Synthesis of a simplified analogue of eleutherobin via a Claisen rearrangement and ring closing metathesis strategy.

The enantioselective synthesis of a simplified eleutherobin analogue by ring closing metathesis (RCM) of the 2,9-divinyl-substituted tetrahydro-oxonin is described; the analogue and an advanced intermediate revealed microtubule stabilising properties in the micromolar range.

Polymer-supported copper complex for C-N and C-O cross-coupling reactions with aryl boronic acids.

[reaction: see text] Immobilization of copper onto modified Wang resin provided a polymer-supported copper catalyst, which is effective in cross-coupling reactions between N- or O-containing substrates and arylboronic acids. The copper catalyst is air stable and can be recycled with minimal loss of activity.