A cooperative approach toward biologically important N-fused polycyclic indoles with synthetically challenging tetracyclic [6–5–5–6] and [6–5–5–5] core structures has been developed. The concept is based on a highly stereoselective (3 + 2)-cycloannulation of chiral metal enolates with a reactive vinylogous iminium ion, both generated in situ via dual activation with a single chiral Pd catalyst (5 mol %). Densely functionalized pyrrolo­[1,2-a]­indoles with three contiguous chiral centers were constructed with high stereoselectivities (>95:5 d.r. and up to >99% ee) and excellent yields (up to 99%). ESI-MS studies and additional control experiments provided a clear mechanistic picture of the cycloannulation event. The products were readily transformed into an array of valuable, indole-based, highly complex heterocycles.

We describe herein a conceptually novel, cooperative Brønsted acid/base catalyzed process for the conjugate addition of cyclic β‐keto esters to ortho‐quinone methides both generated in situ. Upon hemiacetalization, densely functionalized chiral chromans with two adjacent quaternary and additionally a tertiary stereogenic center were obtained with very good diastereoselectivity (up to >95:5 d.r.) and typically excellent enantioselectivity (up to >99 % ee). The striking feature and key to success is the dual catalytic activation of both nucleophile and electrophile in two separate cycles with a single chiral catalyst.

A full account of the Brønsted acid catalyzed, enantioselective synthesis of 4H-chromenes and 1H-xanthen-1ones from o-hydroxybenzyl alcohols and β-dicarbonyl compounds is provided. The central step of our strategy is the BINOL− phosphoric acid catalyzed, enantioselective cycloaddition of βdiketones, β-keto nitriles, and β-keto esters to in situ generated, hydrogen-bonded o-quinone methides. Upon acid-promoted dehydration, the desired products were obtained with generally excellent yields and enantioselectivity. Detailed mechanistic studies including online-NMR and ESI-MS measurements were conducted to identify relevant synthetic intermediates. A reversible formation of a dimer from the starting alcohol and the reactive o-quinone methide in an off-cycle equilibrium was observed, providing a reservoir from which the o-quinone methide can be regenerated and introduced into the catalytic cycle again. Reaction progress kinetic analysis was utilized to determine kinetic profiles and rate constants of the reaction uncovering o-quinone methide formation as the rate-limiting step. In combination with Hammett plots, these studies document the relationship between o-quinone methide stabilization by electronic effects provided by the substituents and the reaction rate of the described process. In addition, DFT calculations reveal a concerted yet highly asynchronous [4 + 2]-cycloaddition pathway and an attractive CH−π interaction between the catalyst's tBu group and the o-quinone methide as an important stereochemical control element.

USP21 belongs to the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) subfamily of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Due to its relevance in tumor development and growth, USP21 has been reported as a promising novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Herein, we present the discovery of the first highly potent and selective USP21 inhibitor. Following high-throughput screening and subsequent structure-based optimization, we identified BAY-805 to be a non-covalent inhibitor with low nanomolar affinity for USP21 and high selectivity over other DUB targets as well as kinases, proteases, and other common off-targets. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) demonstrated high-affinity target engagement of BAY-805, resulting in strong NF-κB activation in a cell-based reporter assay. To the best of our knowledge, BAY-805 is the first potent and selective USP21 inhibitor and represents a valuable high-quality in vitro chemical probe to further explore the complex biology of USP21.

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