A gold-catalyzed 1,2-acyloxy migration/intramolecular cyclopropanation/ring enlargement cascade: syntheses of medium-sized heterocycles.

The synthesis of medium-sized heterocycles possessing a trans double bond is still a challenge. Herein, gold(I)-catalyzed 1,2-acyloxy migration/intramolecular cyclopropanation/ring enlargement cascade reaction of furans has been developed, providing highly efficient access to ten- and eleven-membered heterocycles with a broad substrate scope under mild reaction conditions. The reaction outcome features high chemoselectivity at the C5-position of furan.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB induces matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and rat vascular smooth muscle cell migration via ROCK and ERK/p38 MAPK pathways.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Their expressions are altered in response to a variety of stimuli, including growth factors, inflammatory markers, and cytokines. In this study, we demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induces a dose- and time-dependent increase in MMP-2 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).

Synthesis of axially chiral gold complexes and their applications in asymmetric catalyses.

Several novel chiral N-heterocyclic carbene and phosphine ligands were prepared from (S)-BINOL. Moreover, their ligated Au complexes were also successfully synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction. A weak gold-π interaction between the Au atom and the aromatic ring in these gold complexes was identified.

Synthesis of functionalized chromans by PnBu3-catalyzed reactions of salicylaldimines and salicylaldehydes with allenic ester.

P(n)Bu(3)-catalyzed cyclization reactions of salicylaldimines and salicylaldehydes with ethyl 2,3-butadienoate gave the corresponding functionalized chromans in moderate to good yields in THF under mild conditions. The new reaction provides a new method for the synthesis of biologically active chroman products.