A transition metal‐free approach for the generation of radical intermediates via EDA complexes had been developed. This approach enables a cross‐dehydrogenative C−O coupling of oximes with acetonitrile, ketones and esters with high yields and regioselectivities. Perfluorobutyl iodide was used as the unique electron acceptor to trigger a new radical formation. The radical pathway was confirmed by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, radical inhibiting, trapping and kinetics experiments.magnified image

A series of 3-amino-5-benzylphenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among them, (3-benzyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)carbamates were found to exert good inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra, H37Rv and clinically isolated multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains (MIC = 0.625–6.25 μg/mL). The privileged compounds 3i and 3l showed moderate cytotoxicity against cell line A549. Compound 3l also exhibited potent in vivo inhibitory activity on a mouse infection model via the oral administration. The results demonstrated 3-hydroxyphenylcarbamates as a class of new antitubercular agents with good potential.

A base-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation strategy for the conversion of 1,3-bis(sulfonyl)propenes and β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters to diaryl sulfones has been developed. This method provides facile, metal-free and efficient access to highly substituted diaryl sulfones in good to excellent yields. In addition, the sulfonyl group could be easily removed or converted to other functional groups via an organostannane intermediate.

A series of (3‐benzyl‐5‐hydroxyphenyl)carbamates were evaluated as new antibacterial agents. Several compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against sensitive and drug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria. The compounds are ineffective against all tested Gram‐negative bacteria. The structure of the ester group exerted a profound effect on antibacterial activity. 4,4‐Dimethylcyclohexanyl carbamate 6h exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against the standard and clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration = 4–8 µg/ml) strains. The preliminary experimental evidence indicated that these carbamates target the bacterial cell wall and share a similar mechanism of action with vancomycin.

A series of meta-amido bromophenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. The compounds were found to potently inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. They also exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and multidrug-resistant strains. The compounds did not show inhibitory activity against normal Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moderate cytotoxicities and good metabolic stability were observed for the selected compounds. The results demonstrated meta-amido bromophenols as a new class of antitubercular agents with good potentials.