Synergistic catalysis, a type of plural catalysis which utilizes at least two different catalysts to enable a reaction between two separately activated substrates, has unlocked a plethora of previously unattainable transformations and novel chemical reactivity. Despite the appreciable utility of synergistic catalysis, specific examples involving two transition metals have been limited, as ensuring a judicious choice of reaction parameters to prevent deactivation of catalysts, undesirable monocatalytic event(s) leading to side products, or premature termination and other potentially troublesome outcomes present a formidable challenge. Excluding those driven by photocatalytic mechanisms, this review will highlight the reported examples of reactions that make use of two simultaneous catalytic cycles driven by two transition metal catalysts.

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of N-arylsulfonamides in the presence of 10 mol % of CuCl is demonstrated. The reaction proceeds readily at room temperature in an open flask using a variety of sulfonyl azides and boronic acids without any base, ligand, or additive.

Secondary metabolites derived from plants are a valuable source of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. To harness the potential of these natural products, reliable methods must be developed for their rapid and sustainable resupply. Microbial production of plant secondary metabolites through the heterologous expression of plant biosynthetic genes represents one such solution. This highlight focuses on recent advances in the microbial biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites including terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids as well as providing a brief insight into the current limitations and future prospects.

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