A one-pot protocol for the synthesis of functionalized esters and thioesters is reported from cyclic ethers/thioethers and carboxylic acids via acyloxyphosphonium salts as key intermediates. The reaction of styrene oxide with acyloxyphosphonium salts gave complete regioselectivity and good yields of the resulting functionalized ester, whereas cyclohexene oxide gave moderate yields. Styrene episulfide
A series of new ferulic acid derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as multi-target inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease. In vitro studies indicated that most compounds showed significant potency to inhibit self-induced β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and had good antioxidant activity. Specifically, compound 4g exhibited the potent ability to inhibit cholinesterase