,2‐bis(dimethylamino)‐1,2‐dichloro‐ethene (prepared in situ from DMF). Subsequent hydrolysis yielded the corresponding isatine derivatives in reasonable to high yields. DFT calculations with regard to the mechanisms of this reaction sequence are presented. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).

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on 1,2-Bis(dimethylamino)-1,2-dichloroethene. -The new route to N-unsubstituted isatins (IV) and (VI) is based on the reaction of dichloroethene with anilines (II) and (V), respectively. Isatin precursors (III) can be isolated via recrystallization. Apart from the aniline derivatives, only standard chemicals are employed as reactants. Reasonable overall yields are achieved, especially for anilines having electron-donating substituents. In order to analyze the mechanism of the reaction DFT-computations are performed. -(HUBER*, S. M.; HENNIG, A.; PUEHLHOFER, F. G.; WEISS*, R.; J. Heterocycl. Chem. 46 (2009) 3, 421-427; Inst. Org. Chem., Friedrich-Alexander-Univ., D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; Eng.) -H. Hoennerscheid 41-111