Biomimetic Total Syntheses of Ergot Alkaloids via Decarboxylative Giese Coupling.

Biomimetic total syntheses of Festuclavine and Pyroclavine were achieved by a sequential radical coupling. The key steps include intramolecular decarboxylative Giese reaction to form the central C ring and 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (Ns)-directed indole C4-H olefination to introduce the indole C4 component. In addition, D-ring formation was completed by decarboxylative alkenylation and intramolecular S2 reaction.

BODIPY catalyzed amide synthesis promoted by BHT and air under visible light.

A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of amides is reported which employs a BODIPY catalyzed oxidative amidation reaction between aromatic aldehydes and amines under visible light. Compared with the known Ru or Ir molecular catalysts and other organic dyes, the BODIPY catalyst showed higher reactivity toward this reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that dioxygen could be activated through an ET and a SET pathway, forming active peroxides in situ, which are vital for the key step of the reaction, i.