Rhodium-Catalyzed Synthesis of α,ß-Unsaturated Ketones through Sequential C-C Coupling and Redox Isomerization.

A novel Rh(I)-catalyzed sequential C-C coupling and redox isomerization between allylic alcohols and 1,3-dienes has been accomplished. This versatile protocol provides expeditious access to a broad range of polysubstituted α,ß-unsaturated ketones with excellent atom economy and regioselectivity.

Chemical constituents from Melastoma dodecandrum and their inhibitory activity on interleukin-8 production in HT-29 cells.

In search of anti-inflammatory lead compounds from traditional Chinese medicines, a bioassay-guided phytochemical study on Melastoma dodecandrum was carried out. As a result, 18 compounds have been isolated. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of their physicochemical properties and spectral data. Among the isolates, three pentacyclic triterpenoids, ursolic acid (1), asiatic acid (3) and terminolic acid (6), together with one tannin casuarinin (17), were found to significantly decrease interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in human colon cancer cells. The results imply, at least in part, that the anti-inflammatory effect of M. dodecandrum could be due to inhibition of IL-8 production, demonstrated by these naturally occurring compounds described above.