An improved synthesis of the "miracle nutrient" coenzyme Q10.

[reaction: see text] A new route to the key coupling partner, chloromethylated CoQ0 (1), allows for direct formation of CoQ10 (3) via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling with the side chain in the form of an in situ-derived vinyl alane (2).

Ansa Macrolides as Molecular Workbenches: Stereocontrolled syn Additions to E olefins.

Fixed on an aromatic platform in a conformationally defined way, acyclic (E)-alkenes can be considered gripped on a molecular workbench. The olefinic ansa-macrolides formed in this way are shielded on one face. On epoxidation and dihydroxylation [Eq. (1)] the attack on the double bond takes place diastereoselectively from outside the ring, and the ansa chain can subsequently be cleaved from the workbench by mild hydrogenolysis. Bn=benzyl, NMO=N-methylmorpholin-N-oxide.