Function-oriented design and synthesis of chiral small molecules with novel activity is a key goal in modern organic chemistry. As multiple antibiotic-resistant pathogens are emerging and causing serious diseases, the need for practical routes for the development of new types of antibacterial agents is very urgent. Herein, we present a highly efficient process for the synthesis of optically active pyranocoumarins and 2-amino-4H-chromenes through an organocatalytic Knoevenagel/Michael/cyclization sequence, and the preliminary biological studies of these new heterocyclic compounds revealed potent antibacterial activity. This study provides a novel strategy for further research and development of new types of antibacterial agents effective against human pathogens.

An organocatalysis/copper-catalyzed asymmetric oxidative sp(3) C-H olefination reaction of tertiary amines with olefins using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant under mild conditions was realized for the first time. This novel strategy provides an efficient and environmentally friendly way to access diversify optically active C(1)-alkene tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives.

The first organocatalytic Michael-cyclization cascade reaction between isothiocyanato oxindoles and unsaturated pyrazolones has been developed. The multicyclic spiro[oxindole/thiobutyrolactam/pyrazolone] core structures containing three contiguous stereogenic centers, including two spiro quaternary centers, were prepared with excellent diastereo- (up to >20 : 1) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

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We present herein for the first time the synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of various modified chromanes via a rosin-derived tertiary amine-thiourea-catalyzed highly enantioselective Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction.