The first total synthesis of chloropeptin II (1, complestatin) is disclosed. Key elements of the approach include the use of an intramolecular Larock indole synthesis for the initial macrocyclization, adopting conditions that permit utilization of a 2-bromoaniline, incorporating a terminal alkyne substituent (−SiEt3) that sterically dictates the indole cyclization regioselectivity, and benefiting from an aniline protecting group (−Ac) that enhances the atropdiastereoselectivity and diminishes the strained indole reactivity toward subsequent electrophilic reagents. Not only did this key reaction provide the fully functionalized right-hand ring system of 1 in superb conversion (89%) and good atropdiastereoselectivity (4:1 R: S), but it also represents the first reported example of what will prove to be a useful Larock macrocyclization strategy. Subsequent introduction of the left-hand ring system enlisting an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction for macrocyclization with biaryl ether formation completed the assemblage of the core bicyclic structure of 1. Intrinsic in the design of the approach and by virtue of the single-step acid-catalyzed conversion of chloropeptin II (1) to chloropeptin I (2), the route also provides a total synthesis of 2.

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An environmentally benign oxidation of alcohols in water using iodosobenzene (PhI=O) or a polymer‐supported (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (PSDIB) with KBr has been achieved (see scheme). This method results in the catalytic activation of a variety of sluggishly reactive and/or sparsely soluble hypervalent iodine reagents in water under neutral conditions.

Teaming up: The title reaction has been developed to deliver the product α‐alkylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones as single diastereomers with up to 98 % ee (see scheme; Ts=4‐toluenesulfonyl). The enantioselective process is catalyzed by 1, which contains both Lewis base and Brønsted acid moieties.

An efficient and enantioselective synthesis of oxa[9]helicenes has been established via vanadium(V)-catalyzed oxidative coupling/intramolecular cyclization of polycyclic phenols. A newly developed vanadium complex cooperatively functions as both a redox and Lewis acid catalyst to promote the present sequential reaction and afford oxa[9]helicenes in good yields with up to 94% ee.