Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of long-acting beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists incorporating arylsulfonamide groups.

A series of saligenin alkoxyalkylphenylsulfonamide beta(2) adrenoceptor agonists were prepared by reacting a protected saligenin oxazolidinone with alkynyloxyalkyl bromides, followed by Sonogashira reaction, hydrogenation, and deprotection. The meta-substituted primary sulfonamide was more potent than the para- and the ortho-analogues. Primary sulfonamides were more potent than the secondary and tertiary analogues.

Borrowing hydrogen: a catalytic route to C-C bond formation from alcohols.

Ruthenium complexes have been shown to perform efficient transfer hydrogenation reactions between alcohols and alkenes; in combination with an in situ Wittig reaction, indirect formation of C-C bonds has been achieved from alcohols.