Convergent Total Syntheses of (−)‐Rubriflordilactone B and (−)‐pseudo‐Rubriflordilactone B

A highly convergent strategy for the synthesis of the natural product (?)‐rubriflordilactone B, and the proposed structure of (?)‐pseudo‐rubriflordilactone B, is described. Late stage coupling of diynes containing the respective natural product FG rings with a common AB ring aldehyde precedes rhodium‐catalyzed [2+2+2] alkyne cyclotrimerization to form the natural product skeleton, with the syntheses completed in just one further operation. This work resolves the uncertainty surrounding the identity of pseudo‐rubriflordilactone B and provides a robust platform for further synthetic and biological investigations.     

Synthesis of Enantiopure C3‐Symmetric Triangular Molecules

An asymmetric synthesis of C ₃‐symmetric triangular macrocycles is reported. 1‐Methylsulfonyl‐4‐(4‐vinylphenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazole undergoes a rhodium(II)‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization to establish an enantiopure C ₃‐symmetric triangular macrocycle motif. This method can be applied to the synthesis of an enantiopure hydrocarbon, which owes its chirality to asymmetric distribution of H/D atoms on the benzene rings.     

Straightforward Synthesis and Properties of Highly Fluorescent [5]‐ and [7]‐Helical Dispiroindeno[2,1‐c]fluorenes

This work presents a general approach for synthesis of substituted [5]‐helical dispiroindeno[2,1‐c]fluorenes based on Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclotrimerization of triynes. This approach was further extended for the first synthesis of configurationally stable [7]‐helical dispiroindeno[2,1‐c]fluorenes. A series of variously substituted derivatives was prepared and their photophysical and electrochemical properties were evaluated. Their fluorescence emission maxima were in the region of 351–428 nm and quantum yields up to 88 % are the highest measured among the full‐carbon helical compounds.