Highly diastereoselective coupling reactions of enolates derived from butane-2,3-diacetal protected glycolic acids 1 and 2 and their alkylated derivatives with aldehydes are reported together with their efficient acid-catalysed deprotection to yield enantiopure anti-2,3-dihydroxyesters. A procedure to provide the corresponding syn-2,3-dihydroxyesters is also described in two cases, proceeding via an acylation-reduction sequence. An usual double addition reaction of butane-2,3-diacetal protected glycolic acid to small aliphatic acid chlorides provides a synthetically useful, densely-functionalised lactone after acidic deprotection.

The geometric restraints of the cyclobutene moiety in the starting complex, a Fischer dienyl carbene complex, are presumably the reason for the surprising formation of eight‐membered carbocycles in the reaction of these complexes with alkynes [Eq. (1)]. In contrast to the Dötz reaction, here an eight‐electron, rather than a six‐electron, cyclization occurs.

For over 30 years, rapamycin has generated a sustained and intense interest from the scientific community as a result of its exceptional pharmacological properties and challenging structural features. In addition to its well known therapeutic value as a potent immunosuppressive agent, rapamycin and its derivatives have recently gained prominence for the treatment of a wide variety of other human malignancies. Herein we disclose full details of our extensive investigation into the synthesis of rapamycin that culminated in a new and convergent preparation featuring a macro-etherification/catechol-templating strategy for construction of the macrocyclic core of this natural product.

d-Serine is a coagonist of the N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a key excitatory neurotransmitter receptor. In the brain, d-serine is synthesized from its l-isomer by serine racemase and is metabolized by the D-amino acid oxidase (DAO, DAAO). Many studies have linked decreased d-serine concentration and/or increased DAO expression and enzyme activity to NMDA dysfunction and schizophrenia. Thus, it is feasible to employ DAO inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia and other indications. Powered by the Schrödinger computational modeling platform, we initiated a research program to identify novel DAO inhibitors with the best-in-class properties. The program execution leveraged an hDAO FEP+ model to prospectively predict compound potency. A new class of DAO inhibitors with desirable properties has been discovered from this endeavor. Our modeling technology on this program has not only enhanced the efficiency of structure–activity relationship development but also helped to identify a previously unexplored subpocket for further optimization.

A range of stable chromium and tungsten Fischer dienyl carbenes have been prepared by [3+2] cycloaddition of alkenylethynyl carbene complexes with nitrones or diazoalkanes. Treatment of these systems with isocyanides gives entry to highly functionalized 2,3-dihydro-1,2-benzisoxazoles and indazoles in a completely regioselective fashion, under mild conditions, and with high yields. This methodology can be also applied to the preparation of analogous naphthoisoxazoles starting from arylethynyl Fischer complexes. Reductive cleavage of the isoxazole moiety in the prepared heterocycles also enables the efficient synthesis of highly substituted p-aminophenols.