The identification of structurally diverse small molecules that affect the mammalian mitotic machinery from a large library of synthetic compounds illustrates the use of chemical genetics in dissecting an essential cellular pathway. This screen identified five compounds that affect mitosis without directly targeting microtubules. Understanding the mechanism of action of these compounds, along with future screening efforts, promises to help elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in chromosome segregation during mitosis.

The Pd-catalyzed copper-free carbonylative Sonogashira coupling reaction to synthesize alkynyl ketones from terminal alkynes and aryl iodides was achieved by using water as a solvent. The reaction was carried out at room temperature under balloon pressure of CO with Et(3)N as a base. The developed method was successfully applied to the synthesis of flavones.

A one-pot synthesis of diverse benzofurans and indoles from readily available starting materials was achieved via the sequential Ugi four-component reaction, intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction, and oxidative aromatization.

Generate 4-Substituted 2(5H)-Furanones. -The title reaction gives a range of furanones from both electronrich and electron-poor boronic acids and 4-tosylfuranone (I), which is prepared by simple mixing of tetronic acid, TosCl and Et3N. However, the coupling of 3-phenyl-4-tosyl-2(5H)-furanone with two aryl boronic acids fails. Compared with its corresponding triflate, (I) is superior in terms of stability, synthetic reagent costs, and easy preparation. -(WU*, J.; ZHU, Q.; WANG, L.; FATHI, R.; YANG, Z.; J.