The synthesis of the core unit of cycloaraneosene and ophiobolin M has been investigated, following a general strategy applicable to both 5−8 bicyclic systems. The synthetic strategy includes a ring-closing metathesis reaction to generate the central eight-membered ring as well as a palladium-mediated coupling of a Grignard reagent to introduce [a]

Liquidating the assets: Coordination of one enantiomer from a racemic mixture of N‐benzyl α‐amino acids (N‐Bn‐AA) to the lipophilic chiral [CoIII(salen)(OAc)] complex results in its extraction into the organic phase. The enantiomer can then be released in excellent yield and high enantiomeric excess by reductive counterextraction. The cobalt(III) complex can be regenerated and re‐used without loss of reactivity or selectivity.

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