Small-molecule inhibitors that block the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction (MDM2 inhibitors) are being intensely pursued as a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. We previously published a series of spirooxindole-containing compounds as a new class of MDM2 small-molecule inhibitors. We report herein a reversible ring opening-cyclization reaction for some of these spirooxindoles, which affords four diastereomers from a single compound. Our biochemical binding data showed that the stereo-chemistry in this class of compounds has a major effect on their binding affinities to MDM2; with >100-fold difference between the most potent and the least potent stereoisomers. Our study has led to the identification of a set of highly potent MDM2 inhibitors with a stereochemistry that is different from that of our previously reported compounds. The most potent compound (MI-888) binds to MDM2 with a Ki value of 0.44 nM and achieves complete and long-lasting tumor regression in an animal model of human cancer.

A simple, efficient and practical metal-free C-H sulfenylation process at the C2 position of non-protected indoles has been developed. 2-Thioindoles were obtained in moderate to high yields using stable and readily available N-(thio)succinimides at room temperature in the presence of TFA.

A simple, efficient, and practical metal-free C-H sulfenylation of substituted electron-rich arenes has been developed. This method is highly regioselective, and the corresponding aryl sulfides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields from stable and readily accessible N-(alkylthio)- and N-(arylthio)succinimides at room temperature in the presence of TFA.

An additive-free nickel-catalyzed α-allylation of aldehydes with allyl alcohol is reported. The reaction is promoted by 1 mol % of in situ formed nickel complex in methanol, and water is the sole by-product of the reaction. The experimental conditions allow the conversion of various α-branched aldehydes and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes as nucleophiles. The same catalyst and reaction conditions enabled a tandem aldol condensation of aldehyde/α-allylation reaction.

A cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling between alkyl iodides and cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and alkenyl Grignard reagents is disclosed. The reaction allows the introduction of strained rings on a large panel of primary and secondary alkyl iodides. The catalytic system is simple, non-expensive and the reaction is general, chemoselective and diastereoconvergent. The alkene resulting from the cross-coupling can be transformed to substituted cyclopropanes using a Simmons-Smith reaction. The formation of radical intermediates during the coupling is hypothesized.

The review aims at providing an overview on the developments made in hydrogenation reactions of molecules having various fluorinated groups (F, CF3, CF2H, CF2Rf).

A nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkenyl methyl ethers with Grignard reagents, under mild conditions, is described. These conditions allowed access to various stilbenes and heterocyclic stilbenic derivatives as well as to a potential anticancer agent DMU-212.

The stereoselective transformation of ketones to substituted olefins has become of great importance in organic synthesis. This Review helps to define the scope and limitations of the first-row transition metal-catalyzed cross-couplings between various enolates and aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and alkyl Grignard and zinc reagents.