[3]Dendralene synthesis: rhodium(III)-catalyzed alkenyl C-H activation and coupling reaction with allenyl carbinol carbonate.

[3]DendrAl(l)ene! A new synthesis of [3]dendralenes is based on a Rh(III) -catalyzed alkenyl CH activation and coupling reaction with allenyl carbinol carbonates (see scheme; DG=directing group). A variety of [3]dendralenes with diverse substitution patterns are accessible with good efficiency. The reaction is highly stereoselective and compatible with different directing groups and numerous functional groups.

Asymmetric hydrogenation of thiophenes and benzothiophenes.

An efficient and highly asymmetric ruthenium-N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed hydrogenation of substituted thiophenes and benzothiophenes is described, providing a new strategy for the formation of valuable enantiomerically pure tetrahydrothiophenes and 2,3-dihydrobenzothiophenes.