A new strategy for the synthesis of highly substituted benzofurans from meta-substituted hydroxybenzenes and alkynes via a rhodium(III)-catalyzed activation of a sterically hindered C-H bond is demonstrated. A possible mechanism involving dual directing group assisted ortho C-H bond activation is proposed.

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A highly chemo- and stereoselective nickel-catalyzed borylative cyclization of 1,6-enynes with bis(pinacolato)diboron.

An iron‐catalyzed synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids from alkynes and carbon dioxide was developed. This reaction proceeds through hydromagnesiation of alkynes followed by carbon dioxide insertion under atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature in the presence of iron and a Grignard reagent as a catalyst and hydride source, respectively. Several symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes were transformed into the corresponding acids in good to excellent yields. The methodology provides an efficient route to the synthesis of vinyl carboxylic acids.

The synthesis of benzocoumarins from b-tetralones has been achieved via two pathways in the first total synthesis of the Juncaceae natural product, 9-hydroxy-8-methyl-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one, featuring a one-pot rearrangement and aromatization cascade.