Catalytic hydrogenation of pyridinium derivative for the preparation of analgesic Fentanyl, (N‐(l‐phenethyl‐4‐piperidyl)‐propionanilide) is reported. This constitutes a novel synthesis for the analogs of Fentanyl type compounds.

A convenient method for the synthesis of ellipticine is reported. This synthesis is achieved by modifying the processes of Woodward and Sainsburg. The overall yield of this five step synthesis is 12 percent.

The reaction of indole with propiolic acid ia 1 : 1 mole ratio gave an adduct (I) of 2 : 1 addition with decarboxylation. The reaction of indole with propiolic acid methyl ester gave a 2 : 1 adduct (II). Hydrolysis of adduct II yield the corresponding carboxylic acid (IV). Decarboxylation of IV also gave I. The mechanism of title reaction were fully studied.

The total synthesis of natural antitumor agent (±) peperomin A, B and C are reported. These syntheses were started from benzophenones and diethyl succinate by Stobbe condensation. Three successive steps were employed to give the (±)‐peperomins.

A process for the synthesis of (±)‐α‐spirovetivene starting from I‐oxo–2‐carbethoxy‐6, 10‐dimethyl spiro[4.5]dec‐6‐ene(I)1 is described. The oxo group of I was reduced by the process of Coates2, and the resulting spiro ester (III) and spiro alcohol (IV) were transformed to (±)‐α‐spirovetivene by the process of Uijttewaal3 and by conventional methods.