We developed a new transition-metal-free intermolecular Claisenrearrangement process to introduce allyl and allenyl groups into the α position of tertiary amides. In this transformation, amides were activated by trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride to produce the keteniminium ion intermediates that exhibit strong electrophilic activity. This atom-economical process delivers α position-modified amides
Compounds having the formula
are apoptosis promoters. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds.