The core of teleocidin B4, a complex fragment of a natural product containing two quaternary stereocenters and a penta-substituted benzene ring, was synthesized in four C-C bond-forming steps starting from tert-butyl derivative 1. The first step involved alkenylation of the tert-butyl group with a vinyl boronic acid, followed by the successful annulation of the cyclohexane ring to the benzene nucleus via an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction. The third step required a diastereoselective oxidative carbonylation of the geminal dimethyl group, followed at last by indole assembly via the alkenylation of the phenol nucleus, to afford the teleocidin B4 core. Noteworthy is the fact that steps 1 and 3 critically depended on the directing role of the aniline nitrogen (directed C-H bond functionalization).

[reaction: see text] We herein report that PtCl(4) has proven to be a hydroarylation catalyst with an efficiency and substrate scope superior to previously known methods. This catalyst demonstrated consistent performance with arene-yne substrates of diverse structural features, including propargyl ethers, propargylamines, and alkynoate esters, providing good to excellent yields of the 6-endo products (chromenes, dihydroquinolines, and coumarins). In contrast, Pt(II), Pd(II), and Ga(III) salts were shown to be sensitive to the substitution on the alkyne moiety.

The recent advent of transition-metal mediated C-H activation is revolutionizing the synthetic field and gradually infusing a "C-H activation mind-set" in both students and practitioners of organic synthesis. As a powerful testament of this emerging synthetic tool, applications of C-H activation in the context of total synthesis of complex natural products are beginning to blossom. Herein, recently completed total syntheses showcasing creative and ingenious incorporation of C-H activation as a strategic manoeuver are compared with their "non-C-H activation" counterparts, illuminating a new paradigm in strategic synthetic design.

[reaction: see text] We herein report that RuCl(3)/AgOTf has proven to be a hydroarylation catalyst with an efficiency and scope superior to previously known methods. This catalyst demonstrated consistent performance with arene-ene substrates of diverse structural features, providing good to excellent yields of cyclization products (chromanes, tetralins, terpenoids, dihydrocoumarins).

A Pd-catalyzed oxidative C-H amination of N-Ts-2-arylanilines under ambient temperature using Oxone as an inexpensive, safe, and easy-to-handle oxidant has been developed. This process represents a green and practical method for the facile construction of carbazoles with a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance.

Mild, efficient, and economical Ag(I)-catalyzed sequential C-C/C-O bond formations between phenols and dienes were developed to afford in good yields a variety of dihydrobenzopyran and dihydrobenzofuran ring systems, which are important motifs in both naturally occurring and biologically active compounds.

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A Pd(II)-catalyzed reaction engaging alkenyl β-keto esters is reported that leads to the formation of 1-naphthols and an unexpected generation of arylpalladium(II) species. Interception of the in situ generated arylpalladium(II) species in a Mizoroki-Heck reaction, together with additional mechanistic studies, provided strong evidence in support of the first aromatization-driven β-carbon elimination process. A single Pd catalyst served to promote a series of both C-C bond forming and cleavage events in an unprecedented manner.