A series of 5,10-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]indoles was successfully prepared by an efficient two-step strategy based on site-selective Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with N-methyl-2,3-dibromoindole and subsequent cyclization by two-fold Pd-catalyzed C-N coupling with amines. The products show a strong fluorescence.

An improved system for the synthesis of N-acyl amino acids via Pd-catalyzed amidocarbonylation is reported. Utilizing inexpensive Pd black gives the industrially important surfactant N-lauroyl sarcosine in excellent yields (95%) on a multi-gram scale. Advantages of the new system include reusability, decreased process temperature, and, importantly, drastically decreased co-catalyst loading.

A novel and selective sequential one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of Z‐alkenes via Sonogashira–semihydrogenation is reported. The efficiency of the methodology is increased by utilizing PdCl2/BuPAd2 as homogeneous catalyst for the Sonogashira coupling and subsequently transforming the transition metal complex into a heterogeneous Pd hydrogenation catalyst. This methodology represents one of the rare examples directly combining homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.

The Front Cover shows a conveyer belt with an internal alkyne made from a Sonogashira reaction in the moment when it is reacting to a bend Z‐alkene. One side of the hammer symbolizes the tool for the Sonogashira reaction, the other side represents the heterogeneous catalyst giving Z‐alkenes in high selectivity. This one‐pot, two‐step reaction is a rare example in which the homogeneous Sonogashira catalyst can be transformed in situ into a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst by adding water and warming up the reaction mixture to 120°C. 18 Z‐Alkenes were isolated in good to mediocre yields by using this method (34–86%). More information can be found in the https://doi.org/10.1002/ejoc.201800651

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