The failure of Viking Lander thermal volatilization (TV) (without or with thermal degradation)-gas chromatography (GC)-MS experiments to detect organics suggests chemical rather than biological interpretations for the reactivity of the martian soil. Here, we report that TV-GC-MS may be blind to low levels of organics on astrobiology ͉ detection of organics ͉ search for martian life ͉ extreme environments ͉ deserts

Novel and efficient radical alkylation of several heterocyclic systems including pyrroles, indoles, furan and thiophenes is described using xanthate based radical chemistry. The present methodology could be used to provide rapid access to various nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

A practical two-step synthesis of 2,3-dihydropyrroles from Ugi 4-CR/propargyl adducts is presented. The protocol includes a base-mediated formation of an allenamide functional group and an in situ metal-free formal 5-endo cycloisomerization that occurs in a highly regioselective manner at the allenamide C-γ.

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Efficient radical cyclization of alkyl iodides to various aromatic systems including pyrrole, indole, isoquinolone, pyridone, and benzene, mediated by dicumyl peroxide, is described. The methodology was used to provide access to 5,6,8,9,10,11-hexahydroindolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives.