A high-yielding fast spirocyclization of easily available indol ynones has been developed by applying N-iodosuccinimide. The formation of the desired product occurs in an atom-economical way, under mild conditions, instantly after the addition of the reagent. The expected 1,2-rearrangement was not observed. The procedure represents a metal free spirocyclization of indoles with an opportunity for further functionalizations.

An experiment for the synthesis of N-acyl derivatives of natural amino acids has been developed as part of the Distributed Drug Discovery (D3) program. Students use solid-phase synthesis techniques to complete a three-step, combinatorial synthesis of six products, which are analyzed using LC−MS and NMR spectroscopy. This protocol is suitable for introductory organic laboratory students and has been successfully implemented at multiple academic sites internationally. Accompanying prelab activities introduce students to SciFinder and to medicinal chemistry design principles. Pairing of these activities with the laboratory work provides students an authentic and cohesive research project experience.

A metal‐free, phosphine‐catalyzed intramolecular “umpolung Michael addition” on alkynes to form spiroindol(en)ines is reported. This nucleophilic catalysis enables the formation of a wide scope of five‐ and six‐membered spiroindol(en)ines in moderate to excellent yields in batch as well as under continuous‐flow conditions. Triphenylphosphine‐catalyzed nucleophilic activation of alkynes allows the exclusive formation of exo‐product under mild reaction conditions.