A novel KSO-promoted oxidative cyclization of enamines is described. A variety of enamines having diverse functional groups and substitution patterns react well using KSO as the oxidant in the absence of catalyst. This protocol provides a very simple route for the synthesis of polycarbonyl pyrroles and has the advantages of readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, and a wide scope of substrates.

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The reduction of a palladium enolate prior to β-hydride elimination provides a unique reaction for the synthesis of the hydroazulene ring system. When combined with a transannular epoxide rearrangement cascade, the reductive-Heck reaction allows rapid entry to the oxo-bridged guaiane core of the englerins.