In the cancer research area, the development of new and potent inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins is a very active and promising topic. The small molecule MIM1 has been reported earlier...

A short and efficient approach has been designed for the synthesis of new γ-lactams that feature gem-difluorinated side-chains in position 4. The key steps involve 1,4-addition of nitroalkane anions on electrophilic gem-difluoroalkenes, followed by a cascade nitro reduction–heterocyclization. This flexible strategy also allows easy introduction of substituents in positions 3 or 5.

New five‐membered cyclic nitrones with gem‐difluoroalkyl groups in γ‐position have been prepared by a 3‐step sequence starting from propargylic alcohols. This domino process involves a base‐mediated isomerization reaction to enones, which are trapped in situ by nitroalkane anions. In a final step, starting from these key precursors, a reduction‐cyclization process affords the target molecules. Mono‐ and bicyclic nitrones have been prepared by this route which allows, as well, the synthesis of nitrones with functional groups in terminal position of the side chain.