36 Novel heterocyclic chalcone derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti-bacterial activity. Some compounds presented good anti-microbial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (including the multidrug-resistant clinical isolates). This class of compounds presented high potency against Streptococcus mutans, among which the derivatives F2 with an MIC of 2 µg/mL was as active as the standard drug (norfloxacin) and less active than oxacillin. All the compounds did not inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli CCARM 1924 or Escherichia coli CCARM 1356) at 64 µg/mL.

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is one of the most common complications in COVID-19. Elastase has been recognized as an important target to prevent ALI/ARDS in the patient of COVID-19. Cyclotheonellazole A (CTL-A) is a natural macrocyclic peptide reported to be a potent elastase inhibitor. Herein, we completed the first total synthesis of CTL-A in 24 linear steps. The key reactions include three-component MAC reactions and two late-stage oxidations. We also provided seven CTL-A analogues and elucidated preliminary structure–activity relationships. The in vivo ALI mouse model further suggested that CTL-A alleviated acute lung injury with reductions in lung edema and pathological deterioration, which is better than sivelestat, one approved elastase inhibitor. The activity of CTL-A against elastase, along with its cellular safety and well-established synthetic route, warrants further investigation of CTL-A as a candidate against COVID-19 pathogeneses.

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Rhodium-catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of various vinyl arenes with anilines has been accomplished using water as an environmentally benign reaction media.