2-Pyridones were prepared by means of an efficient protocol including the 1,4-addition of 2-(phenylsulfinyl)acetamide to α,β-unsaturated ketones followed by cyclization and sulfoxide elimination.

A range of bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl-substituted aryl derivatives was prepared by using a Kumada-Corriu cross-coupling reaction. The regioselective metalation of the resulting bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl-substituted aryl derivatives bearing this bulky silyl group allowed the generation of functionalized aromatics. A regioselective switch in the presence or in the absence of the bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl group has been demonstrated. Furthermore, this silyl group was converted into a formyl group or a styryl group, enhancing the scope of application of such bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl-substituted arenes.

A unified strategy for kainoid synthesis was developed. The key features of the strategy involve a Claisen–Ireland rearrangement to construct the contiguous stereogenic centers and a palladium‐catalyzed formation of the pyrrolidine ring with complete stereoselectivity. The present protocol has enabled rapid access to a wide range of kainoids with diverse types of substituents (alkenyl, aryl, and alkyl groups) at the 4‐position of the pyrrolidine ring, starting from the common intermediate and appropriate acetic acid derivatives. To test the generality of the strategy, we have accomplished the syntheses of kainic acid, o‐methoxyphenyl derivative (MFPA), and a novel cyclopropyl derivative (CPKA), using 3‐methylbut‐3‐enoic acid, 2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)acetic acid, and 2‐cyclopropylacetic acid, respectively.