The development of an efficient, high yielding six-step convergent synthesis of the semisynthetic alkaloid (-)-perhydrohistrionicotoxin is described. The key transformations include the cross metathesis of a Brønsted-acid masked primary homoallylic amine with a vinyl cyclohexenone and a regioselective palladium catalyzed hydrogenation. This sequence generated the advanced Winterfeldt spirocyclic precursor in 47% overall yield, with a longest linear sequence of five steps.

A synthetic approach towards the structurally complex dimer, kingianin A is reported. The strategy involved a cascade of complexity generating reactions, inspired through biosynthetic speculation. A concise protecting group free synthesis of the proposed monomeric precursor pre-kingianin A has been achieved using a tandem Stille cross-coupling reaction and electrocyclisation process. However, preliminary studies of the key dimerisation reaction have been conducted, which indicate that the process is not spontaneous, raising questions as to the origin of this complex natural product.

Several Conus-derived venom peptides are promising lead compounds for the management of neuropathic pain, with α-conotoxins being of particular interest. Modification of the interlocked disulfide framework of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 has been achieved using on-resin alkyne metathesis. Although introduction of a metabolically stable alkyne motif significantly disrupts backbone topography, the structural modification generates a potent and selective GABA B receptor agonist that inhibits Ca v 2.2 channels and exhibits dose-dependent reversal of mechanical allodynia in a behavioral rat model of neuropathic pain. The findings herein support the hypothesis that analgesia can be achieved via activation of GABA B Rs expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons.

We report here a new catalytic reaction in which, para-nitro azides are acylated by aldehydes to produce amides and molecular nitrogen in a single step. The transformation is believed to proceed via an electron transfer process mediated by the tert-butoxide ion, and catalysed by a thiazolium salt derived species.

A cross-metathesis protocol has been developed to provide facile access to highly hindered trisubstituted α-branched olefins, which when coupled with a cationic azaspirocyclization reaction, generates the marine alkaloids (-)-fasicularin 2 and a pro-forma synthesis of (-)-lepadiformine A 1.