We report herein an efficient gold(I)-catalyzed post-Ugi domino dearomatization/ipso-cyclization/Michael sequence that enables access to libraries of diverse (hetero)arene-annulated tricyclic heterocycles. This process affords novel complex polycyclic scaffolds in moderate to good yields from readily available acyclic precursors with excellent chemo-, regio-, and diastereoselectivity. The power of this strategy has been demonstrated by the rapid synthesis of 40 highly functionalized polyheterocycles bearing indole, pyrrole, (benzo)furan, (benzo)thiophene, pyrazole, and electron-rich arene groups in two operational steps.

A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3,3-dialkylated oxindoles is described. The method involves a copper-catalyzed tandem radical addition/cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with the alkyl radicals generated from isocyanides. Two C-C bonds are formed in a single step.

A microwave-assisted highly efficient intermolecular CÀH functionalization sequence has been developed to access substituted isoquinolones using a-amino acid esters as a directing group. This methodology enables a wide range of N-benzoyl a-amino ester derivatives to react via a Ru-catalysed CÀH bond activation sequence, to form isoquinolones with moderate to excellent yields. As an additional advantage, our strategy proved to be widely applicable and also enabled the reaction of alkenes to provide access to alkenylated benzamides. The methodology was also extended towards the synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids derivatives viz. oxyavicine and a dipeptide. The developed protocol is simple and cheap, avoids tedious workup procedures and works efficiently under MW irradiation.

A novel diversity-oriented access to (spiro)polyheterocycles possessing two adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenters is described. By combining an Ugi 4-CR with Pd-catalysis, the possible mode of cyclization is controlled by the appropriate choice of ligands. Using XantPhos, spirooxindoles are selectively generated, while with BINAP fused polycyclic cis-dihydrobenzofurans are obtained with high diastereoselectivity.

An efficient and diversity-oriented synthetic strategy for novel triheterocyclic imidazo-pyrrolo-pyrazine/diazepine/diazocine derivatives is elaborated.