Diversification of ()-1,6-Dioxo-2,4-Dienes for the Synthesis of (+)-Aspicillin, Isolaurepan, and β-Parinaric Acid.

A divergent formal synthesis of polyhydroxylated macrocyclic lactone (+)-aspicillin and polyene bioactive natural product β-parinaric acid and the total synthesis of non-terpenoid metabolite isolaurepan have been achieved using a ruthenium-catalyzed stereo- and chemoselective oxidative coupling reaction of easily accessible vinyl ketones and acrylates. The crucial transformation involves the efficient synthesis and functionalization of stereodefined ()-1,6-dioxo-2,4-dienes using simple reaction protocols, which enabled straightforward access to a diverse range of bioactive natural products.

Bioinspired enantioselective total syntheses of antibacterial callistrilones enabled by double S2' cascade.

A bioinspired, catalytic approach to the enantioselective total syntheses of antibacterial callistrilones A, C-E and 13--callistrilone E natural products containing an unprecedented, sterically compact [1]benzofuro-[2,3-]xanthene 6/6/6/5/6/3-fused hexacyclic skeleton is described. The key features of the synthesis include a highly regio- and diastereoselective double S2' cascade reaction, Lewis acid catalysed Michael addition and late stage diastereoselective epoxide formation from the sterically hindered β-face of the alkene as the key steps.

Ruthenium-catalyzed stereo- and chemoselective oxidative coupling of vinyl ketones: efficient access to (,)-1,6-dioxo-2,4-dienes.

A Ru-catalyzed direct oxidative coupling reaction of vinyl ketones was developed. It offers a straightforward and atom-economical protocol for the synthesis of functionalized (,)-1,6-dioxo-2,4-diene derivatives in moderate to good yields with excellent stereo- and chemoselectivities. In addition, the synthetic utility of this method was further demonstrated by its application to the synthesis of bioactive natural products such as (7,9)-henicosa-7,9-diene-6,11-dione (sex pheromone), ostopanic acid (plant anticancer agent), JA (anti-tumor agent) and the southern part (C1-C13) of the antibiotic macrolactin-T.

Micropropagation of Clerodendrum aculeatum through adventitious shoot induction and production of consistent amount of virus resistance inducing protein.

Rapid micropropagation through adventitious shoot induction from in vitro raised leaf explants of Clerodendrum aculeatum (Verbenaceae), was successfully achieved for the first time. Basal portion of the leaves showed highest regeneration potential when grown on MS medium supplemented with BA (5.0 mg/l) and NAA and IBA (0.