vinylboronates and α‐iminoamides are effectively catalyzed by the novel hydroxy–thiourea catalyst 1 (up to 86 % yield, 93 % ee; see scheme). This reaction can be applied not only to the synthesis of the unnatural amino acid monomers but also to peptide oligomers.
A novel, efficient and environmental method for the conversion of 2-oxoaldehydes into cyanoformamides with iodosobenzene diacetate as oxidant has been developed.
A facile strategy for the synthesis of isatins in high yield from N-alkyl-2-oxo-acetanilides has been developed via Friedel Crafts alkylation using FeCl3 as catalyst under air. This reaction proceeds through direct intramolecular addition and oxidation in one pot. Also this methodology is operationally simple, atom economical, and environment friendly. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.